84 Unique Book Character-Inspired Baby Names

Huckleberry Finn

Huckleberry originates from a fruit name, and Finn means ‘fair’ or ‘white’.

Atticus Finch

Atticus means ‘linked to Athens’, and Finch is a name of a small bird.

Hester Prynne

Hester is a form of Ester which means ‘star’, and Prynne is a unique surname with no particular meaning.

Jane Eyre

Jane means ‘God is gracious’, and Eyre is a variant of ‘air’, deriving its name from a nature element.

Oliver Twist

Oliver means ‘olive tree’, and Twist can mean ‘to turn’ or ‘spin’.

Hermione Granger

Hermione can mean ‘earthly’, and Granger refers to a farmer.

Tess Durbeyfield

Tess is a nickname for Tessa which means ‘harvester’, Durbeyfield is a unique surname with no particular meaning.

Holden Caulfield

Holden means ‘deep valley’ and Caulfield means ‘cold field’.

Emily Bronte

Emily means ‘rival’, and Bronte means ‘the sound of thunder’.

Tom Sawyer

Tom is a diminutive of Thomas which means ‘twin’, and Sawyer means ‘wood cutter’.

Pip Pirrip

Pip is a diminutive of Philip which means ‘friend of horses’, and Pirrip is a unique surname with no particular meaning.

Classic book character names can offer your child a sense of inherent story, importance or a clear path to greatness, inspired by the character who carries the name.

Dorian Gray

Dorian means ‘from Doris’, a place in Greece, and Gray could refer to the color or grace. It’s more popular in the UK, yet rare in the United States because of its association with the controversial character from Oscar Wilde’s novel.

Frodo Baggins

Frodo might be derived from the old English term ‘fródi’, meaning wise by experience. Baggins doesn’t have a specific meaning. It’s popular among fantasy fans and rare due to its unique and whimsical nature.

Eowyn

Eowyn means ‘horse joy’ in old English. It’s most popular in Scandinavian countries but rare elsewhere because of its unique spelling and pronunciation.

Artemis Fowl

Artemis is the name of the Greek goddess of the moon, and Fowl might refer to birds. It’s most popular in Greece, but rare elsewhere because of its strong mythical association.

Rhett Butler

Rhett means ‘advice’ or ‘counsel’. Butler is a job-based surname for a wine steward. It’s a relatively common name in the Southern United States, but its association with the classic novel “Gone with the Wind” makes it rare in younger generations.

Valjean

Valjean doesn’t have a clear meaning, but it’s famously known from the character Jean Valjean in “Les Miserables”. It’s rare to find outside France.

Arwen Undomiel

Arwen means ‘noble maiden’, and Undomiel means ‘evenstar’ in the Elvish language. It’s rare because of its unique linguistic origin from J.R.R. Tolkien’s fictional universe.

Katniss Everdeen

Katniss is a plant name, also known as ‘arrowhead’, and Everdeen doesn’t have a specific meaning. It’s more popular among fans of “The Hunger Games”, but due to its recent invention, it’s quite rare.

Heathcliff

Heathcliff means ‘from the heath cliff’, it’s more popular in Britain but is seldom used due to its association with the intense character from “Wuthering Heights”.

Jay Gatsby

Jay is a type of bird, while Gatsby doesn’t have a known meaning. It’s rare as it’s closely tied to the character from “The Great Gatsby”.

Santiago

Santiago means ‘Saint James’. It’s popular in Spanish-speaking countries, but not commonly used in English-speaking countries.

Neville Longbottom

Neville means ‘new town’, while Longbottom could mean ‘long valley’. It’s most popular among Harry Potter fans but remains rare due to its peculiarity.

Meg Murry

Meg is short for Margaret, which means ‘pearl’, and Murry has various meanings, including ‘seafarer’. It’s more popular in Britain but rare because it’s typically a nickname.

Yossarian

The name Yossarian doesn’t have a known meaning and is popularized by the book “Catch-22”. It’s rarity comes from its unique origin.

Lisbeth Salander

Lisbeth is a form of Elizabeth, and Salander means ‘salamander’ in Swedish. It’s more popular in Sweden, but quite rare elsewhere due to its unique Swedish connection.

Siddhartha

Siddhartha means ‘one who has attained enlightenment’ in Sanskrit. It’s widely used in India but is much less common in other parts of the world due to its specific cultural and religious meaning.

Uriah Heep

Uriah means ‘God is my light’ and Heep is a unique surname. Although it comes from the Bible, it remains rare due to its association with the pretentious character in Charles Dickens’ “David Copperfield”.

Ishmael

Ishmael means ‘God will hear’ in Hebrew. It’s more popular in Hebrew-speaking cultures, but less common elsewhere due to its strong cultural and religious significance.

Crusoe

Crusoe doesn’t have a clear meaning, but is most famously associated with the character “Robinson Crusoe”. It’s rare due to its challenging pronunciation.

Phileas Fogg

Phileas means ‘kiss’ in Greek, while Fogg doesn’t have a known meaning. It’s rare because of its association with the literature character from “Around the World in Eighty Days”.

Choosing a rare book character name can be an exciting way to inspire a love for reading and imbue your child's identity with a touch of literary magic. However, keep in mind that a less common name may require more spelling, pronunciation, and explanation.

Lyra Belacqua

Lyra means ‘lyre’, a musical instrument, and Belacqua is a fictional surname.

Arya Stark

Arya means ‘noble’, and Stark symbolizes ‘strong and powerful’.

Daenerys Targaryen

Daenerys and Targaryen don’t have known meanings but are renowned from “Game of Thrones”.

Klaus Baudelaire

Klaus is a version of Nicholas which means ‘people’s victory’ and Baudelaire doesn’t have a specific meaning.

Scout Finch

Scout means ‘to gather information’, making her an adventurous character from “To Kill a Mockingbird”.

Jem Carstairs

Jem is a short form of Jeremy meaning ‘appointed by God’ and Carstairs is a unique surname.

Westley

Derived from “The Princess Bride”, Westley means ‘west meadow’.

Luna Lovegood

Luna means ‘moon’, which suits the dreamy character from “Harry Potter”.

Magnus Bane

Magnus means ‘great’ and Bane indicates a cause of distress or annoyance.

Mare Barrow

Mare means ‘sea’ in Latin, and Barrow doesn’t have a specific meaning.

Percy Jackson

Percy means ‘pierce the valley’, and Jackson means ‘son of Jack’.

Beowulf

Beowulf, a hero of an Old English epic poem, is known for his bravery and strength, having defeated a giant monster Grendel. The name means ‘bee wolf’ or ‘bear’, symbolizing courage and power.

Achilles

Achilles, from the famous Iliad by Homer, was a Greek hero of the Trojan War. The meaning of his name is thought to be either ‘pain” or ‘ without lips’, but it’s known for the hero’s invincible nature except his heel.

Lancelot

Sir Lancelot was one of King Arthur’s most trusted knights in Arthurian legend, symbolizing loyalty and courage. The name Lancelot is a blend of two words, ‘lanc’ which means ‘lance’ and ‘lot’ meaning ‘infantry’.

Tristan

Tristan, a character from medieval heroic tradition, was a brave Knight of the Round Table. His name is derived from a Celtic word meaning ‘riot’ or ‘tumult’, depicting his adventurous spirit.

Guinevere

Known as the wife of King Arthur, Guinevere exemplifies beauty and nobility. The name is of Welsh origin and means ‘white phantom’ or ‘white wave’.

Othello

Othello hails from one of Shakespeare’s famous tragedies. He was a high-ranking army general, and his name is of uncertain meaning, bringing mystery and strength to the name.

Desdemona

Desdemona was a character in ‘Othello’ known for her deep love and loyalty. Her name in Greek means ‘misery or ill-starred’, reflecting her tragic fate.

Odysseus

Odysseus, the protagonist of Homer’s ‘Odyssey’, is known for his wisdom and resourcefulness. His name is derived from a Greek word meaning ‘to be wrathful or hateful’.

Penelope

Penelope, the wife of Odysseus in Homer’s Odyssey, symbolizes faithfulness and patience. Her name derives from Greek words meaning ‘weft’ or ‘web’, indicating her craftiness and wisdom.

Leonidas

Leonidas, a warrior King of Sparta, was famous for his heroic stand against the Persians in the Battle of Thermopylae. His name means ‘son of a lion,’ showing his bravery.

Andromache

Andromache was a loyal and loving wife of Hector in Greek mythology. Her name means ‘battle of a man,’ depicting her strength and resolve.

Aeneas

Aeneas was a Trojan hero and the son of a goddess in Roman mythology. His name might be derived from the Greek word ‘ainos,’ which means ‘praise.’

While history provides a rich bank of names, remember that your own family history can also offer powerful connections. Every family has its heroes, and choosing a name with personal familial significance might connect your child more deeply to your shared heritage and provide them with their very own inspiring tale.

Claire Fraser

Claire means ‘clear’ or ‘bright’. Spectacular actress Caitriona Balfe plays as Claire Fraser in the “Outlander” series.

Hamlet

Hamlet means ‘small village’. Academy award-winning actor Laurence Olivier was famous for his role as Hamlet.

Matilda Wormwood

Matilda means ‘mighty in battle’, and actor Mara Wilson played as Matilda in the 90’s children’s movie “Matilda.”

Sherlock Holmes

Sherlock means ‘bright hair’, and esteemed actor Benedict Cumberbatch played as Sherlock Holmes in the “Sherlock” series.

Estella Havisham

Estella means ‘star’. This name was used by Charles Dickens in his book “Great Expectations.”

Gulliver

Derived from “Gulliver’s Travels”, Gulliver means ‘glutton.’

Aurora Leigh

Aurora means ‘dawn’, and Leigh means ‘meadow’. The name Aurora was popularized by Disney’s “Sleeping Beauty.”

Orlando

Orlando means ‘famous throughout the land’. Famous actor Orlando Bloom shares this name.

Beatrice Portinari

Beatrice means ‘she who makes happy’. The name Beatrice has been used in various books, including “Dante’s Divine Comedy” and “Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing.”

Sebastian Flyte

Sebastian means ‘venerable’ or ‘revered’. TV actor Sebastian Stan was named after this classic name.

Viola

Viola means ‘violet’. This name is found in “Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.”

Rosalind

Rosalind means ‘pretty rose’. Another name borrowed from “Shakespeare’s As You Like It.”

Algernon Moncrieff

Algernon means ‘with moustaches’. Algernon is a main character in “The Importance of Being Earnest.”

Arabella Figg

Arabella means ‘yielding to prayer’. Arabella Figg is a quirky character from the “Harry Potter” series.

Elinor Dashwood

Elinor means ‘bright, shining one’. Model Elinor Donahue shares this sophisticated name.

Sophisticated book character names can be a great choice for parents who are book lovers and want to pass this love on to their children. Giving your child a sophisticated book character name can encourage their curiosity about the story behind their name, sparking an early interest in literature.

Edward Cullen

Edward means ‘wealthy guardian’. Associated with the vampire character in Stephenie Meyer’s “Twilight” series, it brings a touch of intrigue and romance.

Bella Swan

Bella means ‘beautiful’. Also from “Twilight”, Bella Swan symbolizes an everyday girl’s romantic dip into the supernatural world.

Mr. Darcy

Darcy means ‘dark one’. The brooding yet captivating hero of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” carries this name, sweeping readers off their feet.

Catherine Morland

Catherine means ‘pure’. Catherine Morland’s romantic journey in Austen’s “Northanger Abbey” adds charm to this elegant name.

Scarlett O’Hara

Scarlett means ‘red’, often associated with passion and love. The fiery, passionate character from “Gone with the Wind” adds a spirited flair to the name.

Rhett Butler

Rhett means ‘counsel advice’. As the romantic hero of “Gone with the Wind”, Rhett Butler adds a touch of southern charm and drama to the name.

Romeo Montague

Romeo means ‘pilgrim to Rome’. The romantic hero of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” forever immortalizes this name.

Juliet Capulet

Juliet means ‘youthful’. As Romeo’s love interest in “Romeo and Juliet”, this name represents timeless love and beauty.

Jane Fairfax

Jane means ‘God’s gracious gift’. The name becomes more captivating due to the character’s romantic storyline in Austen’s “Emma”.

Annabel Lee

Annabel means ‘loving.’ The poignant love story in Edgar Allan Poe’s poem “Annabel Lee” brings an air of romantic mystery to this name.

Ethan Frome

Ethan means ‘firm’ or ‘strong.’ This character from Edith Wharton’s novel “Ethan Frome” brings a touch of romantic sadness to the name.

Gabriel Oak

Gabriel means ‘God is my strength.’ The resilient love of Gabriel Oak in Thomas Hardy’s “Far from the Madding Crowd” adds a compelling storyline to this name.

Marianne Dashwood

Marianne means ‘beloved’ or ‘sea of bitterness.’ The passionate character in Jane Austen’s “Sense and Sensibility” brings romantic drama to this name.

Quentin Compson

Quentin means ‘fifth.’ This character from William Faulkner’s “The Sound and the Fury” adds a unique, romantic complexity to the name.

Wrapping Up

We’ve had a fantastic journey diving into the world of book character names.

These book character names we’ve uncovered are more than just letters put together. They’re tiny time capsules of strength, courage, and adventure.

Ultimately, the best name for your baby will be the one you and your partner choose. It’s your baby’s first gift from you. So, whether it’s as warrior-like as “Katniss”, as magical as “Harry”, or as adventurous as “Bilbo”, remember – it will always be the best name, because it’s chosen with pure love, for your precious baby.

Last Updated on April 1, 2024 by Tania Nizova | Published: April 1, 2024