Names from literature
Names from the great novels, poems, and plays of world literature — storied, evocative, and full of character.
A literary name is a conversation starter. It signals that the parents read, that they care about stories, that they chose a name with a narrative behind it. From Atticus (Harper Lee) to Juliet (Shakespeare) to Lyra (Pullman), these names carry the weight of their source material without being heavy. Many are rising fast as parents look for names with built-in depth.
Each name below links to its full profile—meaning, SSA trends, pronunciation, and feasibility.
35 names
◈= unisex (gender-neutral)
- Exodus
Literary
95A departure or exit, from the Greek word for 'going out.' Directly references the biblical Book of Exodus, the departure of the Israelites from Egypt, symbolizing liberation and new beginnings.
- Percy
French
94From the Norman French surname meaning 'from Percy,' a place in Normandy. Later associated with the English noble Percy family and literary figures.
- Perseus
Greek
94Greek hero from mythology, son of Zeus and Danaë. Name likely derives from 'pertaining to destruction' or 'to destroy', referencing his legendary exploits.
- Wendy
Literary
94Created by J.M. Barrie for Peter Pan (1904), likely influenced by the Scots word 'wendy' meaning 'friend' or from Welsh 'gwendydd' meaning 'fair'
- Renesmay
Literary
94A invented name combining elements of Renée and Esme, popularized by contemporary fantasy literature as a unique, romantic creation
- Lidia
Latin
94From the ancient kingdom of Lydia in Asia Minor. Associated with the region's historical significance and classical heritage.
- Zymere
Literary
94Modern invented name with possible roots in Greek 'zyme' (leaven/ferment), suggesting something dynamic and transformative
- Cedric
Celtic
94From Welsh 'cad' (battle) and 'ric' (king). Popularized by Sir Walter Scott's novel Ivanhoe as a noble Saxon character.
- Dafne
Greek
94From Greek mythology, Daphne was a nymph transformed into a laurel tree to escape Apollo's pursuit. The name means 'laurel tree' and symbolizes transformation and natural beauty.
- Amelie
French
94From Germanic 'Amalia,' meaning industrious or striving. Popularized in French as a diminutive form suggesting 'beloved' or 'work.'
- Psalm
Hebrew
94A sacred song or hymn. Derived from the Greek psalmos, referring to a song sung to instrumental accompaniment, popularized through the biblical Psalms.
- Magdalene
Hebrew
94From Magdala, a town in Judea. Associated with Mary Magdalene, a devoted follower of Jesus in the New Testament.
- Emrys
Welsh
94Immortal or divine. Derived from the Welsh *Emrys*, a form of Ambrosius, associated with the legendary wizard Merlin in Welsh mythology.
- Seneca
Latin
94The Seneca were an Iroquoian people; the name derives from a Dutch transliteration of their Iroquoian name meaning 'the place of the stone.' Also associated with the Roman Stoic philosopher Lucius Annaeus Seneca.
- Casper
Persian
94Treasurer or keeper of the treasure. Derived from the Persian word for 'one who brings treasure,' later popularized through Saint Casper, one of the Three Wise Men.
- Araminta
Literary
94Likely a literary invention, possibly blending 'Aramis' (from Dumas' The Three Musketeers) with the feminine suffix '-inta'. Gained prominence through Harriet Beecher Stowe's 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' (1852) as the name of an enslaved woman.
- Pacey
English
94One who lives in or comes from a place with a pace or gate; derived from the surname Pacey, which has roots in Old English references to a passage or threshold.
- Violetta
Latin
94From Latin 'viola' meaning violet flower. Diminutive form Violetta emphasizes delicate beauty and the modest violet bloom.
- Danae
Greek
94In Greek mythology, Danae was a princess of Argos imprisoned in a bronze tower. Her name may derive from Greek meaning 'parched' or 'dry,' referencing her isolated confinement.
- Renesmee
Literary
94Created name blending Renée (reborn) and Esme (beloved), popularized by contemporary literature as a unique hybrid name.
- Isadora
Greek
94From Greek 'Isadora,' combining 'isa' (equal) and 'doron' (gift), meaning 'gift of Isis' or 'equal gift.' Associated with the Egyptian goddess Isis.
- Archibald
Scottish
94From Germanic elements 'arch' (genuine) and 'bald' (bold). A name of noble bearing, historically associated with Scottish and Norman nobility.
- Valyria
Literary
94Created for George R. R. Martin's 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series, Valyria is an ancient magical civilization. The name evokes 'valor' and carries an air of lost grandeur and mystique.
- Wylie
Scottish
94Derived from a Scottish surname meaning 'wily' or 'crafty,' suggesting cleverness and cunning. Also associated with the Scottish word for 'wild' or untamed.
- Draco
Latin
94Dragon in Latin. Associated with the constellation Draco and mythological serpents. Symbolizes power, mystery, and ancient wisdom.
- Darwin
English
94From Old English 'deore' (dear) and 'wine' (friend), meaning 'dear friend'. Popularized by naturalist Charles Darwin.
- Castiel
Literary
94God is my strength. A name from Jewish and Christian angelology, popularized in modern media as a powerful celestial being.
- Kaladin
Literary
94Created name from Brandon Sanderson's fantasy novels, notably borne by the protagonist of 'The Stormlight Archive' series.
- Aslan
Arabic
94Lion. Derived from Arabic 'asad,' symbolizing strength, courage, and nobility. Popularized in English-speaking cultures through C.S. Lewis's Narnia series.
- Adaleia
Celtic
94From Old Irish meaning 'little red one', also associated with the rowan tree which bears bright red berries
- Emersen
English
94Derived from the surname Emerson, meaning 'son of Emery.' Emery itself comes from Germanic roots meaning 'brave' or 'powerful.' Popularized as a first name through American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson.
- Hera
Greek
92Queen of the gods in Greek mythology, wife of Zeus. Her name derives from ancient roots meaning 'lady' or 'mistress'.
- Deven
Irish
92Poet or descendant of Damhán. Rooted in Irish tradition, Deven carries literary and ancestral significance.
- Aerith
Literary
92Created for the Final Fantasy VII character, likely inspired by 'aerith' (ethereal) and resembling Celtic nature names. No historical etymology.
- Azra
Arabic
92Virgin, pure. A name with classical Islamic and Persian literary roots, often associated with nobility and grace in medieval Islamic poetry.
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