13 Children's Book-Inspired Baby Names

I'm a new aunt, so the importance behind baby names and finally deciding on one is fresh in my mind. And that's not the only time I'm thinking about names; as a fiction writer, I'm looking up baby names and meanings so much you would assume I was an expecting mother myself if you looked at my browsing history! Joking aside, when faced with the responsibility of naming a human being, the choice isn't easy, but it is one of the most exciting things to think about.

You want your baby's name to mean something, both personally and within the bigger picture. If you've grown up in the world of books and all things literary, a good place to start is to remember your favorite characters. It can be especially difficult if your favorite character's name is Hermione or Fitzwilliam and you're not sure if naming a child with such a unique name is a good or bad idea. The best thing to do is listen to your motherly heart. Then pick up your all time favorite children's book.

If you haven't already, you'll probably be filling your child's room with at least one bookshelf full of books. If there's one that specifically stands out, or even a couple, why not look for baby name inspiration between the pages of your soon-to-be child's favorite books, too? I've gathered up a list of some of the best characters you read and loved as a kid yourself. Perhaps they'll inspire you...

Alice

From Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, the name Alice will remind you of a blonde little dreamer full of imagination and creativity. The name stems from the meaning "of the nobility". Doesn't that sound perfect?

Amelia

Inspired by the Amelia Bedelia books by Peggy Parish. Maybe your Amelia will also love to bake delicious pies and cakes, too!

Charlotte

From Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, the name Charlotte is rising in popularity due to the new Princess Charlotte of Cambridge. This name also comes with a few cute nicknames like Charlie, Char, Lottie... whatever fits your baby!

Christopher

Adorable Christopher from Winne-the-Pooh by Ernest H. Shepard and his woodland friends would make a for a precious name. If the nursery isn't already themed, you might want to think about decorating it like the Hundred Acre Woods!

Ella

Strong willed Ella from Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine makes for magical name. It could also be a nickname for Isabella or Bella.

Harold

One of my all time favorite books as a child was Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson. I can't imagine a cuter name for a little boy, especially when he starts to draw and doodle!

Harry

Of course, I can't exclude Harry from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. Harry was such a big part of your life, and you met him when he was only a baby, so it seems fitting to think about naming your child after the boy who lived.

James

A classic name that'll never get old inspired by a book that'll always be fun to read: James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl.

Lucy

From the Chronicles of Narnia series, Lucy is one of the most lovable characters in literature. The name actually stems from the male name, Lucius, which means "of light".

Meg

Inspired by both A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle and Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, the name Meg or Megan will always remind you of adventurous little girls.

Milo

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster is one of the best books within children's literature, and Milo is a fantastic character. Plus, Milo isn't a very common name, so if you're looking for something more unique, you may have just found it.

Peter

Whether you loved Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie or The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter more as a child, Peter is a great name option.

Violet

The eldest sister in A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket is a great character to name a child after because of her intelligence and compassion. Sunny and Klaus are also great name options, too!

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