200+ Book Inspired Girl Names (from Classic to Fantasy)

What if your daughter’s name could carry the magic of your favorite story—the courage of a heroine who changed literature, or the whimsy of a character who made you fall in love with reading?

I’ll never forget the moment I held my worn copy of Little Women and realized that Jo March wasn’t just a character—she was a legacy.

That’s when I understood why literary names feel different. They’re not just sounds; they’re stories waiting to unfold.

The spine was cracked, the pages yellowed, but the names inside—Jo, Beth, Amy, Meg—felt as alive as they did when Louisa May Alcott first penned them in 1868.

That’s the beauty of book-inspired girl names. They come with built-in depth, meaning, and a story you can share with your daughter as she grows.

Whether you’re drawn to the timeless elegance of Jane Austen heroines, the fierce determination of dystopian protagonists, or the magical wonder of fantasy worlds, there’s a literary name waiting to become part of your family’s story.

In this guide, you’ll discover 200+ carefully curated book-inspired girl names spanning classic literature, modern fiction, fantasy epics, and beloved children’s books.

Each name includes its literary origin, meaning, and why it resonates. Let’s turn the page together.

Classic Literature Girl Names: Timeless Heroines

These names come from novels that have shaped generations. They’ve weathered centuries and remain as compelling today as when they first appeared on the page.

Jane Austen’s World

• Elizabeth (Pride and Prejudice) – Intelligent, witty, independent protagonist who taught generations to value substance over superficiality
• Emma (Emma) – Charming matchmaker who learns humility and self-awareness
• Elinor (Sense and Sensibility) – Composed, sensible, deeply caring eldest sister
• Marianne (Sense and Sensibility) – Passionate, romantic, expressive free spirit
• Anne (Persuasion) – Patient, constant, deeply feeling heroine of second chances
• Fanny (Mansfield Park) – Moral, steadfast, gentle soul with quiet strength
• Catherine (Northanger Abbey) – Imaginative, good-hearted Gothic novel enthusiast

The Brontë Sisters’ Heroines

• Jane (Jane Eyre) – Independent, moral, resilient protagonist who demands equality
• Catherine (Wuthering Heights) – Passionate, complex, unforgettable character
• Lucy (Villette) – Observant, resilient survivor in Charlotte Brontë’s masterpiece
• Helen (The Tenant of Wildfell Hall) – Brave early feminist challenging Victorian norms
• Caroline (Shirley) – Gentle but determined character facing social constraints

Shakespeare’s Leading Ladies

• Juliet (Romeo and Juliet) – Romantic, passionate, eternally iconic young lover
• Ophelia (Hamlet) – Delicate, poetic, tragic beauty with haunting complexity
• Beatrice (Much Ado About Nothing) – Witty, sharp, independent with brilliant wordplay
• Cordelia (King Lear) – Loyal, honest, noble daughter who speaks truth
• Miranda (The Tempest) – Innocent, wonder-filled, “brave new world” dreamer
• Rosalind (As You Like It) – Clever, adventurous, gender-bending heroine
• Viola (Twelfth Night) – Resourceful, devoted, disguise-wearing survivor
• Portia (The Merchant of Venice) – Intelligent, eloquent, justice-seeking advocate
• Hermione (The Winter’s Tale) – Dignified, wronged queen (predating Harry Potter)
• Desdemona (Othello) – Pure, loyal, tragic innocent

Victorian Literature Gems

• Dorothea (Middlemarch) – Idealistic, intellectual beauty seeking meaningful purpose
• Esther (Bleak House) – Virtuous, selfless Dickens heroine with quiet heroism
• Tess (Tess of the d’Urbervilles) – Pure-hearted, tragic Hardy protagonist
• Bathsheba (Far from the Madding Crowd) – Independent farmer defying gender roles
• Adelaide (Various Victorian novels) – Noble, kind, classic Victorian favorite
• Violet (Victorian literature staple) – Modest virtue personified in flower form
• Florence (Dombey and Son) – Patient, loving Dickens daughter
• Agnes (David Copperfield) – Loyal, steadfast, quietly devoted friend

American Literature Classics

• Scarlett (Gone with the Wind) – Fierce, determined, complex survivor
• Scout (To Kill a Mockingbird) – Curious, brave, unconventional tomboy
• Daisy (The Great Gatsby) – Elegant, romantic (though morally complex)
• Hester (The Scarlet Letter) – Dignified, strong woman who endures scandal
• Isabel (Portrait of a Lady) – Spirited, independent American in Europe
• Antonia (My Ántonia) – Hardworking, vital spirit of the prairie
• Edna (The Awakening) – Self-discovering woman ahead of her time

Little Women and Alcott’s World

• Josephine/Jo (Little Women) – Creative, rebellious, writer spirit (personal favorite!)
• Beth (Little Women) – Gentle, kind-hearted, musical soul
• Amy (Little Women) – Artistic, ambitious, elegant youngest sister
• Margaret/Meg (Little Women) – Nurturing, romantic, responsible eldest
• Marmee (Little Women) – Mother’s nickname, wisdom personified

Looking for strong girl names? Check out our guide to girl names that mean warrior.

Modern Fiction & Contemporary Literature

These 20th and 21st-century names bring literary depth to contemporary sensibilities.

Young Adult Dystopian Heroines

• Katniss (The Hunger Games) – Brave survivor, protector, archer extraordinaire
• Primrose/Prim (The Hunger Games) – Innocent, cherished, healing presence
• Rue (The Hunger Games) – Small but mighty ally with birdsong
• Tris (Divergent) – Brave, selfless, divergent thinker
• Clary (The Mortal Instruments) – Artistic shadowhunter discovering her power
• Mare (Red Queen) – Lightning girl challenging the color-coded system
• Cassia (Matched) – Rebel against the matching society
• June (Legend) – Prodigy fighting for justice

Contemporary Fiction Favorites

• Hazel (The Fault in Our Stars) – Witty, philosophical, courageously living
• Alaska (Looking for Alaska) – Mysterious, complex, unforgettable force
• Margot (Paper Towns) – Enigmatic, adventurous, puzzle-like spirit
• Eleanor (Eleanor & Park) – Unique, brave, red-haired survivor
• Ramona (Where’d You Go, Bernadette) – Observant, loyal daughter
• Liesel (The Book Thief) – Resilient, word-loving book thief
• Ofelia (Pan’s Labyrinth novelization) – Imaginative escapist
• Juno (Juno) – Quick-witted, unconventional teen (screenplay-based)
• Enola (Enola Holmes) – Clever detective sister
• Claudia (From the Mixed-Up Files…) – Adventure-planning runaway

Historical Fiction Heroines

• Kya (Where the Crawdads Sing) – Marsh girl, naturalist, survivor
• Seraphina (The Book of Lost Friends) – Freedom-seeking historical character
• Lavinia (Lavinia by Ursula K. Le Guin) – Aeneid character reimagined
• Circe (Circe by Madeline Miller) – Witch-goddess finding her power
• Patroclus works but Briseis (The Song of Achilles) – Captured but resilient
• Theo (The Goldfinch) – Art-obsessed trauma survivor (male but gender-neutral)
• Marianne (Normal People) – Complex, intelligent Irish character
• Connell works but Lorraine (Normal People) – Supporting but memorable

Beloved Children’s Literature

• Ramona (Ramona Quimby series) – Imaginative, spirited troublemaker
• Matilda (Matilda by Roald Dahl) – Brilliant, magical, book-loving genius
• Sophie (The BFG) – Brave orphan befriending giants
• Charlotte (Charlotte’s Web) – Wise, kind, life-saving spider
• Fern (Charlotte’s Web) – Compassionate pig-saver
• Harriet (Harriet the Spy) – Observant, notebook-carrying spy
• Pippi (Pippi Longstocking) – Strongest girl, unconventional, free-spirited
• Wendy (Peter Pan) – Motherly, storytelling, growing-up advocate
• Dorothy (The Wizard of Oz) – Home-seeking Kansas girl
• Anne (Anne of Green Gables) – Imaginative, talkative, kindred spirit
• Diana (Anne of Green Gables) – Loyal bosom friend
• Mary (The Secret Garden) – Contrary girl finding beauty
• Coraline (Coraline) – Brave button-eye fighting heroine
• Lyra (His Dark Materials) – Truth-seeking, daemon-bonded adventurer
• Hermione (Harry Potter) – Brilliant, brave, loyal best friend
• Luna (Harry Potter) – Dreamy, unique, Ravenclaw oddity
• Ginny (Harry Potter) – Fierce, powerful youngest Weasley

Discover more whimsical options in our fairy names for girls collection.

Fantasy & Sci-Fi Literary Names

These names transport you to otherworldly realms while remaining beautifully usable.

Epic Fantasy Heroines

• Arya (A Song of Ice and Fire) – No-one assassin, fierce Northern girl
• Sansa (A Song of Ice and Fire) – Evolving from naive to politically savvy
• Daenerys (A Song of Ice and Fire) – Dragon mother, breaker of chains
• Brienne (A Song of Ice and Fire) – Knight-worthy warrior woman
• Eowyn (The Lord of the Rings) – “I am no man” shield maiden
• Arwen (The Lord of the Rings) – Elvish evening star, Aragorn’s love
• Galadriel (The Lord of the Rings) – Powerful elvish queen
• Rosie (The Lord of the Rings) – Sam’s beloved, grounding presence
• Evangeline (Various fantasy) – Angelic, good news bearer
• Seraphina (Seraphina series) – Half-dragon musician
• Feyre (A Court of Thorns and Roses) – Huntress-turned-High-Fae
• Nesta (A Court of Thorns and Roses) – Sharp-tongued, powerful sister
• Elain (A Court of Thorns and Roses) – Gentle seer sister
• Aelin (Throne of Glass) – Assassin queen reclaiming her throne
• Celaena (Throne of Glass) – Assassin alter-ego

Sci-Fi Pioneers

• Leia (Star Wars novelizations) – Princess-general-leader icon
• Padmé (Star Wars novelizations) – Queen-senator fighting for democracy
• Rey (Star Wars novelizations) – Scavenger-turned-Jedi
• Jyn (Rogue One novelization) – Rebellious hope-bringer
• Gwen (The Time Machine) – Future world innocent
• Tally (Uglies series) – Pretty-challenging rebel
• Kira (Various sci-fi) – Often meaning “light beam”
• Nova (Various sci-fi) – New star, explosive energy
• Stella (Various) – Star-based science fiction staple
• Aurora (Sleeping Beauty reimaginings) – Dawn, new beginning

Mythology Retold

• Circe (Circe) – Witch finding independence from gods
• Penelope (The Penelopiad) – Faithful weaver retold
• Helen (Helen of Troy retellings) – Beauty worth wars
• Medea (Various retellings) – Wronged sorceress
• Persephone (Various retellings) – Queen of underworld, spring bringer
• Psyche (Till We Have Faces) – Soul seeking love
• Atalanta (Various retellings) – Swift huntress
• Cassandra (Various retellings) – Truth-teller no one believes
• Andromeda (Various retellings) – Chained princess saved
• Eurydice (Various retellings) – Lost love of Orpheus

Historical Fiction & Period Pieces

Names that evoke specific eras while remaining timeless.

Regency Romance

• Eloise (Bridgerton series) – Rebellious, feminist second sister
• Daphne (Bridgerton series) – Diamond of the first water
• Penelope (Bridgerton series) – Secret Lady Whistledown
• Francesca (Bridgerton series) – Musical, quiet Bridgerton
• Hyacinth (Bridgerton series) – Youngest, most talkative
• Felicity (Various Regency) – Happiness personified
• Georgiana (Pride and Prejudice) – Darcy’s shy sister
• Lydia (Pride and Prejudice) – Spirited (if reckless) youngest Bennet
• Caroline (Various Regency) – Elegant society name
• Henrietta (Persuasion) – Lively, affectionate young woman

Victorian Era

• Euphemia (Victorian literature) – Well-spoken, good reputation
• Millicent (Victorian favorite) – Strong worker, industrious
• Clementine (Victorian era) – Merciful, gentle orange blossom
• Lavinia (Victorian literature) – Purity, purified in Rome
• Octavia (Victorian trend) – Eighth, but powerfully Roman
• Theodora (Victorian literature) – Gift of God, empress name
• Genevieve (Victorian romance) – White wave, tribal woman
• Philippa (Victorian era) – Horse-loving, Philip’s feminine form
• Winifred (Victorian literature) – Blessed peacemaking
• Prudence (Victorian virtue name) – Careful wisdom

Medieval & Tudor Period

• Guinevere (Arthurian retellings) – White phantom, Arthur’s queen
• Isolde (Tristan and Isolde) – Ice ruler, tragic love
• Morgan (Arthurian legend) – Sea-born, powerful sorceress
• Elaine (Arthurian legend) – Bright, shining Lady of Shalott
• Nimue (Arthurian legend) – Lady of the Lake
• Rowena (Ivanhoe) – Saxon princess, fair-haired
• Eleanor (Various historical) – Multiple queens, bright one
• Matilda (Historical fiction) – Battle-mighty, empress claimant
• Bess (Tudor fiction) – Elizabeth shortened, multiple queens
• Katherine (Tudor fiction) – Pure, many royal bearers

For more regal inspiration, browse our princess names for girls.

Poetry & Romantic Literature

Names lifted from verses that have moved hearts for generations.

Poetic Inspirations

• Lenore (Edgar Allan Poe) – Light, lost love mourned
• Annabel (Annabel Lee by Poe) – Loveable, hauntingly beautiful
• Ulalume (Poe poem) – Wailing, sorrowful beauty
• Ligeia (Poe story) – Clear-voiced, supernatural beauty
• Evangeline (Longfellow) – Bearer of good news, devoted wanderer
• Priscilla (Courtship of Miles Standish) – Ancient, venerable one
• Maud (Tennyson poem) – Mighty in battle, obsessive love
• Mariana (Tennyson poem) – Bitter, waiting in the moated grange
• Elaine (Lady of Shalott) – Bright, cursed weaver
• Vivien (Idylls of the King) – Alive, enchantress of Merlin

Romantic Era

• Christabel (Coleridge poem) – Beautiful Christian
• Geraldine (Christabel) – Spear ruler, mysterious visitor
• Kubla doesn’t work, but Abora (Kubla Khan) – Mount Abora reference
• Laura (Petrarch’s sonnets) – Laurel, idealized muse
• Beatrice (Dante’s Divine Comedy) – Bringer of joy, heavenly guide
• Francesca (Dante’s Inferno) – Free one, tragic lover
• Rosaline (Various poetry) – Beautiful rose, Romeo’s first crush

International Literature

Names from world literature that cross cultural boundaries beautifully.

French Literature

• Cosette (Les Misérables) – Little thing, victorious people
• Éponine (Les Misérables) – French cavalry, tragic devotion
• Fantine (Les Misérables) – Childlike, Cosette’s mother
• Marguerite (The Lady of the Camellias) – Daisy, pearl
• Céleste (Various French lit) – Heavenly, celestial
• Colette (French author’s name) – Victorious people
• Amélie (Various French) – Hardworking, beloved film character
• Manon (Manon Lescaut) – Bitter, tragic heroine

Russian Literature

• Natasha (War and Peace) – Birthday of Christ, vibrant character
• Sonya (War and Peace) – Wisdom, devoted cousin
• Anna (Anna Karenina) – Grace, tragic protagonist
• Kitty (Anna Karenina) – Pure, younger romantic lead
• Tatiana (Eugene Onegin) – Fairy queen, romantic letter-writer
• Katerina (Various Russian lit) – Pure, multiple tragic heroines
• Lara (Doctor Zhivago) – Citadel, iconic love interest
• Nina (The Seagull) – Grace, aspiring actress

Latin American & Spanish Literature

• Remedios (One Hundred Years of Solitude) – Remedy, ascending beauty
• Amaranta (One Hundred Years of Solitude) – Unfading flower
• Úrsula (One Hundred Years of Solitude) – Little bear, matriarch
• Clara (The House of the Spirits) – Bright, clairvoyant
• Alba (The House of the Spirits) – Dawn, revolutionary granddaughter
• Dulcinea (Don Quixote) – Sweet one, idealized lady

Asian Literature

• Murasaki (The Tale of Genji author) – Purple, first novelist
• Sei (Sei Shōnagon, author) – Star, brilliant essayist
• Sohrab doesn’t work, but Tahmineh (Persian literature) – Strong-bodied mother
• Scheherazade (One Thousand and One Nights) – Noble lineage, story-saving queen
• Mariam (A Thousand Splendid Suns) – Beloved, enduring Afghan character
• Laila (A Thousand Splendid Suns) – Night, younger co-protagonist

African Literature

• Efuru (Efuru by Flora Nwapa) – Beautiful daughter, Nigerian heroine
• Nnu Ego (The Joys of Motherhood) – Twenty bags of cowries
• Tsitsi (Nervous Conditions) – Shona name, resilient character
• Ramatoulaye (So Long a Letter) – West African, letter-writing widow
• Adah (Second Class Citizen) – Ornament, pioneering Nigerian in London

Explore more culturally rich options in our Indian baby girl names guide.

Why Literary Names Are Having Their Moment

Picture this: You’re scrolling through endless baby name lists, and everything feels either too trendy or too common. Then you remember the character who made you believe in yourself, who taught you that girls could be brave, brilliant, and unapologetically themselves. That’s the power of literary names.

The numbers tell an interesting story. According to Nameberry’s 2024 data, literary names have surged 34% in popularity since 2020, with parents increasingly seeking names that tell stories and carry deeper meaning.

This isn’t surprising when you realize that 62% of millennial parents want names connected to their personal interests, with literature ranking as the third most popular inspiration source after family heritage and nature.

Here’s the thing—BookTok and BookTube communities have revitalized interest in classic literature, generating over 89 billion combined views. Victorian and Regency-era names like Eloise, Cordelia, and Beatrice suddenly feel fresh again, not dusty or outdated. They’re sophisticated without being pretentious, unique without being difficult to pronounce.

In an era of digital overload, parents are turning to timeless literary sources for naming inspiration. These names offer substance, a built-in conversation starter, and a connection to something larger than ourselves. Trust me, “She’s named after Elizabeth Bennet” carries more weight than “We just liked how it sounded.”

Explore more creative naming inspiration with our fantasy names for girls.

How to Choose the Perfect Literary Name for Your Daughter

Choosing from 200+ names feels overwhelming, right? I get it. Here’s how to narrow down your options while honoring both the literature you love and your family’s unique needs.

Consider the Full Name Flow

Say the name out loud with your last name. Does it flow naturally, or does it create awkward sound combinations? Literary names often have strong syllabic patterns—Elizabeth Thompson flows beautifully, while Scheherazade Smith might feel unbalanced. Test middle name combinations too. Matilda Rose has lovely rhythm; Matilda Magnolia might be too floral-heavy.

Think About Nicknames

Many literary names come with built-in nicknames. Josephine can be Jo, Josie, Joey, or Posey. Eleanor becomes Ellie, Nora, Nell, or Lennie. Will you embrace the full formal name or gravitate toward a specific nickname? Trust me, considering this now saves confusion later when relatives start creating their own versions.

Research the Character’s Arc

Not every literary character makes an ideal namesake. Ophelia is hauntingly beautiful, but her story ends in tragedy. Daisy Buchanan is elegant, but morally questionable. I’m not saying avoid these names—just know the full context. You’ll be explaining the origin to curious strangers, educators, and eventually your daughter herself.

That said, complex characters often make the most interesting namesakes. Scout isn’t perfect; she’s learning and growing throughout To Kill a Mockingbird. That’s relatable. Scarlett O’Hara is deeply flawed, but she’s a survivor. These nuances can create rich discussions as your daughter grows.

Test the Playground Factor

Picture your daughter at age 5, 15, and 25. Does the name work at all life stages? Katniss might face “Hunger Games kid” comments in elementary school, but it’s bold and memorable. Jane might feel plain to a kindergartner but sophisticated to a lawyer. Neither is wrong—it depends on your family’s style.

Honor Your Reading Journey

The best literary names come from books that genuinely moved you. Don’t choose Hermione just because it’s trendy if you’ve never read Harry Potter. The name should spark joy when you say it, reminding you of late nights reading under covers, book club debates, or that one character who changed how you saw the world.

Balance Uniqueness with Usability

Literary names span from common (Emma, Charlotte) to rare (Scheherazade, Úrsula). There’s no right answer, but consider your comfort level. Will your daughter spend her life spelling Éponine, or will she be one of five Emmas in her class? Both scenarios have trade-offs.

Here’s what I’ve noticed: Names in the “sweet spot”—recognizable but not overused—often work best. Hazel, Luna, Eleanor, and Violet feel familiar enough that people know how to spell them, but distinct enough that she won’t share them with multiple classmates.

Need help with middle names? Our middle names for girls guide offers perfect pairings.

Literary Name Trends to Watch

The literary landscape is shifting, and these trends are shaping which book-inspired names are rising in popularity.

Dark Academia Names: Think Cordelia, Beatrice, Theodora, and Ophelia. The aesthetic movement celebrating classical education and vintage academia has parents reaching for names that sound like they belong in a library with leather-bound books and oil lamps.

Fantasy Feminism: Names like Arya, Feyre, and Aelin reflect our cultural embrace of fierce female warriors in fantasy literature. These aren’t your grandmother’s fairy tale princesses—they’re sword-wielding, magic-wielding heroines.

Nature-Literary Hybrids: Names that work double duty as both literary references and nature names are especially popular. Violet, Hazel, Rue, Flora, and Fern satisfy multiple naming trends simultaneously.

Vintage Revivals: Victorian literature is having a massive moment. Names like Dorothea, Millicent, Winifred, and Adelaide that felt too old-fashioned a decade ago now sound charmingly vintage rather than dated.

Multicultural Literature: As diverse voices gain prominence in publishing, parents are embracing names from world literature—Scheherazade, Ramatoulaye, Mariam, Laila, Sei. These names honor global storytelling traditions while celebrating cultural heritage.

The Stories Behind the Names

Every literary name carries not just a character, but an entire world. When you name your daughter Scout, you’re not just referencing To Kill a Mockingbird—you’re invoking themes of justice, childhood innocence, and moral courage. When you choose Matilda, you’re celebrating intellectualism, magic, and the transformative power of reading itself.

These names become conversation starters. Other book lovers will light up when they hear them. Teachers will smile, remembering their own literary loves. And someday, your daughter will read the book that gave her name and discover a piece of why you chose it.

I’ve watched this happen with friends’ children. Little Harriet discovered Harriet the Spy at age 8 and carried a notebook for months, observing and recording like her namesake. Eleanor felt immediate kinship with Eleanor Roosevelt biographies because she already carried that name’s strength. These connections matter.

The beautiful thing about literary names is their layered meaning. Luna means moon in Latin, but it also means the dreamy, unique friend who sees thestrals and believes in impossible things. Arwen means noble maiden in Sindarin, but it also carries the weight of choosing mortality for love. These names are gifts that keep giving—first as sounds, then as stories, and finally as mirrors for your daughter to see herself in.

Making It Personal

Here’s my advice: Don’t just choose a name from this list. Choose a story. Maybe it’s the book your grandmother read to you. Maybe it’s the novel that got you through a difficult time. Maybe it’s the character who made you believe girls could be heroes, scientists, adventurers, or queens.

Read the book again (or for the first time). Sit with how it makes you feel. Picture holding your newborn and whispering, “You’re named after a girl who saved an entire kingdom” or “You’re named after a woman who wrote her way to freedom.”

That’s the magic of book-inspired girl names. They’re not just beautiful sounds—they’re invitations to adventure, promises of complexity, and reminders that stories shape us long before we can read them ourselves.

Looking for even more name inspiration? Explore our complete collection of unique girl names.

Final Thoughts: Writing Your Daughter’s Story

Choosing from 200+ book-inspired girl names feels like standing in a library where every spine whispers possibilities. You could go classic with Elizabeth or Jane, honoring the timeless heroines who’ve inspired generations.

You could go bold with Katniss or Arya, celebrating the fierce warrior women of contemporary fantasy. You could go poetic with Lenore or Evangeline, letting meter and rhyme guide your choice.

There’s no wrong answer here. What matters is that the name resonates with your story—the books that shaped you, the characters who taught you strength, the words that felt like home when the world felt strange.

When your daughter asks why you chose her name, you’ll have the best possible answer: “Let me tell you a story.” And that story will be woven into her identity, a literary thread connecting her to something larger than herself.

So which book is calling to you? Which character would you want your daughter to carry with her? Trust your instincts, honor your reading journey, and remember—you’re not just choosing a name. You’re choosing the first story your daughter will ever inherit.

What’s your favorite book-inspired girl name? Have you found a literary treasure not on this list? Share your discoveries in the comments below—I’d love to add to my own reading list while expecting parents find their perfect name!

Looking for more naming inspiration? Explore our guides to classic girl names, vintage girl names, and strong girl names to find the perfect fit for your little reader.