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Literary Baby Names

Literary baby names, drawn from the characters in books for both adults and children as well as from the names of well-loved authors, are gaining in popularity. Literary names can confer meaning on a child as well as provide a worthy hero or heroine to look up to.

Names from the best-loved children's books may be gaining the most in popularity. While many of these -- Alice (in Wonderland) and Charlotte (of the Web), say -- carry references that go far beyond the literary, other names are closely identified with the characters who inspired their popularity. Along with Alice and Charlotte, literary baby names from children's and young adult books ranking in the US Top 500 include Sawyer, Matilda, Finn, Holden, Lyra, and Eloise. Unique literary names from children's books or of young characters gaining attention include Huck, Ramona, Scout, and Hermione.

Historical novels also provide a rich source of popular literary names. Drawn from the works of authors from Shakespeare to Jane Austen to F. Scott Fitzgerald, top historical literary names include Juliet, Archer, Scarlett, and Darcy, for both genders. Emma, a Top 10 name in the US, France, Germany, Italy, and Ireland, among other countries, also has a strong literary influence as the title character from the Jane Austen novel.

Names of historically-important authors are also notable. These might be first names, such as Willa (Cather), Edith (Wharton), Dashiell (Hammett), and Hart (Crane). The newest literary names are drawn from the surnames of famous authors. Along with Austen and Bronte, unique literary surname names we love include Auden, Poe, Angelou, and Baldwin.

Literary works adapted in recent years for popular television shows and movies have had a strong influence, especially from the name-rich works of J.K. Rowling and George R. R. Martin. Literary names that have been created or popularized by the Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, Hunger Games, and Twilight franchises include Arya, Khaleesi, Katniss, Albus, and Bella.

The best place to start your search for the perfect literary baby name is with your favorite books and authors, of course. But you might love the name first and read the book or research the author afterwards. For even more choices, check out our lists of Literary Girl Names and Literary Boy Names.

Peanut A name of American origin, the meaning of Pe...
Origin:Word name
9222
Panya

Meaning: mouse, tiny one; or, crowned one

Origin:African, Swahili; or, Russian, diminutive of Stephania
10118
Piaf

Meaning: sparrow

Origin:French surname
9765
Persimmon

Meaning: a dry fruit

Origin:American fruit name from Powhatan
4952
Phryne

Meaning: toad

Origin:Greek
2526
Pita The name Pita is of Greek origin and the mea...
Origin:Greek
9768
Pumpkin

Meaning: pumpkin

Origin:English word name
12323
Peppa

Meaning: Jehovah increases

Origin:Diminutive of Giuseppa, Italian
1614
Origin:English word name
9221
Perenelle

Meaning: yokel

Origin:French, English, Latin
9476
Piritta

Meaning: strength; exalted one

Origin:Finnish variation of Birgitta
15907
Pirkko

Meaning: strength; exalted one

Origin:Diminutive of Piritta, Finnish
12321
Pearl

Meaning: pearl

Origin:Latin gem name
146
Penelope

Meaning: weaver

Origin:Greek
43
Phoebe

Meaning: radiant, shining one

Origin:Greek
19