100+ Literary Names for Boys and Girls

It does not matter whether you are an avid reader or not. One thing we all can agree on is the role that literature plays in enriching our lives and our culture. The values and life lessons taught in these books go a long way. These books can change our lives. For parents looking for a meaningful name for their child, works of literature can be a good source. Here, we have compiled a list of famous literary names for boys and girls, each with its own story to tell. These classic and literary names will sound respectable and adorable in adulthood, as well. So, embrace the magic of literature, and let the perfect name find its way to you!

Literary Boy Names With Meanings

Literary boy names are full of character and charm, often inspired by well-known authors or memorable characters from classic books. These names carry unique stories and meanings, making them special choices for your little one.

1. Albus

It is the name of the favourite teacher in the Harry Potter series. The name Albus means ‘white.’

2. Alcott

This English name means ‘dweller at the old cottage.’ However, we have included this name after the name of the author of Little Women—Louisa May Alcott.

3. Ambrose

It is the name of a popular journalist and writer, Ambrose Bierce. This name is of Latin origin and it means ‘white.’

4. Amory

Amory means “brave” or “powerful” and is best known from the character Amory Blaine in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s This Side of Paradise, symbolising youthful ambition and self-discovery.

5. Ashley

Ashley originally means “ash tree meadow.” It was used as a male name in literature, notably for Ashley Wilkes in Gone with the Wind, representing gentleness and inner conflict.

6. Athos

Athos is one of the Three Musketeers in Alexandre Dumas’s classic novel. The name symbolises nobility, strength, and loyalty, as well as a sense of mystery.

7. Atticus

Atticus, meaning “man of Attica,” is famous as the wise and moral lawyer Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird, embodying justice, integrity, and compassion.

8. Auden

Auden is a name that pays tribute to W.H. Auden, the famous poet. It evokes creativity, deep thought, and a love for language and the arts.

9. Augustus

From The Fault in Our Star by John Green, the name refers to the great Roman military leader who went on to become the first emperor of the empire.

10. Aureliano

Aureliano means “golden” and is known from the character Colonel Aureliano Buendía in Gabriel García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude, representing resilience and complexity.

11. Barrett

Barrett means “bear strength” and has literary connections through Elizabeth Barrett Browning, symbolising courage and poetic talent.

12. Benvolio

Benvolio, meaning “good will,” is a character in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The name represents peacekeeping and loyalty, as Benvolio often tries to avoid conflict.

13. Buck

Buck is a strong, rugged name popularised by the character in Jack London’s The Call of the Wild, symbolising survival, freedom, and primal instinct.

14. Byron

This name is inspired by Lord Byron who is known for his famous poems like “Don Juan”, “She Walks in Beauty”. This English name means ‘cowshed.’

15. Caulfield

Caulfield is famously associated with Holden Caulfield, the main character in J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, representing youthful rebellion and introspection.

16. Charles

After the famed writer Charles Dickens, this German name means ‘free man.’

17. Charlie

From the Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the name is derived from Charles and has the same meaning.

18. Christopher

It is a Greek name that means ‘bearer of Christ.’ Christopher is one of Pooh’s best friends from A.A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh, a collection of stories with a teddy bear as the main character.

19. Clay

Remember The Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon? The titular character had the name, Sam Clay and Clay can be used as a first name as well.

20. Colin

Colin means “young cub” and appears in literature such as Frances Hodgson Burnett’s The Secret Garden, symbolising growth, transformation, and healing.

21. Danny

The 1975 children book by Roald Dahl titled Danny, the Champion of the World, has a plot that revolves around a boy named Danny. The name Danny means ‘God is my judge’.

22. Dante

Dante means “enduring” or “steadfast,” famously associated with the poet Dante Alighieri, author of The Divine Comedy, symbolising deep thought, creativity, and spiritual exploration.

23. David

David is a classic name meaning “beloved.” It appears in literature, including David Copperfield by Charles Dickens, symbolising perseverance, kindness, and self-discovery.

24. Darcy

Pride and Prejudice is a romantic novel written by Jane Austen in 1813. Mr Darcy is the central character in this novel. It is a perfect name for your little boy.

25. Don

Don means “world ruler” or “proud chief” and is famously associated with Don Quixote, representing idealism, chivalry, and the pursuit of dreams despite obstacles.

26. Dorian

A name inspired by an Oscar Wilde character from The Picture of Dorian Gray for your baby boy. It is a Greek name that refers to ‘Doros’ the legendary Greek hero.

27. Edmund

This Old English name for boys means ‘prosperity or riches.’ It is taken from the name of the main character in The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas.

28. Edward

Edward means “wealthy guardian” and is often found in literature, such as the romantic lead in Twilight, representing strength, protectiveness, and charm.

29. Elwyn

Elwyn means “elf friend” and is best known through E.B. White, author of Charlotte’s Web, symbolising a connection to nature, innocence, and a gentle spirit.

30. Ernest

Ernest means “serious”, made famous by The Importance of Being Earnest and author Ernest Hemingway, symbolising honesty, courage, and steadfastness.

31. Fielding

Fielding is associated with Henry Fielding, author of Tom Jones. The name evokes a sense of humour, realism, and literary history.

32. Fitzgerald

Fitzgerald means “son of Gerald” and is famously associated with F. Scott Fitzgerald, author of The Great Gatsby, symbolising literary brilliance and the jazz age.

33. Frank

Frank means “free” or “truthful” and appears in literature such as Frank Hardy from The Hardy Boys, representing honesty and adventure.

34. Gatsby

Gatsby is known from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, symbolising mystery, ambition, and the pursuit of the American Dream.

35. George

It is a prominent name from the literary circles. It is the first name of noted authors like Orwell, Saunders, and Eliot.

36. Harry

Harry means “home ruler” and is famously associated with Harry Potter, symbolising courage, loyalty, and the triumph of good over evil.

37. Heathcliff

With it, you get a cute nickname ‘Heath’ as well. Heathcliff is one of the main characters from Wuthering Heights, a novel written by Emily Bronte.

38. Henrik

Henrik is linked to Henrik Ibsen, the playwright. It means “home ruler” and symbolises artistic vision, dramatic expression, and deep themes.

39. Henry

After the famous writer Henry James, this name means ‘ruler of the home.’ The name has a German origin.

40. Holden

This Old English name means ‘hollow valley.’ It was also the name of the protagonist in The Catcher in the Rye written by J.D. Salinger.

41. Homer

Homer is famously associated with the ancient Greek poet who authored The Iliad and The Odyssey, symbolising epic storytelling and classical tradition.

42. Huckleberry

The year 1884 saw the novel by Mark Twain titled ‘Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.’ He was a naughty boy in the book, and you also have one at home making this the perfect choice.

43. Huxley

Huxley, meaning “inhospitable place,” is associated with Aldous Huxley, author of Brave New World, symbolising dystopian vision, thought-provoking ideas, and literary innovation.

44. Nathan

It comes from Philip Roth’s famous protagonist in nine books, Nathan Zuckerman. It’s a Hebrew name that means ‘he gave.’

45. Neil

Do you recall the astrophysics thrillers from Neil deGrasse Tyson and also the main character in Goodbye Columbus by Philip Roth. Neil seems to be a popular name in literary circles.

46. Oscar

Name your son after the famous author Oscar Wilde. It is an old English name that means ‘dear friend.’

47. Rhett

The 1936 novel Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell had an adorable hero Rhett Butler. It is a classic boy name from literature.

48. Santiago

From the bestseller by Paul Coelho ‘The Alchemist’, Santiago is a popular Spanish name that means ‘Jacob.’

49. Sawyer

The famous novel Adventure of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain remained a popular one. The name Sawyer means ‘woodcutter’.

50. Stephen

A famous character from James Joyce’s Ulysses and The Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, the name means ‘crown or wreath’.

Literary Girl Names With Meanings

Literary girl names bring a sense of elegance and strength, inspired by famous female characters or authors from beloved books. Here is a list of some classic literary baby names for girls:

1. Albertine

Albertine means “noble” or “bright” and is known from Marcel Proust’s In Search of Lost Time, symbolising elegance, complexity, and the passage of time.

2. Alice

Now, who doesn’t know this name? Consider her a classic and darling of the literature when it comes to characters. This name will remain unforgettable just like the story Alice in Wonderland.

3. Anais

Anais is derived from the name Anna, meaning “grace.” It is famously associated with Anais Nin, a writer known for her literary diaries and sensual, introspective style.

4. Anna

Anna Karenina is a novel by Leo Tolstoy published in 1878. Many consider it the most exceptional work of literature, this name should be chosen for your baby girl.

5. Anne

Anne means “grace” or “favour” and is famously associated with Anne of Green Gables, representing imagination, resilience, and the joys of childhood.

6. Arrietty

Arrietty is a unique name from Mary Norton’s The Borrowers, symbolising bravery and resourcefulness, as Arrietty is a tiny character navigating a world much larger than herself.

7. Arundhati

Arundhati means “night star” or “goddess of the sky” and is linked to author Arundhati Roy, representing literary brilliance, activism, and deep cultural themes.

8. Arya

Arya means “noble” or “honourable” and is a popular character from Game of Thrones, symbolising strength, resilience, and a fearless spirit.

9. Austen

Austen is associated with the famous author Jane Austen, known for her classic novels, symbolising wit, romance, and social commentary.

10. Beatrice

Use Bee as a nickname, she is the older sister in Beverly Cleary’s Beezus and Ramona. This French name means ‘she who makes happy.’

11. Bella

She is the central character in the Twilight series written by Stephenie Meyer. Meyer has beautifully created the character of Isabella ‘Bella’ Marie Swan.

12. Brett

Brett is famously known from Lady Brett Ashley in Ernest Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises, symbolising independence, complexity, and modern femininity.

13. Bronte

Bronte is linked to the famous Bronte sisters, symbolising literary talent, passion, and the exploration of deep, emotional themes in literature.

14. Charlotte

Charlotte means “free man” and is associated with author Charlotte Bronte and Charlotte’s Web, symbolising intelligence, compassion, and strong character.

15. Clarissa

Clarissa means “bright” or “clear” and is famously associated with Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway, representing introspection, elegance, and the passage of time.

16. Cordelia

Cordelia means “heart” or “daughter of the sea” and is a character from Shakespeare’s King Lear, symbolising loyalty, kindness, and sacrifice.

17. Daisy

Daisy, meaning “day’s eye,” is famously associated with Daisy Buchanan from The Great Gatsby, representing beauty, allure, and the complexity of the American Dream.

18. Edwidge

Edwidge is a name associated with author Edwidge Danticat, symbolising cultural richness, storytelling, and a connection to heritage.

19. Elizabeth

In the literary marvel Pride and Prejudice, she is the protagonist. It is a popular Old English name that means ‘God is abundance.’

20. Ellen

The famous narrator of the novel Wuthering Heights, she is popularly known as Nelly Dean. The name Ellen means ‘bright, shining light’.

21. Ellery

Ellery is a unisex name meaning “island with elder trees,” known in literature for mystery writer Ellery Queen, symbolising intrigue and cleverness.

22. Eloise

Eloise means “healthy”, famously known from the Eloise children’s book series, symbolising mischievousness, curiosity, and a spirited nature.

23. Emily

Emily Bronte is an English novelist and poet known for her remarkable work. It is a German name that means ‘hardworking.’

24. Emma

The famous novel by Jane Austen titled Emma, the titular character is sweet and lingers in the memory for long. This name means ‘universal.’

25. Esme

Esme means “esteemed” or “loved,” famously associated with J.D. Salinger’s short story For Esme—with Love and Squalor, symbolising innocence and compassion.

26. Ethel

Ethel means “noble” and appears in various literary works, symbolising timeless elegance and traditional values.

27. Gertrude

Gertrude means “spear of strength” and is famously known from Shakespeare’s Hamlet, representing complexity, resilience, and maternal qualities.

28. Harper

Harper means “harp player” and is famously associated with author Harper Lee, symbolising courage, social justice, and literary impact.

29. Hazel

Hazel comes as a determined and inspirational character in the famous novel The Fault in Our Stars. This English origin name means ‘from the hazelnut tree.’

30. Henrietta

Henrietta means “ruler of the home” and appears in literature with a sense of old-fashioned charm, representing strength and nurturing qualities.

31. India

The name of a diverse and culturally rich country is also a character in Gone with the Wind written by Margaret Mitchell.

32. Jacqueline

Jacqueline Wilson is a novelist who writes for children and is immensely popular. It is a French name that is derived from Hebrew. It means ‘may God protect.’

33. Jane

The famous author Jane Austen is the name bearer. Also, Jane Eyre is an autobiographical novel by Charlotte Bronte.

34. Janie

Janie is famously associated with the character Janie Crawford in Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God, symbolising independence, self-discovery, and resilience.

35. Jhumpa

The name sounds different and was a nickname of the famous writer Jhumpa Lahiri. It is an Indian name that means ‘charming’.

36. Jo

A sweet and strong character in the novel Little Women, Josephine or Jo for short, is a memorable character for the readers of the book.

37. Julia

Julia means “soft-haired” and is found in various literary works, including Shakespeare’s The Two Gentlemen of Verona, symbolising charm and romance.

38. Juliet

Juliet means “youthful” and is famously associated with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, representing love and passion.

39. Kairi

In the famous novel series Kingdom Hearts, it is the name of a well-known character. The name means ‘sea.’

40. Katniss

Katniss is derived from a plant name and is famously associated with The Hunger Games, symbolising bravery, survival, and a rebellious spirit.

41. Laila

A moving story told by Khaled Hosseini in A Thousand Splendid Suns has Laila as the main character. She is a young girl that lives in Kabul with her parents.

42. Lisbeth

It is a Greek name that means ‘oath of God.’ The name is inspired by the novel The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson.

43. Matilda

Matilda is the titular character of the novel by Roald Dahl named Matilda. An English name that is more popular in Scandinavian countries, it means ‘might or strength.’

44. Molly

The Irish author James Joyce’s work Ulysses has a character named Molly. This Irish name means ‘star of the sea.’

45. Rosalind

Rosalind is the main character in As You Like it by William Shakespeare. The name has Germanic elements, and it means ‘horse’. The Latin meaning of this name is ‘beautiful rose’.

46. Scarlett

Scarlett is the protagonist in Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind. The name has a nice sound to it and comes from the word scarlet or red

47. Sylvia

The iconic American poet Sylvia Path’s first name will appeal to parents looking for baby names inspired by literature. The name means ‘spirit of the wood.’

48. Tacy

It comes from the Betsy-Tacy series by Maud Hart Lovelace. The name has a Greek origin and it means ‘bountiful grain.’

49. Virginia

Virginia Woolf was a celebrated author and critic of her time. The name means ‘maiden,’ it comes from an ancient Roman family name.

50. Zora

Their Eyes were Watching God is a 1937 novel written by Zora Neale Hurston. It is considered a classic by all standards. The meaning of the name Zora is ‘dawn,’

Gender Neutral Literary Names

When you decide to go for baby names inspired by literature, you can be confident that the name will be exceptional and memorable at the same time. Furthermore, these names for girls and boys are well regarded by all.

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