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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.

Wolf

Meaning: traveling wolf

Origin:Animal name or diminutive of Wolfgang, German
382
Pip

Meaning: lover of horses

Origin:English, diminutive of Philip
931
Dante

Meaning: enduring

Origin:Latin diminutive of Durant
103
Tristan

Meaning: noise or sorrowful

Origin:Celtic
275
Santiago

Meaning: Saint James

Origin:Place-name or Latin
497
Phineas

Meaning: the Nubian

Origin:English, Egyptian
196
Edward

Meaning: wealthy guardian

Origin:English
235
Edmund

Meaning: fortunate protector

Origin:English
280
Rhett

Meaning: advice

Origin:English from Dutch
288
Dorian This name comes all the way from the land of...
Origin:Greek, name of a tribe
293
Orlando

Meaning: famous throughout the land

Origin:Italian variation of Roland
333
Emerson

Meaning: son of Emery

Origin:English
241
Dylan

Meaning: son of the sea

Origin:Welsh
182
Harry

Meaning: estate ruler

Origin:Diminutive of Henry
294
Darcy

Meaning: dark one, or from Arcy, or from the fortress

Origin:Irish or French
583
Darcy

Meaning: from Arcy

Origin:English from French, d'Arcy
727
Valentino

Meaning: strength, health

Origin:Latin
846
Jupiter

Meaning: godfather

Origin:Latin
953
Carson

Meaning: son of the marsh dwellers

Origin:English and Scottish surname
447
Sheba

Meaning: daughter of an oath

Origin:Hebrew, short variation of Bathsheba
2507