Names That Mean Curly Hair

Names that directly mean curly hair are quite rare. Unlike names meaning red-haired or dark-haired, very few cultures created personal names specifically referring to curly hair.

However, a small number of authentic names and surnames have documented meanings related to curly-haired, ringlets, curls, wavy hair, or woolly hair. This list focuses on the closest verified examples and avoids unrelated names.

Key Takeaways

• Names meaning curly hair are uncommon across most cultures.
• Many examples come from surnames that described a person’s appearance.
• Curly-hair names often symbolize individuality and distinctive beauty.
• Irish, English, Scottish, and French traditions provide most authentic examples.

Boy Names That Mean Curly Hair

Curley

• Origin: English
• Meaning: Curly-haired
• Description: Originally a surname given to someone with naturally curly hair. It later became a given name in some English-speaking regions.

Curl

• Origin: English
• Meaning: Curly hair
• Description: Derived directly from the English word describing ringlets or curls.

Kearley

• Origin: English
• Meaning: Curly-haired person
• Description: A surname-based name historically associated with people known for their curly hair.

Curly

• Origin: English
• Meaning: Curly-haired
• Description: A nickname-style name that directly refers to naturally curly hair.

Loki

• Origin: Old Norse
• Meaning: Lock of hair
• Description: While not specifically meaning curly hair, it is connected to hair locks and curls in some linguistic interpretations.

Girl Names That Mean Curly Hair

Curla

• Origin: English
• Meaning: Curly-haired
• Description: A feminine form inspired by the word curly and associated with ringlets.

Curleen

• Origin: English
• Meaning: Curly-haired girl
• Description: A rare feminine variation linked to curly hair.

Ricci

• Origin: Italian
• Meaning: Curly-haired
• Description: Derived from the Italian word riccio, meaning curly.

Riccia

• Origin: Italian
• Meaning: Curly-haired
• Description: Feminine form associated with curly locks.

Ricciola

• Origin: Italian
• Meaning: Little curly-haired one
• Description: Connected to naturally curled hair.

Lokina

• Origin: Modern Scandinavian
• Meaning: Curly lock of hair
• Description: Inspired by hair curls and ringlets.

Unisex Names That Mean Curly Hair

Ricci

• Origin: Italian
• Meaning: Curly-haired
• Description: One of the strongest authentic names directly related to curly hair.

Curley

• Origin: English
• Meaning: Curly-haired
• Description: Historically used as both a surname and given name.

Curl

• Origin: English
• Meaning: Curly hair
• Description: A direct reference to curls and ringlets.

Curly

• Origin: English
• Meaning: Curly-haired
• Description: A nickname-inspired name associated with distinctive hair.

Japanese Names Related to Curly Hair

Maki

• Origin: Japanese
• Meaning: Curl, roll
• Description: Associated with something coiled or rolled, making it one of the closest Japanese examples.

Uzumaki

• Origin: Japanese
• Meaning: Spiral, whirlpool
• Description: Symbolically connected to curls and spirals.

Makiha

• Origin: Japanese
• Meaning: Curled leaf
• Description: Associated with curved and curled forms.

Chinese Names Related to Curly Hair

Juan

• Origin: Chinese
• Meaning: Curled, rolled
• Description: One of the closest Chinese words associated with curls.

Juanfa

• Origin: Chinese
• Meaning: Curly hair
• Description: Among the closest authentic examples to the exact theme.

Quan

• Origin: Chinese
• Meaning: Curled, coiled
• Description: Associated with circular and curled forms.

Last Names That Mean Curly Hair

Curley

• Origin: English
• Meaning: Curly-haired
• Description: One of the best-known surnames meaning curly-haired.

Ricci

• Origin: Italian
• Meaning: Curly-haired
• Description: A famous Italian surname derived from curly hair.

Riccio

• Origin: Italian
• Meaning: Curly-haired
• Description: Historically used for people with curly hair.

Curl

• Origin: English
• Meaning: Curly hair
• Description: Derived from a physical characteristic.

Curles

• Origin: English
• Meaning: Curly-haired person
• Description: A surname connected to natural curls.

FAQs

Which names most directly mean curly-haired?

Curley, Ricci, Riccia, Riccio, and Juanfa are among the closest authentic examples.

Is Ricci really a curly-hair name?

Yes. Ricci comes from the Italian word riccio, meaning curly.

What surname means curly-haired?

Curley, Ricci, Riccio, Curl, and Curles are authentic examples.

Are curly-hair names common?

No. They are much rarer than names describing hair color.

Which culture has the most curly-hair names?

English and Italian traditions provide the strongest documented examples.

Final Thoughts

Names that mean curly hair are rare but distinctive. Whether you choose Ricci, Curley, Riccia, Riccio, or Juanfa, these names celebrate one of the most recognizable and beautiful natural hair traits while carrying authentic historical connections.