When we each were preparing the nurseries for our babies to come, one of our finishing touches was cultivating their first libraries. As writers and avid readers, we both wanted to instill that same enthusiasm in our children, while basking in the nostalgia of the many books we loved when we were young.
We all remember the characters we were connected to as kids, and how we felt when we were swept into their worlds. These young protagonists make great namesakes because they embody the traits we hope our children will learn. Whether they’re saving the day, teaching kindness, embracing adventure, or making us laugh, children’s book characters can provide loads of baby name inspiration.
So for this name list, we turn to the classics.
Alexander (Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day)
Just as kids will always find comfort in Alexander on their worst days, we will always love this perennial favorite name. Classic and strong, this name will never be too outdated or too trendy, and it is one that opens up to a variety of great nicknames: Al, Alex, Alec, Lex, Sasha, Xander, and Zan.
Alice (Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland)
An elegant name with old-fashioned charm, Alice brings to mind the whimsy and magic of the most famous Alice herself: the little girl in Wonderland. Variations of the name include Alyce, Alys, and Alise, though we like the classic form best.
Elmer (Elmer the Patchwork Elephant)
We can’t help it–we love the thought of a mini Elmer hangin’ on the playground (with his friends Gus and Clarence, perhaps?). Long gone are the close associations with glue or Fudd. These days, Elmer is an unexpected and just-quirky-enough choice for a new generation of children and their trend-forward parents.
Eloise (Eloise)
Six-year-old Eloise of Kay Thompson’s Eloise books is confident and independent, qualities we’d all want our children to possess. This French name is at once cute for a young girl and dignified for the woman she will become.
Ferdinand (The Story of Ferdinand)
Like the eponymous bull of Munro Leaf’s classic children’s story, this name is bold and strong on the surface yet peaceful and completely lovable. We’d go with Ferdie or Andy for short.
Fern (Charlotte’s Web)
Some. Humble. Name. The little girl at the center of Charlotte’s Web, Fern is a name lagging a bit behind the other botanicals. We think it’s due for a revival, and it’s perfect for parents seeking an earthy, nature-inspired baby name.
George (Curious George series)
Curious George’s mix of troublemaking and heroism will always be endearing, just like his name. George is a name that has managed to stay relevant (it has maintained a steady placement in the mid-100s for the last twenty years and was very popular before that) through the generations. We’ve got Washington, Harrison, Bush, Clooney, Prince George, George of the Jungle, and of course a very curious monkey.
Harold (Harold and the Purple Crayon)
Harold was once the name of kings before it became the name of a boy with his famous purple crayon! It’s a great option for parents looking for a less popular and more formal version of Henry or Harry. Hal makes a short nickname option, and Harold can be spelled like “Herald” for a Teutonic and gender-neutral twist.
Harriet (Harriet the Spy)
A name that is somehow still under the radar (it doesn’t even break the top 1000 names), Harriet follows the trend of turn-of-the-twentieth-century names coming back into usage. We predict Harriet will move up the rankings in the next few years just like its shortened versions, Hattie and Etta.
Lulu (Ladybug Girl series)
If the quick rise of Lucy, Luna, and Lucas is any indication, Lu- names are the new black. Lulu makes a great nickname for boys and girls, or it can stand on its own as a modern nickname-as-first-name choice, like Coco and Gigi. And who wouldn’t want to share a name with the bright and adventurous Ladybug Girl!
Madeline (Madeline)
We clearly aren’t the only people in love with this name. Variations of the name—Madeline, Madelyn, and Madeleine—are listed at #72, #100, and #376, respectively, in the SSA’s list of most popular names. Yet this classic has been around forever, and its positive associations–the Madeline books, as well as famous actresses, dancers, writers, and stateswomen–make this a name that will never go out of style.
Maisy (Maisy series)
Also a nickname for Margaret, this vintage name has only recently seen a jump in popularity (probably due to actress Maisie Williams of Game of Thrones fame and not the adorable mouse from the Maisy books). With hints of the floral name Daisy, Maisy’s zippy -y ending will stand out from the crowd of Emmas and Olivias.
Max (Where the Wild Things Are)
The name Max is always a solid choice, though it seems more popular than it is because of all its longer-version variations (Maximilian, Maxim, Maxwell, Maxfield, Maxine . . .). Max is a strong name that will make your child as unforgettable as the Max who sails to where the wild things are. “Let the wild rumpus start!”
Millie (Max and Millie series)
We just mentioned Max, so now we’re on to Millie! We are wild about the name Millie, and other parents seem to agree. Not quite popular but moving steadily up the US charts, Millie is name that is both playful and solemn, inviting parents to jump feet first into the trend of using traditional nicknames as first names. After all, Meghan and Harry named their son Archie!
Pete (Pete the Cat series/The Snowy Day)
Peter is a traditional name that transcends the ages, and that’s a win in our book. But we’re really loving the choice of short form Pete over Peter as a full name. Plus if it imparts any of Pete the Cat’s chilled-out attitude onto a baby, it’s a name we can get behind.
Ramona (Ramona the Brave)
In our memories, this name is forever tied to the amazing books by Beverly Cleary, and that’s a good thing! Ramona Quimby is a whirlwind of energy, full of boundless vibrancy and imagination–great associations for any child. The name Ramona was given an extra dose of cool when Maggie Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard chose it for their first daughter.
Stuart (Stuart Little)
A “surname baby name,” Stuart (or Stewart) made the move from last name to first name a long time ago, and it’s hung around for good reason. We imagine little baby Stu toddling around in his bowtie and suspenders . . . just before taking off into a run to climb up an impossibly high set of stairs!
Tallulah (Tallulah series)
The character Tallulah is a determined ballerina, but her name is fit for a movie star (like Tallulah Bankhead, the husky-voiced, devastatingly witty actress from the Golden Age of Hollywood). The -lah ending reminds us of Delilah, which is now at its most popular, breaking into the top 100 baby names for the first time in 2018. And since Tallulah’s right on board with the current lu- trend, it’s sure to make its way into the top 1000 soon.
That’s our list of the best children’s book baby names! Who are your favorite children’s book characters? And would you name your baby after them?
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Falta Bastián de la historia Interminable:)