Sometimes, inspiration for a baby's name just comes out of nowhere, like hearing it on the news or even reading it in a book. Whether it has significant meaning because it's from your favourite novel or it's just a name that resonated with you, lots of parents around the world take notes from books when coming up with the perfect baby name. You'll be surprised to learn which names really stuck around!
1. Harry (Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling)
The name Harry saw a significant increase in popularity following the release of, you guessed it, J.K. Rowling's beloved Harry Potter series. Parents were inspired by this brave and lovable protagonist, making it a popular choice when it comes to baby names.
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2. Arya (A Song of Ice and Fire Series by George R.R. Martin)
Following the immense popularity of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire which skyrocketed even more after the TV adaptation, Game of Thrones, the name Arya became a favourite. Many parents became inspired to name their daughters Arya given her fierce and independent personality.
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3. Atticus (To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee)
Atticus Finch, the moral backbone of To Kill a Mockingbird, has become a symbol of integrity and righteousness in the literary world. His name saw a rise in popularity among new parents valuing strong ethical principles.
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4. Scarlett (Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell)
Scarlett O’Hara, known and beloved for her determination and spirit, has made Scarlett a favored name. The timeless nature of the novel and film adaptation continues to influence the choice of baby names.
5. Matilda (Matilda by Roald Dahl)
Matilda Wormwood, the young, intelligent protagonist of Roald Dahl's beloved book, has inspired parents to choose this name for their daughters, celebrating the qualities of intelligence and strength.
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6. Hermione (Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling)
Hermione Granger, the favourite character of many, has become a role model for young girls. Parents choose this name for both its uniqueness, but also its association with intelligence and determination.
7. Holden (The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger)
Holden Caulfield, the complex and introspective protagonist of The Catcher in the Rye, has influenced some parents to select this unique name for their sons. It's definitely a name that'll stand out in a crowd!
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8. Aurora (Sleeping Beauty, adapted in various books)
Though originally a character from fairy tales, Aurora has been embraced in literature and popular culture, making it a popular choice for parents who love the princess-y and melodic sound of the name.
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9. Gatsby (The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald)
You may be surprised to hear the name Gatsby really resonated with thousands of parents across the country. The protagonist to Fitzgerald's classic novel The Great Gatsby, this character is a mysterious (and wealthy) one. Perhaps drawn to its distinctive sound, many parents decided it was a fitting name for their sons.
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10. Luna (Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling)
Luna Lovegood, known for her quirky and unique personality, has made Luna a popular choice among parents who appreciate the character's individuality and charm. The name symbolizes both beauty and the mystical qualities of the moon.
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11. Alice (Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll)
Alice has been a longtime favourite name, perhaps thanks to Lewis Caroll's imaginative tale about young Alice and her curiosity. Loving both its classic nature and sweet charm, Alice has been a popular name for baby girls.
Walt Disney on Wikimedia Commons
12. Eloise (Eloise series by Kay Thompson)
Eloise, the mischievous and independent young girl who lives in the Plaza Hotel, has inspired many parents to name their daughters after her. The character's spunky personality and adventurous spirit make it a beloved choice.
Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay
13. Sawyer (The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain)
The adventurous and cunning Tom Sawyer has made Sawyer a popular name for boys. Parents appreciate the name's association with freedom, adventure, and the spirit of exploration. It's a unique sounding name that has a nice charm to it.
Image by Ioana Sasu from Pixabay
14. Daisy (The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald)
If Gatsby became a popular choice for boys, it's only natural for Daisy to become a popular name for girls. Turns out Fitzgerald's novel became a hit for baby names! Parents love how pretty the name Daisy sounds, echoing images of the delicate and gentle flower.
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15. Finn (Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain)
Finn, derived from Huckleberry Finn, the protagonist of Mark Twain's classic novel, has become a popular name for boys. This name evokes a sense of adventure, making it an appealing choice for parents who want a name that sounds happy and zippy.
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16. Darcy (Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen)
Mr. Darcy, the iconic romantic hero of "Pride and Prejudice," has made Darcy a popular name for both boys and girls. It's got a rustic feel to it, immediately reminding you of this literary wonder.
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17. Tristan (Tristan and Isolde, various adaptations)
Tristan, from the legendary tale of Tristan and Isolde, has been a favorite for its romantic and noble connotations. The story's themes of love and tragedy resonated with so many across the country, turning it into a compelling choice for a baby's name.
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18. Bella (Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer)
We all remember the Twilight craze, right? Well, protagonist Bella Swan drastically increased the use of Bella as a baby name after it was released. Parents are likely drawn to its melodic sound and how it brings to mind a gentle and kind girl.
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19. Jasper (Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer)
Are you surprised to hear Jasper became widely popular thanks to the Twilight series? With its old-time charm and uniqueness, it drew a lot of parents to it.
Image by Adina Voicu from Pixabay
20. Lyra (His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman)
Lyra Belacqua, the brave and intelligent heroine of His Dark Materials, has inspired many parents to name their daughters Lyra. Not just because the character is brave and compassionate, but also because it's a girl's name that's different from the rest, but still sounds beautiful to the ear.
