Vice President-elect JD Vance and his wife, Usha, have become figures of national interest, known for their political influence and commitment to traditional American values. Yet, a quieter, equally revealing aspect of their lives can be found in the names they have chosen for their three children.

These names—Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel—are not random selections; they are carefully chosen linguistic anchors that speak volumes about the family’s blended heritage, deep respect for history, and high aspirations for their offspring’s character.

The deliberate choice of names contrasts sharply with modern naming conventions, favoring instead names rooted in significant cultural and historical traditions. This thoughtful approach underscores the Vances’ public commitment to enduring principles over fleeting trends.

By giving their children names with profound meanings, they are essentially inscribing a subtle expectation of distinction and virtue onto their children’s earliest identities. Each name serves as a bridge connecting the child to a rich, global past.

Their eldest child is a son named Ewan. This name has a strong Scottish Gaelic heritage, originating as a variant of the ancient name Eòghan. It is most commonly interpreted to signify “born of the yew tree” or simply “youth.” The yew tree holds potent symbolism in Celtic lore, representing endurance, eternal life, and renewal due to its extraordinary longevity. This meaning is highly resonant with Vance’s own public narrative of personal and communal revitalization.

For a family whose political work focuses intensely on the themes of American renewal and the enduring spirit of the working class, Ewan’s name is particularly fitting. It symbolizes a hopeful foundation, rooting him in a sense of time-honored strength and resilience.

The name itself is classic and strong, perfectly embodying the foundational values that the Vice President-elect often champions in his public discussions about building a secure future for the nation’s youth.

The Vances’ second son is named Vivek. This name is perhaps the most culturally significant choice, possessing deep Sanskrit roots from the Indian subcontinent, reflecting Usha Vance’s rich family heritage.

The name Vivek translates powerfully to mean “wisdom,” “knowledge,” or, more profoundly, “discernment” or “true knowledge.” It represents the ability to distinguish between the real and the unreal, the ethical and the unethical.

Choosing Vivek is a clear statement that the Vances prioritize intellectual and moral clarity above all else in their aspirations for their son. It links him directly to an ancient philosophical and cultural tradition that values thoughtful conduct and rigorous self-examination.

In a public life often characterized by complex decisions, the name Vivek serves as an intimate, enduring testament to the power of discretion and the pursuit of deep, verifiable truth.

The Vances’ daughter is named Mirabel. This lovely name is derived from Latin, and its meaning is beautifully straightforward: “wonderful” or “of wondrous beauty.” Mirabel gained popularity during the Middle Ages, especially across England, and carries a delightful, classic elegance.

It is a name that suggests a hope for extraordinary character and a life lived with grace, wonder, and an appreciation for the splendor of the world.

Mirabel is a name that balances the intellectual gravity of Vivek and the ancient strength of Ewan with a touch of feminine charm and historical reverence. By choosing this name, the Vances are leaning into enduring traditions of naming, selecting an option that is both recognizable yet distinct.

It ensures their daughter possesses a name that is unique enough to stand out while remaining connected to centuries of Western European cultural lineage and history.

Collectively, the names Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel represent a masterful, meaningful synthesis of the Vance family’s deep, multifaceted cultural landscape. They bridge the Gaelic strength of the West, the profound intellectualism of South Asia, and the classical elegance of the Middle Ages.

The names are not merely identifiers but personalized statements reflecting the couple’s desire to imbue their children with a sense of rooted identity and a commitment to virtuous living.

The careful selection of these powerful names offers a unique, intimate look into the personal worldview of the Vice President-elect and his wife. It subtly affirms their public image as a family dedicated to lasting values, wisdom, and the perpetuation of meaningful heritage across both sides of their family tree. The legacy they are building starts quietly, but significantly, with the profound meanings of their children’s names.