180+ Shakespearean Girl Names That Never Go Out of Style

Shakespearean girl names carry centuries of literary magic, offering parents the chance to honor the world’s greatest playwright while giving their daughters names rich with meaning and story. Picture this: your little one bearing a name that has graced stages from the Globe Theatre to Broadway, embodying the wit of Beatrice or the grace of Miranda.

I’ll never forget the rainy Seattle afternoon during my college literature class when I first encountered Cordelia in King Lear. As I read about her unwavering loyalty and moral strength, something clicked. Here was a character whose name meant “heart” in Latin, and whose story showed exactly that – a woman of incredible heart and courage. That moment sparked my lifelong fascination with Shakespearean names and their power to connect us to timeless human virtues.

Trust me, you’re about to discover carefully curated names from the Bard’s plays, poems, and the Elizabethan era that inspired him. Whether you’re drawn to famous heroines or hidden gems, these names offer your daughter a connection to literature’s most enduring stories.

Classic Shakespearean Heroines: Leading Ladies Who Steal Every Scene

These names belong to Shakespeare’s most memorable female characters – the ones who drive plots, deliver unforgettable speeches, and embody strength in all its forms.

• Juliet – From Romeo and Juliet, meaning “youthful” in Latin. Despite the tragic ending, Juliet represents passionate love and unwavering conviction.
• Beatrice – From Much Ado About Nothing, meaning “she who brings happiness.” Perfect for a daughter destined to light up rooms with her wit and warmth.
• Rosalind – From As You Like It, meaning “beautiful rose.” She’s Shakespeare’s most resourceful heroine, quick-thinking and fiercely independent.
• Viola – From Twelfth Night, meaning “violet flower.” This name suits a girl who’s both gentle and determined, adaptable yet true to herself.
• Miranda – From The Tempest, meaning “worthy of admiration.” Fun fact: Shakespeare actually invented this name! Your Miranda would be carrying on a 400-year tradition.
• Portia – From The Merchant of Venice, meaning “pig” in Latin (hear me out!). Despite its humble meaning, Portia embodies wisdom, justice, and clever problem-solving.
• Helena – Appears in both All’s Well That Ends Well and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, meaning “bright light.” She represents persistence and hope.
• Hermione – From The Winter’s Tale, meaning “messenger.” Yes, this name existed 400 years before Harry Potter, and Shakespeare’s Hermione shows grace under pressure.
• Cordelia – From King Lear, meaning “heart” in Latin. She’s the daughter who speaks truth to power, perfect for raising a girl with moral courage.
• Desdemona – From Othello, meaning “unlucky” in Greek. While her story ends tragically, she represents purity, loyalty, and forgiveness.
• Imogen – From Cymbeline, possibly meaning “maiden.” She’s brave, clever, and survives incredible hardships through quick thinking.
• Ophelia – From Hamlet, meaning “help” in Greek. Though her story is sad, the name itself is hauntingly beautiful and increasingly popular.
• Lady Macbeth – While we’d use just Macbeth or her historical name Gruoch, she represents ambition and determination (use cautiously!).
• Jessica – From The Merchant of Venice, another name Shakespeare invented. It means “God beholds” in Hebrew, perfect for a cherished daughter.
• Olivia – From Twelfth Night, meaning “olive tree.” Shakespeare created this name too, and it’s become timelessly elegant.

Hidden Gems: Supporting Characters with Star Power

These names come from characters who might not be leads, but they steal scenes and offer unique options for parents seeking something special.

• Celia – From As You Like It, meaning “heavenly.” Rosalind’s devoted cousin who shows unwavering friendship.
• Nerissa – From The Merchant of Venice, meaning “sea sprite.” Portia’s clever maid who proves wisdom comes in all forms.
• Bianca – Appears in multiple plays, meaning “white/pure” in Italian. She represents fresh starts and innocent beauty.
• Emilia – From Othello, meaning “rival.” Despite her name, she’s fiercely loyal and speaks powerful truths about women’s rights.
• Silvia – From The Two Gentlemen of Verona, meaning “from the forest.” Perfect for nature-loving families.
• Mariana – From All’s Well That Ends Well and Measure for Measure, meaning “bitter grace.” She shows resilience and hope.
• Perdita – From The Winter’s Tale, meaning “lost one.” Despite this meaning, she’s found and brings joy wherever she goes.
• Paulina – From The Winter’s Tale, meaning “small.” Don’t let the meaning fool you – she’s fierce, loyal, and speaks truth to kings.
• Charmian – From Antony and Cleopatra, meaning “joy.” She’s devoted, witty, and brings lightness to heavy moments.
• Iras – Also from Antony and Cleopatra, meaning “watchful.” Short, sweet, and full of ancient elegance.
• Phebe – From As You Like It, meaning “bright one.” A shepherdess with attitude and independence.
• Audrey – From As You Like It, meaning “noble strength.” She’s simple, honest, and refreshingly straightforward.
• Titania – From A Midsummer Night’s Dream, meaning “giant.” The fairy queen’s name perfect for a daughter destined for greatness.
• Hippolyta – From A Midsummer Night’s Dream, meaning “freer of horses.” An Amazon queen’s name for strong, independent spirits.
• Margaret – Appears in several plays, meaning “pearl.” Timeless and versatile, with endless nickname options.

Explore our unique girl names for more distinctive choices that pair beautifully with Shakespearean selections.

Shakespearean-Era Inspired Names: Elizabethan Elegance

These names capture the spirit of Shakespeare’s time, drawing from historical figures and naming conventions of the Elizabethan era.

• Rosamund – Meaning “horse protection,” popular during Shakespeare’s lifetime and elegantly vintage.
• Constance – Meaning “steadfast,” representing the virtue names beloved in the 16th century.
• Phoebe – Meaning “bright,” a classical name that fits perfectly with Shakespeare’s mythological references.
• Ursula – Meaning “little bear,” appearing in Much Ado About Nothing as Beatrice’s cousin.
• Dorcas – From The Winter’s Tale, meaning “gazelle.” Sweet and unusual, perfect for animal-loving families.
• Mopsa – Also from The Winter’s Tale, a pastoral name meaning “bee-like.” Quirky and memorable.
• Francisca – The formal name of the Friar in several plays, meaning “free one.”
• Lucetta – From The Two Gentlemen of Verona, meaning “little light.”
• Speed – While typically masculine, this clever servant’s name could work for modern daughters.
• Robin – From A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Puck’s other name), perfect for nature-loving families.
• Iris – From The Tempest, meaning “rainbow.” Goddess of the rainbow in the play’s masque scene.
• Ceres – Also from The Tempest, meaning “goddess of the harvest.” Rich with mythological depth.
• Juno – Another Tempest goddess, meaning “queen of heaven.” Regal and powerful.
• Ariel – Though often considered unisex, this spirit’s name from The Tempest means “lion of God.”
• Caliban – While the character is male, the name’s meaning “cannibal” makes it unsuitable anyway!

Modern Adaptations: Contemporary Twists on Classic Names

Sometimes the full Shakespearean name feels too formal for everyday life. These modern adaptations maintain the literary connection while offering contemporary appeal.

• Rosie – Perfect nickname for Rosalind, capturing her warmth and approachability.
• Jules – A fresh take on Juliet that avoids the tragic associations while keeping the essence.
• Mira – Shortened from Miranda, meaning “wonderful” and much easier for little tongues to pronounce.
• Bea – Sweet nickname for Beatrice that maintains her spirited personality.
• Ollie – Modern twist on Olivia, perfect for tomboy phases while growing into elegance.
• Cord or Cordie – Contemporary nicknames for Cordelia that feel fresh and friendly.
• Dess or Desi – Modern takes on Desdemona that lighten the tragic associations.
• Imo – Trendy nickname for Imogen that fits current naming styles.
• Cel or Cece – Fresh options for Celia that match modern nicknaming trends.
• Nessa – Contemporary shortening of Nerissa that feels both classic and current.
• Sil or Silvie – Modern approaches to Silvia that maintain the natural connection.
• Em or Emmy – Classic nicknames for Emilia that never go out of style.
• Tia or Tani – Contemporary takes on Titania that feel more approachable.
• Phi or Fee – Modern shortenings of Phoebe that match current trends.
• Roz – Classic nickname for Rosamund that feels both vintage and contemporary.

Browse our preppy girl names for names that pair beautifully with these Shakespearean adaptations.

Rare Shakespearean Treasures: Deep Cuts for Adventurous Parents

For parents seeking truly unique options, these lesser-known characters and inspired variations offer literary depth without mainstream recognition.

• Goneril – From King Lear, though perhaps too associated with villainy for most parents.
• Regan – Also from King Lear, meaning “little ruler.” More usable than her sister’s name.
• Tamora – From Titus Andronicus, meaning “palm tree.” Exotic and strong.
• Lavinia – From Titus Andronicus, meaning “purity.” Beautiful sound despite the tragic character.
• Volumnia – From Coriolanus, meaning “rolling.” A powerful Roman matron’s name.
• Virgilia – From Coriolanus, meaning “flourishing.” Delicate yet strong.
• Valeria – From Coriolanus, meaning “strength.” Perfect balance of femininity and power.
• Dionyza – From Pericles, a variant of Dionysus. Unique and mythologically rich.
• Marina – From Pericles, meaning “of the sea.” Popular today but with deep Shakespearean roots.
• Thaisa – From Pericles, meaning “bandage.” Unusual sound with healing associations.
• Lychorida – From Pericles, meaning “twilight gift.” Rare and poetic.
• Cleopatra – From Antony and Cleopatra, meaning “glory of the father.” Iconic but challenging for everyday use.
• Octavia – From Antony and Cleopatra, meaning “eighth.” Roman elegance with modern appeal.
• Fulvia – From Antony and Cleopatra, meaning “blonde.” Historical Roman name with strength.
• Varrius – While typically masculine, could work for modern girls seeking very unique options.
• Escalus – Similarly, some of Shakespeare’s male names could work for contemporary daughters.
• Montano – Another masculine name that could translate to modern girls.
• Lucio – Could become “Lucia” for girls while maintaining the Shakespearean connection.
• Claudio – Could inspire “Claudia” while honoring multiple Shakespeare plays.
• Benedick – Could lead to “Benedicta” for girls, meaning “blessed.”

Shakespearean Names from Sonnets and Poems

Beyond the plays, Shakespeare’s poetry offers additional inspiration for parents seeking literary connections.

• Fair Youth – While not a name, inspires thoughts of names meaning “beautiful” or “young.”
• Dark Lady – Similarly inspiring names with mysterious or elegant meanings.
• Venus – From Venus and Adonis, meaning “goddess of love.”
• Lucrece – From The Rape of Lucrece, meaning “profit.” Historical Roman name with tragic dignity.
• Adonis – While typically masculine, some modern parents use it for girls.
• Phoenix – From The Phoenix and the Turtle, meaning “deep red.” Mythological and powerful.
• Turtle – The dove in the poem, inspiring names like “Dove” or “Columba.”
• Truth – Abstract virtue names were popular in Shakespeare’s era.
• Beauty – Another virtue name that appears throughout his works.
• Time – Personified throughout the sonnets, inspiring names like “Tempest” or “Season.”
• Nature – Frequently referenced, inspiring earthy names like “Flora” or “Sylva.”
• Fortune – Often personified as female in Shakespeare’s works.
• Death – While morbid, could inspire names meaning “life” or “eternal.”
• Love – The ultimate Shakespearean theme, inspiring names like “Amor” or “Cara.”
• Sleep – Personified in many works, inspiring peaceful names like “Serena” or “Quieta.”

International Variations: Shakespearean Names Around the World

Shakespeare’s global influence means his character names appear in many languages and cultures, offering international flair while maintaining literary connections.

• Giulietta – Italian version of Juliet, perfect for families with Italian heritage.
• Juliette – French spelling that adds continental elegance.
• Giulia – Italian variation that could work as a Julia alternative.
• Beatriz – Spanish version of Beatrice, melodic and warm.
• Béatrice – French spelling with sophisticated appeal.
• Rosalinda – Spanish/Italian version adding extra syllables and romance.
• Rosaline – Alternative spelling that appears in other Shakespeare works.
• Rosalie – French derivative that feels both classic and contemporary.
• Ofelia – Spanish version of Ophelia, softer and more accessible.
• Ofélie – French variation with poetic appeal.
• Miranda – Remains the same across languages but with different pronunciations.
• Porzia – Italian version of Portia, adding Mediterranean flair.
• Elena – Spanish/Italian version of Helena, warm and welcoming.
• Hélène – French version with classical elegance.
• Hermiona – Alternative spelling found in some languages.

Shakespearean Name Combinations: Sister Sets and Middle Names

When choosing a Shakespearean name, thinking about sibling combinations and middle names can create beautiful literary themes throughout your family.

Sister Pairs from the Same Play:

• Goneril and Regan (King Lear – though both are villains!)
• Rosaline and Celia (As You Like It)
• Hero and Beatrice (Much Ado About Nothing)
• Helena and Hermia (A Midsummer Night’s Dream)

Sister Pairs from Different Plays:

• Juliet and Miranda
• Cordelia and Beatrice
• Viola and Rosalind
• Portia and Ophelia

Middle Name Combinations:

• Isabella Rose (combining Measure for Measure with Shakespeare’s beloved flower)
• Cordelia Jane (mixing Shakespeare with simple elegance)
• Miranda Grace (tempest heroine with virtue name)
• Beatrice Hope (wit combined with optimism)

Virtue Middle Names in Shakespearean Style:

• Juliet Constance
• Miranda Faith
• Cordelia Honor
• Beatrice Joy

Why Shakespearean Names Are Having a Renaissance

Here’s the thing about literary names – they never truly go out of style, but right now they’re experiencing a remarkable surge. According to Social Security Administration data, literary names have increased 23% in popularity since 2020. Parents are seeking names with substance, story, and cultural depth.

Celebrity influence plays a role too. When Benedict Cumberbatch chose classical names for his children and Helena Bonham Carter embraced literary traditions, mainstream parents took notice. These names represent more than trends – they’re investments in cultural literacy and timeless appeal.

Shakespeare created over 1,700 words we still use today, and his character names reflect universal human qualities every parent hopes to nurture. From Cordelia’s loyalty to Beatrice’s intelligence, these names carry built-in aspirations for our daughters.

Check out our vintage girl names collection for more timeless options that complement Shakespearean choices.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Shakespearean Girl Name

Selecting a name from the Bard’s works requires balancing literary love with practical considerations. Here’s what I’ve learned from years of helping parents navigate these choices.

Research the Character’s Story Arc – While Ophelia is beautiful, some parents prefer avoiding tragic characters. Others find strength in names like Cordelia, whose suffering leads to redemption. Know the full story before deciding.

Consider Pronunciation and Spelling Challenges – Names like Hermione and Imogen can trip up teachers and friends. Decide if you’re comfortable with correction or prefer something more intuitive like Helena or Jessica.

Think About Nickname Potential – Shakespearean names often offer rich nickname options. Cordelia becomes Cordie, Beatrice becomes Bea, Miranda becomes Mira. Make sure you love both the formal name and likely nicknames.

Test the Full Name Flow – Say the first, middle, and last name combination aloud. Shakespearean names tend to be longer, so balance with shorter middle names or consider how they sound with your surname.

Balance Uniqueness with Usability – While Perdita is lovely, it might generate more questions than Julia or Rosa. Decide how much explanation you want to provide throughout your daughter’s life.

Consider Your Cultural Background – Some Shakespearean names work beautifully across cultures (Miranda, Jessica), while others might feel disconnected from your family’s heritage. Trust your instincts about what feels authentic.

I get it – choosing a name feels overwhelming when you want to honor great literature while giving your daughter something she’ll love throughout her life. The beauty of Shakespearean names lies in their proven staying power. These names have survived 400+ years because they capture timeless human qualities we value: strength, beauty, intelligence, loyalty, and grace.

The Enduring Magic of Shakespearean Girl Names

Here’s what makes these names truly special: they connect your daughter to centuries of storytelling tradition while remaining remarkably fresh. When she introduces herself as Beatrice, she’s not just sharing a name – she’s carrying forward the wit and warmth of one of literature’s most beloved characters.

Shakespeare understood that names shape identity. He chose Cordelia for the daughter whose heart never wavers, Miranda for the girl worthy of wonder, and Beatrice for the woman who brings joy wherever she goes. These aren’t just pretty sounds – they’re aspirations, hopes, and dreams wrapped in syllables.

Whether you choose a famous heroine like Juliet or a hidden gem like Nerissa, you’re giving your daughter a name with built-in conversation starters, cultural literacy, and timeless appeal. In a world of trending names that feel dated within decades, Shakespearean names remain eternally elegant.

Which of these literary treasures speaks to your heart? Will your little one carry the strength of Cordelia, the wit of Beatrice, or perhaps the grace of Miranda? Share your favorites in the comments – I’d love to hear which Shakespearean heroine might inspire your daughter’s name and story.

Trust me, four centuries from now, when parents are still choosing names for their daughters, these Shakespearean options will remain as beautiful and meaningful as they are today. That’s the magic of the Bard – creating characters and names that transcend time itself.