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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.

Pansy

Meaning: thought

Origin:English flower name from French
2903
Dora

Meaning: gift

Origin:Greek
999
Virginia

Meaning: virginal, pure

Origin: Latin
657
Norris

Meaning: northerner

Origin:French
12291
Keats

Meaning: kite

Origin:English literary name
3748
Vivi

Meaning: life

Origin:Diminutive of Viv- names
1677
Shaw

Meaning: dweller by the wood

Origin:English
3151
Arrietty Arrietty name has Japanese roots, which mean...
Origin:Literary name, variation of Harriet
1251
Feyre

Meaning: fair, beautiful

Origin:Literature, English
1133
Origin:Literary name
1269
Alia

Meaning: supreme, exalted

Origin:Arabic feminine form of Ali
381
Luck Number: 8
5467
Tamora The name Tamora is typically used for girls....
Origin:Meaning unknown
5738
Jacy The name Jacy is derived from American roots...
Origin:American
6450
Malta Malta is a name given to girls and the meani...
Origin:Place-name
6473
Alhambra The meaning of Alhambra is associated with '...
Origin:Place-name
6767
Faunia

Meaning: to befriend

Origin:Latin feminine variation of Faunus
8143
Ninetta

Meaning: little girl

Origin:Italian and Spanish diminutive of Nina
8217
Orleanna Orleanna is a beautiful name that is usually...
Origin:Literary name
8701
Origin:Literary name
8953