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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.

Jo The meaning of Jo is ‘he shall add’ or ‘he s...
Origin:Diminutive of Joanna, Josephine, etc
2163
Petal

Meaning: leaf

Origin:English from Greek
1668
Honoria

Meaning: woman of honor

Origin:Latin
3440
Sugar Traditionally, Sugar is a name used for girl...
Origin:Literary and word name
3612
Domenica

Meaning: belonging to the Lord

Origin:Italian feminine form of Dominic
4460
Briony

Meaning: to sprout

Origin:Spelling variation of Bryony
754
Eudora

Meaning: generous gift

Origin:Greek
761
Clarice

Meaning: bright, clear

Origin:Medieval form of Clarita, a derivative of Clara
1493
Sethe

Meaning: appointed, placed

Origin:Egyptian mythological name or variation of Seth, Hebrew
2905
Rosamond

Meaning: horse protection

Origin:German
3272
Sai

Meaning: holy or difference

Origin:Hindi or Japanese
3306
Viviette

Meaning: life

Origin:French variation of Vivian
3967
Charmian

Meaning: joy

Origin:Greek
4025
Sidda Sidda is a Sanskrit name and is thought to b...
Origin:Literary name
4688
Fancy

Meaning: free man

Origin:Diminutive of Frances
5419
Katniss The meaning of Katniss is 'a beautiful plant...
Origin:Literary and botanical name
1311
Sansa

Meaning: praise, charm

Origin:Sanskrit
1453
Yancey

Meaning: yankee

Origin:Native American
4464
Quintus

Meaning: fifth

Origin:Latin
1428
Caliban

Meaning: black

Origin:Romanian
1548