Thinking of names for your baby can be one of the best ways to pass the time while waiting for your little one to arrive. It can also be overwhelming! With this list of 23 names from classic children’s stories, you’re bound to find some inspiration, and perhaps feel a little bit of nostalgia!
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
Fern– Fern is the little girl who saves Wilbur in this must-read children’s book. I adore the name Fern. It sounds so fresh! Fern also works for a girl or a boy!
Charlotte– Of course, the name Charlotte has to appear on this list! Charlotte is a classic name of French origin. This name is one of the most popular girl names in recent years.
Henry– Another popular name frequently in the top 10 is Henry. In Charlotte’s Web, Henry is Fern’s friend. This name is sophisticated and simple!
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
Leslie—Leslie Burke is an independent, do what she wants kind of girl. The name Leslie can be male or female, and means “holly garden,” and has Scottish roots. There don’t seem to be too many babies around named Leslie, but it’s worth considering.
May Belle– May Bell is Jess’s little sister. Two names in one is always so adorable!
Matilda by Roald Dahl
Matilda– Roald Dahl is said to have chosen this name for his main character because it means “mighty in battle”, and if you’ve ever read (or seen the movie adaptation) than you know this is the perfect name. The name itself still feels quite feminine.
Lavender- Lavender is Matlida’s best friend in the story. It’s a pretty name, too!
Hortensia– In Latin, “hortus” means garden, and Hortensia is the botanical name for hydrangeas. Hortensia is Matilda’s other good friend. This name may not be first on your list, but it is unique!
Zinnia– Zinnia Wormwood, is probably the worst mother of all time, but her name is pretty! Roald Dahl loved gardening and it shows in his character’s names.
Bruce– Bruce Bogtrotter is a classmate of Matilda’s who is famously forced to eat a whole cake. For a one-syllable name, Bruce conveys strength and integrity.
Magnus- Used in a lot of Scandinavian countries, Magnus means “greatest”, and that’s certainly what Roald Dahl was trying to portray when writing about Miss Honey’s father, Magnus.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
Charlie- The main character of course, the name Charlie has been a favorite name for boys for a long time, but it hasn’t been in the top favorites since the early 1900s. It’s becoming increasingly popular as a girls’ name.
Josephine– We don’t know much about Grandma Josephine, but her name is a classic, feminine version of the popular “Joseph”. Cute nicknames include: “Jo”, “Josey”, and “Fina”.
George- Another classic name!
Georgina– Charlie’s other grandma, Georgina!
Violet– Violet Beauregarde is not the nicest girl in the world, ironically her name is very sweet! The smell of sweet violets in spring is so welcome after a long winter, and the name Violet is just as lovely.
Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt
Winnie– Short for Winifred, Winnie has to decide between a mortal life, or take a chance and drink from a spring of immortality. Winnie can also be short for Gwendolyn.
Jesse– Jesse is said to mean “God exists” or “God’s gift”.
Mae– The name Mae is associated with spring and new beginnings. In Tuck Everlasting, Mae is Jesse’s mother.
Miles- This name means “soldier” in Latin.
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Mary- Although it’s losing popularity, Mary is one of the most common names in the United States. Mary Lennox finds a love for nature in her secret garden, and finds out she is worth loving.
Colin– Colin means “victory of the people”. In The Secret Garden, Mary helps her cousin Colin become victorious in his quest for health and love from his father.
Dickon– Dickon helps Mary transform, with his love of nature and animals. “Dickon” is related to the name Richard. I see the potential for teasing with this name, but I still love it so much. It could make a really cute middle name. Richard is also a fabulous name.
What other names from classic children’s literature do you love?
