50 Literature Baby Names: Meanings & Origins

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Are you expecting a new baby and looking for the perfect name that honors literature in some way? Literature has always been an amazing source of inspiration, with stories, conflicts, love interests, and characters all providing insight into life. 

Searching for your own little reader’s moniker amongst these pages can be a daunting task but it can also be truly rewarding! We’ve put together a list of 50 literary baby names to help you find the ideal title for your newest addition. Each name is accompanied by its traditional meaning and origin story so you’ll have plenty to think about when making the decision. Let’s jump in!

What are some baby names from literature and mythology?

Picking the perfect name for your baby can be a daunting task. Whether you’re hoping to honor your family heritage or find something that fits their personality, it’s important to make sure you pick a name you both love! Luckily, for those looking for something unique, literature and mythology are two great sources of inspiration. 

Popular baby names drawn from these sources include ‘Hercules,’ from Greek mythology; ‘Atticus,’ from Harper Lee’s classic To Kill A Mockingbird; and ‘Ophelia’ from William Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Other imaginative options include favorites like ‘Galadriel’ from Lord of the Rings and quirky choices like ‘Vladimir’ from Vladimir Nabakov’s Lolita. With so many lovely literary and mythical names available, parents have plenty of attractive and meaningful options to choose from!

What are vintage names?

Vintage names are all the rage these days! They’re a popular way to stand out from the crowd of modern names and add a bit of personality to your little bundle of joy. They often have history or family significance behind them, so it’s a great opportunity to make sure your baby carries on a part of the family legacy. 

These traditional names can be anything from classic to exotic – think timeless names like Clara and Ralph as well as some more unusual finds, like Pandora or Greer– there’s something for everyone when it comes to vintage name choices. Whether you go with one from centuries past or something from the last century, you’ll be sure to find an original name that comes with an interesting story that your child can cherish throughout their life.

What baby names are inspired by famous writers?

Naming your little one can be a challenge, but looking to the great minds of literature for inspiration can make it easier and more interesting! Whether you’re searching for adorable or serious, sophisticated or whimsical names, there are plenty of options to choose from among famous authors. William is an obvious choice that pays homage to the Bard himself: William Shakespeare. 

Then there’s Harper after the beloved children’s author Harper Lee. Ernest Hemingway could provide Ernest, Edgar Allan Poe could bring you Edgar, and Virginia Woolf maybe inspires Virginia. Even J. K. Rowling has entered the baby name lexicon with the increasingly popular Hermione and Luna. However, if you decide to approach it, using famous writers as a source of your baby’s name is sure to give them a unique story before they even get out of the cradle!

What are some baby names from old novels?

Choosing a baby name can be one of the most thrilling moments for expecting parents, but it can also be a daunting decision. Why not take some inspiration from old novels? There’s Maud from Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking-Glass, George from Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre, Wilbur from E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web, and Jo from Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women. 

If you want to give your baby something truly timeless, these classic names might fit the bill! While grandiose names are always popular, don’t forget to look through older stories for ideas that stand the test of time.

What baby names are miracles?

Baby names are a reflection of a family’s history, beliefs, and dreams for the future. The name you choose for a baby is truly special, as it marks the beginning of an incredible journey. Many parents feel that some baby names are nothing short of a miracle. 

These precious titles represent faith in something greater than ourselves – an underlying belief in hope, grace, and love. As such, more families are opting to give their babies uplifting monikers such as Abigail (Father’s Joy), Isaiah (God is my salvation), and Aurora (Dawn). By selecting these names, parents can ensure that their little ones grow up with the knowledge that each day brings new opportunities and miracles to be thankful for.

What is the best legendary name?

Legendary names have the power to invoke certain emotions and imagery in those who hear them. When someone says a legendary name, we often think of heroes, chariots, gods, and ancient battles. One such legendary name is Lancelot – a brave knight of the roundtable in the days of King Arthur’s reign. 

For centuries, this name has symbolized courage and honor in battle. In comparison with other legendary names like Achilles or Zeus, Lancelot stands as a reminder that even mortals can become legends. His unique legacy continues to captivate us today, proving that some things never go out of style!

What is an iconic name?

An iconic name is so much more than just a first or last name. It evokes an emotional response from people, who often associate it with greatness and courage. An iconic name has impacted the way that society and cultures view specific individuals and has a legacy that extends beyond the individual’s lifespan. 

For example, Martin Luther King Jr. was a great leader in the civil rights movement and his name carries on through history classrooms, speeches, and monuments around the world. His name will be known for centuries to come and continues to be used as an inspiration today by many people striving for justice.

What are old fancy first names?

Old, fancy first names are all the rage these days. It seems like parents everywhere are going for archaic, slightly unusual names to set their little ones apart. Think about it – it’s become common to hear of babies named Amelia, Eloise, and Florence, or boys called Arthur, Felix, and Theo. 

Even a lot of celebrity parents have been getting in on it as well – from Kimye choosing North and Saint to Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds calling their daughter James. Nothing says classic with a twist quite like an old-school name!

What is a timeless name?

A timeless name that has been popular for generations and is still used today. These names often have an old-fashioned charm, yet feel thoroughly modern. Timeless names are often classic, and sophisticated and carry a certain weight to them, making them perfect for extending families across the generations. 

They can also be more unique than trendier names, but still won’t go out of style by the time your little bundle of joy gets to school age. Examples of timeless names include Alexander, Sarah, Elizabeth, and Michael—all of which are currently in the top 50 most popular baby names and will likely stay there for many years to come.

What are creative baby names?

When it comes to naming your little bundle of joy, there is a lot of pressure to make the right decision. Some parents decide to go with more traditional routes, while other parents like to get creative. Creative baby names are not as commonly used and allow your child to stand out from the crowd. 

Some creative baby names include Adeline, Fitzgerald, Wren, and Aria for girls; and Blaze, Barrett, Apollo, and Penn for boys. While these may not be found among the popular baby names each year, many people have embraced them as unique alternatives. Take some time to explore unconventional yet beautiful name options that can represent your newborn’s personality!

Summary

All in all, these 50 literature baby names offer an incredible range of awesome meanings and origins. Whether you’re a bookworm or a literature novice, you’re bound to find something that fits right into your style and taste. From the classic Emily and James to the exciting Solana and Yara, you’ve discovered plenty of creative possibilities here to fuel more inspired baby-naming ideas. 

Whichever name ends up being chosen for your little one, it’ll be utter perfection as long as it brings a twinkle of joy to your heart and home. As your little masterpiece is on the way, good luck with finding the perfect literary name that captures your special persona!

Ruth Parcker

Ruth Parcker

My name is Ruth Parcker and I'm a Master of Peeking Baby's Names.
For over 15 years, I've been helping parents make their special moments with their babies extra memorable with beautiful and meaningful baby name selections.
I’m passionate about inspiring parents to take the time to really get to know their baby and their name.

About Me

My name is Ruth Parcker and I’m a Master of Peeking Baby’s Names.

For over 15 years, I’ve been helping parents make their special moments with their babies extra memorable with beautiful and meaningful baby name selections.

I’m passionate about inspiring parents to take the time to really get to know their baby and their name. 

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