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.
36 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.
- Darwin
English
94From Old English 'deore' (dear) and 'wine' (friend), meaning 'dear friend'. Popularized by naturalist Charles Darwin.
- 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.
- 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.
- Castiel
Literary
94God is my strength. A name from Jewish and Christian angelology, popularized in modern media as a powerful celestial being.
- 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.
- 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'
- 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.
- Magdalene
Hebrew
94From Magdala, a town in Judea. Associated with Mary Magdalene, a devoted follower of Jesus in the New Testament.
- 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.
- Renesmee
Literary
94Created name blending Renée (reborn) and Esme (beloved), popularized by contemporary literature as a unique hybrid name.
- 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.
- 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
- Draco
Latin
94Dragon in Latin. Associated with the constellation Draco and mythological serpents. Symbolizes power, mystery, and ancient wisdom.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cedric
Celtic
94From Welsh 'cad' (battle) and 'ric' (king). Popularized by Sir Walter Scott's novel Ivanhoe as a noble Saxon character.
- Kaladin
Literary
94Created name from Brandon Sanderson's fantasy novels, notably borne by the protagonist of 'The Stormlight Archive' series.
- Isadora
Greek
94From Greek 'Isadora,' combining 'isa' (equal) and 'doron' (gift), meaning 'gift of Isis' or 'equal gift.' Associated with the Egyptian goddess Isis.
- Aslan
Arabic
94Lion. Derived from Arabic 'asad,' symbolizing strength, courage, and nobility. Popularized in English-speaking cultures through C.S. Lewis's Narnia series.
- 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.
- Amelie
French
94From Germanic 'Amalia,' meaning industrious or striving. Popularized in French as a diminutive form suggesting 'beloved' or 'work.'
- Adaleia
Celtic
94From Old Irish meaning 'little red one', also associated with the rowan tree which bears bright red berries
- 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.
- 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.
- Renesmay
Literary
94A invented name combining elements of Renée and Esme, popularized by contemporary fantasy literature as a unique, romantic creation
- Emrys
Welsh
94Immortal or divine. Derived from the Welsh *Emrys*, a form of Ambrosius, associated with the legendary wizard Merlin in Welsh mythology.
- Archibald
Scottish
94From Germanic elements 'arch' (genuine) and 'bald' (bold). A name of noble bearing, historically associated with Scottish and Norman nobility.
- Lorelai
Literary
93Lorelai is primarily a literary name popularized by the German folk tale of Lorelei, a siren-like figure on the Rhine River. It may derive from Old High German elements meaning 'lure' or 'allure.'
- Daenerys
Literary
92Created by George R.R. Martin for A Song of Ice and Fire, likely combining Dany (pet form of Danielle) with a Valyrian-inspired suffix. No historical root.
- Coda
Literary
92A concluding section or final statement in music and literature. Also used as a modern unisex name with musical and artistic connotations.
- Katara
Literary
92Created for the animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender. The name carries water-bending associations and suggests grace and fluidity through its soft phonetic structure.
- Cedrick
Celtic
92From Old English Cerdic, possibly meaning 'beloved' or 'cherished'. Associated with strength and leadership in Celtic tradition.
Found a name you like?
Add it to a tournament and let the best name win.
You might also like names with:
Popularity data: Social Security Administration, US births 1880–2024
See if any of these make your shortlist.
Start the naming →