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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.

Desdemona

Meaning: ill-starred

Origin:Greek
736
Aphra

Meaning: dust

Origin:Hebrew, variation of Aphrah
1301
Esme

Meaning: beloved

Origin:French
247
Fleur

Meaning: flower

Origin:French
332
Tamsin

Meaning: twin

Origin:English, contracted form of Thomasina
441
Bronte

Meaning: thunder

Origin:Greek
480
Blake

Meaning: fair-haired, dark

Origin:English
289
Ellis

Meaning: benevolent

Origin:English surname derived from Elijah or Elias or Welsh
925
August

Meaning: great, magnificent

Origin:German form of Latin Augustus
16
Jude

Meaning: praised

Origin:Latin diminutive of Judah
14
Sawyer

Meaning: woodcutter

Origin:English
100
Sawyer

Meaning: woodcutter

Origin:English occupational name
1061
Willa

Meaning: resolute protection

Origin:Feminine variation of William
57
Edith

Meaning: prosperous in war

Origin:English
70
Juno

Meaning: queen of the heavens

Origin:Latin
324
Arya

Meaning: noble; air/song

Origin:Sanskrit; Modern variation of Aria
837
Anais

Meaning: grace

Origin:Catalan and Provencal pet form of Hebrew Anna
408
Harriet

Meaning: estate ruler

Origin:English variation of French Henriette
175
Amaryllis

Meaning: to sparkle

Origin:Greek
111
Dahlia

Meaning: Dahl's flower

Origin:Flower name, from Swedish surname
172