Books
16 Literary Characters That Make Great Baby Names
I like to think Prince William and Kate Middleton named their daughter Charlotte after everyone's favorite children's book spider from Charlotte's Web, because literary character baby names are the best. You probably know all the old book nerd baby name standards, usually pulled from the titular character of a classic book: Alice from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Jane from Jane Eyre, and Oliver from Oliver Twist, among others. Then you have the classic book-loving, more unique names like Holden for The Catcher in the Rye fans, Scarlett from Gone With the Wind, Scout from To Kill a Mockingbird, or Hester from The Scarlett Letter.
The literary baby names on this list tend to align further with the latter of these bookworm baby name favorites. But instead of just classic books, find inspiration for your future little one's literary name from some newer books, young adult lit, science fiction and fantasy, comic books, and some modern classics you were obsessed with when you were a kid yourself. Maybe these are not the exact names you would choose for your future children (or recommend to your friends and siblings for your future nieces and nephews) but they can spark a light in your mind to remember all the characters you loved growing up. And wouldn't it be incredible to offer your kiddo or niece the namesake of one of these life-changing characters?
1. Rue, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Katniss rose up to be a popular baby name in 2014, but where is all the love for Rue? Played by a young Amandla Stenberg in the film, the name is as badass and adorable as the character.
2. Matilda, Matilda by Roald Dahl
A bookworm's name for a bookworm's baby. And a prime choice for '90s book lovers who grew up watching the film, a little Matilda of your own would be the perfect gift.
3. Dean, On the Road by Jack Kerouac
Don't be surprised if your baby boy Dean ends up being "tremendously excited by life" like his namesake Dean Moriarty, also known as Neal Cassady. Just make sure everyone knows the name isn't an homage to Dean from Gilmore Girls if you are firmly #TeamJess.
4. Arya, A Song of Ice and Fire Series by George R.R. Martin
Arya is one of Game of Thrones' tried and true heroes. Hopefully your daughter will also inherit even an ounce of Arya Stark's brave badassery.
5. Sula, Sula by Toni Morrison
OK, so Sula does a pretty horrible thing to her best friend Nel, but she defied gender norms and lived life on her own terms way ahead of her time, and that makes her name both a beautiful and interesting one.
6. Charlie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
Charlie is one of the most lovable characters of the childhood favorite book. Cross your fingers that one day your child will also own a candy factory that you can live in.
7. Luna, The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
Hermione, of course, is also a great character to name your child after, but give some love to Luna Lovegood who knows that you should never be afraid to be your full, true self.
8. Ramona, Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary
Sorry, Beezus. Your little sister Ramona Quimby's name stands for being inquisitive, curious, imaginative, crafty, and OK, mischievous, too.
9. Augustus "Gus," The Fault In Our Stars by John Green
You can't read The Fault in Our Stars and not fall completely in love with the charming Augustus Waters. Just don't start sobbing every time you call your kid's name.
10. Waverly, The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
Lindo's daughter Waverly was wiping the floor with grown men in chess since she was a little kid, and she is both independent-minded and family-oriented in her own way. Another awesome name for a little one in this book is Suyuan.
11. Aureliano, One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Colonel Aureliano can be a brutal character, but he is a totally compelling one. And he named all 17 of his sons Aureliano, so surely the name is good enough for just one of yours.
12. Kamala, Ms. Marvel by G. Willow Wilson
Kamala is a standout name for your future baby girl. Bonus points if your child grows up to be a barrier-breaking superhero.
13. Janie, Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
Janie is a seminal, incredibly influential character in the whole of American literature, thanks to Zora Neale Hurston, who based part of Janie on herself. And if you'd prefer, the name Crawford, Janie's last name, also works.
14. Finnick, Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
Yes, Peeta and Gale are the beloved breakout characters, but Finnick is where it's at. And "Finn" is a pretty adorable nickname, too.
15. Lyra, His Dark Materials Trilogy by Phillip Pullman
Lyra is "destined to bring about the end of destiny" in the award-winning series. And Kate Bush even wrote a song about her by name, so you can't go wrong here.
16. Miles, Ultimate Marvel Comics by Brian Michael Bendis and artist Sara Pichelli
Miles Morales was groundbreaking in the Ultimate Marvel universe, and it's an inspiring name for your kiddo.
