What's In A Name?
Shakespeare's plays are timeless, and so are his characters' names. With over 39 plays, countless iconic characters, and an undeniably contribution to the English language, there are almost limitless options for parents who want their kids to be Bard-core rather than hardcore. We just don't recommend naming your kids Hamlet or Macbeth.
1. Miranda
Dreamy teenager Miranda is the main female character in The Tempest. In fact, she's the only woman to appear onstage! Innocent, compassionate, and loving, Miranda eventually finds true love and gets to leave the island she was banished to.
2. Robin
The infamous trickster sprite in A Midsummer Night's Dream is better known as Puck, but that's probably a little too close to another four-letter word to be a good name. Luckily, he's also known as Robin Goodfellow. While Robin is more frequently used as a feminine name today, it's actually a variation of Robert.
3. Ursula
Much Ado About Nothing has a couple of feminine names to choose from, but we think that Ursula is an underrated choice. Ursula is not as well known as major characters Beatrice and Hero, but her steadfast loyalty and key role in getting the leads to realize their love for each other makes this a great choice.
4. Laurence
The problem with naming your child after one of Shakespeare's tragedies is that, almost inevitably, very few characters will be alive by the end. If you're a romantic at heart but don't want your child to be doomed from the start, why not consider Laurence. Friar Laurence is an advisor to Romeo and Juliet and weds them in secret.
5. Portia
One of the most savvy characters in all of Shakespeare, Portia delivers one of the most famous speeches in all of Shakespeare. Not only intelligent, but also brave and bold, Portia disguises herself as a man to appear in court. Also, the "Portia Hypothesis" posits that women with more masculine names tend to be more successful as lawyers, if you have big dreams for your little one.
6. Ariel
Today, the name Ariel is associated with Disney's Little Mermaid, but in audiences in Shakespeare's time would have recognized Ariel as a helpful spirit in The Tempest. Working as the eyes and ears of the great magician Prospero, Ariel, like Miranda, wins his freedom at the end. Ariel name means "Lion of God" in Hebrew, but Shakespeare could have been making a pun about flying.
7. Imogen
For a real deep-cut, Imogen is a princess in Cymbeline, one of Shakespeare's so-called Problem Plays. Like many of Shakespeare's heroines, Imogen runs away and disguises herself as a man, but eventually gets a happy ending. For a fun fact, scholars believe that the name "Imogen" was actually a typesetting error, and that Shakespeare actually named her "Innogen".
8. Toby
Sir Toby Belch in Twelfth Night is a hard-partying schemer who we're glad is on our heroes' side. In comparison to some of the other, more melancholic characters, Toby is all about good food and good cheer. This is a great "old man name" that still sounds modern.
9. Cecily
Cecily Neville may only be known by her title, The Duchess of York in Richard III, but she's one of the strongest characters in the play. Cecily is a force to be reckoned with, a fierce defender of her children, and one of Richard's staunchest adversaries. Being a history play, Cecily is based on a real woman who was known for her piety and strength of will.
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10. Henry
In addition to writing for the masses, Shakespeare also wrote propaganda plays, meaning he wrote political works about England's past kings, most of whom were named Henry. Henry VIII, best known for his six wives, may not be the best choice of a namesake, but Henry V is. Over the course of three plays, Henry transforms from a brash upstart prince to a serious military commander.
11. Jessica
Do we have Shakespeare to thank for one of the most popular names of the '80s? Scholars have been debating that for centuries. Jessica's role in The Merchant of Venice is minor, but pivotal character, being the motivation for her father to seek a pound of flesh. Is Jessica a selfish schemer or a woman with a tyrannical father? Another question for the ages.
12. Edgar
Like we said, characters in tragedies don't often meet happy endings; Edgar in King Lear is an exception. In contrast to his scheming half-brother, Edgar is an innocent seeking stability. Eventually, the two brothers face off, with Edgar ending the play in line for the throne.
13. Susanna
This name isn't inspired by one of Shakespeare's plays, but by his life. The man himself had three children: Hamnet, Judith, and Susanna. The eldest, Susanna married a doctor, inherited the bulk of her father's estate, and was remembered as witty and wise.
14. Orlando
Not just the name of a city in Florida (though it may have been named after him), Orlando is one of the leads of As You Like It. A kind, affable young man, Orlando is mistreated by his elder brother who denies him education and an inheritance. Despite this, Orlando finds love and gets everything owed to him.
15. Celia
Another character from As You Like It, Celia is a "fair and excellent lady". Her devotion to her cousin, Rosalind, is not only one of the strongest relationships in the play, but perhaps one of the strongest female friendships in all Shakespeare's works!
16. Lennox
A rather trendy name for a 400-year-old play, Lennox is a Scottish nobleman in Macbeth. A rather minor character, Lennox expresses doubt about Macbeth's trustworthiness and ultimately ends up on the winning side.
17. Rosaline
Despite never appearing onstage in Romeo and Juliet, Rosaline plays a massive role. Rosaline is Juliet's cousin who has sworn herself to chastity, and who Romeo is madly in love with. In trying to catch a glimpse of his beloved Rosaline, Romeo ultimately falls in love at first sight with Juliet.
18. Lysander
One point of the mixed-up love square in A Midsummer Night's Dream, Lysander is a hopeless and chivalrous romantic. Lysander wins Hermia's love by serenading her in the moonlight, bringing her gifts, and refusing to let anything get in the way of true love...except maybe fairies.
19. Silvia
The Two Gentlemen of Verona is considered to be one of Shakespeare's weaker plays, but the character names are anything but. Spirited Silvia is a young noblewoman who rebels against her father's marriage plans. In contrast to the men of the play, Silvia is steadfast and loyal, following her love even in his banishment.
20. Cinna
Fans of The Hunger Games will recognize this name as that of Katniss' daring stylist who meets a grizzly end. That character was likely named after one in Julius Caesar, a poet who also meets an unfortunate end. Either way, this is a stylish name filled with pizzazz.
