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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.

Zadie

Meaning: princess

Origin:English variation of Sadie
588
Baldwin

Meaning: brave friend

Origin:German
8787
Clarissa

Meaning: bright, clear

Origin:Elaboration of Clara
707
Franny

Meaning: from France or free man

Origin:Latin, diminutive of Frances
3155
Gatsby

Meaning: from Gaddesby

Origin:German surname and literary name
673
Booker

Meaning: scribe

Origin:English
688
Huckleberry The name Huckleberry is of American origin a...
Origin:Word name and literary name
847
Thoreau

Meaning: strength of a bull

Origin:French
5745
Marius Marius is a name of Latin roots and is given...
Origin:Latin, from a Roman family name related to Mars, the god of war
484
Huxley

Meaning: inhospitable place

Origin:English
405
Ellery

Meaning: descendant of Hilary

Origin:English
2095
Wilbur

Meaning: resolute, brilliant

Origin:German
209
Laird

Meaning: lord of the land

Origin:Scottish
2341
Munro

Meaning: mouth of the river Ro

Origin:Scottish
5429
Kesey Kesey is traditionally a boy's name of Irish...
Origin:Irish literary name, variation of Casey
8909
Galway The meaning of Galway is 'stony river.' Irel...
Origin:Place-name
11759
Rodion

Meaning: song of the hero

Origin:Russian from Greek
2179
Roald

Meaning: famous ruler

Origin:Norwegian
2577
Utah The baby name Utah belongs to the Native Ame...
Origin:Place-name
12197
Misha The name Misha is Hebrew and the meaning of ...
Origin:Russian, diminutive of Mikhail
2220