US Popularity Rank: 14177

Origin: Norse

Meaning: Children of the mist; New city; From Naples

Widely associated with the former French Emperor Bonaparte, Napoleon is a name familiar to many. This masculine appellation has several origins and meanings woven through its history. As an Italian name, Napoleon might mean “from Naples,” but possibly derives from the Greek Neápolis, meaning “new city.” Napoleon's German and Norse roots link it to Nibelungen—a race of subterranean dwarves or elves from Germanic and Norse mythology. Nibelungen means “children of the mist,” lending your little dew drop an element of magic and wonder.