Literary Baby Names: Timeless Choices Inspired by Classic Literature

The time has come when you get to start thinking about choosing a baby name for your soon-to-be new arrival. This can be very easy or very difficult. A simple way to make it an easy one is to think about things, places, or people you love that inspire names and themes to help you on your way. Another way to find inspiration is the rich world of classic literature. We will explore 20 girl and 20 boy names that are timeless, charming, and magical. Each name has roots deeply embedded in the pages of literary masterpieces. So let's embark on a journey through the pages of some of the greatest works of literature and discover names that are not only beautiful but carry a story, saga, or a bit of drama within them. 

Girls Names:

1. Scarlett - Inspired by Margaret Mitchell's "Gone with the Wind," Scarlett O'Hara is a strong-willed and vivacious character.

2. Emma - A classic name from Jane Austen's "Emma," reflecting intelligence and grace.

3. Elinor - Another gem from Jane Austen, found in "Sense and Sensibility," portraying a character of poise and resilience.

4. Ophelia - In William Shakespeare's "Hamlet," Ophelia brings a touch of tragedy and poetic beauty.

5. Luna - Borrowed from J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" series, Luna Lovegood is a whimsical and enchanting character.

6. Daisy - F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" gives us the elegant and alluring Daisy Buchanan.

7. Jane - An enduring name from Charlotte Brontë's "Jane Eyre," symbolizing strength and independence.

8. Isolde - Inspired by the medieval tale of Tristan and Isolde, this name exudes romance and passion.

9. Estella - From Charles Dickens' "Great Expectations," Estella embodies sophistication and mystery.

10. Hermione - Another enchanting name from J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" series, reflecting intelligence and bravery.

11. Rosalind - Shakespeare's "As You Like It" introduces us to the witty and charming Rosalind.

12. Wendy - J.M. Barrie's "Peter Pan" gives us the endearing name of Wendy Darling.

13. Eowyn - A strong and courageous character from J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings."

14. Beatrice - William Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing" introduces us to the witty and sharp Beatrice.

15. Clarissa - Virginia Woolf's "Mrs. Dalloway" brings us the elegant and introspective Clarissa.

16. Marian - Thomas Hardy's "Tess of the d'Urbervilles" introduces us to the resilient and virtuous Marian.

17. Cosette - Victor Hugo's "Les Misérables" gives us the sweet and innocent Cosette.

18. Anna - Leo Tolstoy's "Anna Karenina" presents us with the tragic yet captivating Anna.

19. Imogen - From William Shakespeare's "Cymbeline," Imogen represents purity and resilience.

20. Phoebe - J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye" introduces us to the unique and free-spirited Phoebe Caulfield.

Boy Names:

1. Atticus - Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" gives us the honorable and wise Atticus Finch.

2. Oliver - From Charles Dickens' "Oliver Twist," this name exudes charm and innocence.

3. Dorian - Oscar Wilde's "The Picture of Dorian Gray" introduces us to the complex and alluring Dorian Gray.

4. Fitzgerald - A nod to F. Scott Fitzgerald, this name carries a sense of sophistication and literary flair.

5. Holden - J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye" presents us with the rebellious and introspective Holden Caulfield.

6. Sherlock - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's detective genius, Sherlock Holmes, lends his name to those seeking intellect and deduction.

7. Heathcliff - Emily Brontë's "Wuthering Heights" introduces us to the brooding and passionate Heathcliff.

8. Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" offers a stylish and enigmatic name.

9. Rhett - Inspired by Margaret Mitchell's "Gone with the Wind," Rhett Butler is a charismatic and daring character.

10. Edmund - From Jane Austen's "Mansfield Park," Edmund Bertram represents virtue and integrity.

11. Phineas - John Knowles' "A Separate Peace" brings us the charismatic and athletic Phineas.

12. Pip - Charles Dickens' "Great Expectations" presents us with the humble and resilient Pip.

13. Gideon - Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women" introduces us to the kind and supportive Gideon.

14. Gabriel - James Joyce's "The Dead" gives us the introspective and contemplative Gabriel Conroy.

15. Caspian - From C.S. Lewis' "The Chronicles of Narnia," Prince Caspian brings a sense of adventure and royalty.

16. Rhys - Jean Rhys' "Wide Sargasso Sea" introduces us to the enigmatic and tragic Mr. Rochester.

17. Orlando - Virginia Woolf's "Orlando" provides us with a name that transcends time and gender.

18. Jay - F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" offers a suave and sophisticated choice.

19. Benedict - William Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing" brings us the witty and honorable Benedict.

20. Archer - Edith Wharton's "The Age of Innocence" introduces us to the refined and principled Newland Archer.

One of my very own daughters is named after Shakespeare's "Hamlet", Ophelia. It was an easy choice because I love Shakespeare, old-world names, and history. All these years later I still adore her name and just think it sounds so feminine and beautiful. That being said, whether you choose classics or contemporary literature, each one brings a unique charm, and grace with a connection to timeless stories. Happy Naming!