Looking for a baby name with depth, charm, and just a hint of literary flair? You don’t have to name your child “Homer” or “Bronte” to nod to the greats. Whether you’re a lifelong reader or just appreciate a good backstory, these names strike the perfect balance between meaningful and understated—clever without being showy.

Here are twelve literary-inspired baby names (six for boys, six for girls) that feel timeless, not try-hard.

Boys:

1. Gilbert

Etymology: Derived from Old French Gislebert, originally from Old Germanic Gisilberht

Place of Origin: Germanic (brought to England by the Normans)

Meaning: “Bright pledge” or “famous youth”

This Germanic name has several literary connections. While perhaps archaic, this name reminds many a girl of the competent but mischievous Gilbert Blythe from Anne of Green Gables. Not only that, the “G” in G.K. Chesterton stands for Gilbert! As Chesterton himself wrote: “One of the most necessary and most neglected points, about the story called history, is the fact that the story is not finished.” Your story with your baby is just beginning, and Gilbert is an excellent choice!

2. Oliver

Etymology: Likely from Old French Olivier; possibly rooted in Latin oliva (“olive tree”) or Old Norse Áleifr (“ancestor’s descendant”)

Place of Origin: France, possibly with Norse or Latin connections

Meaning: Most often interpreted as “olive tree,” symbolizing peace; alternatively “descendant of ancestors”

The name is perhaps the best known from Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist, published in 1838. The story follows a London waif who, through a series of joys and abundant tragedies, finds a family. The book has been turned into a musical and several movies. If you choose Oliver, consider calling your little one “Ollie” as a nickname!

3. Sawyer

Etymology: From Old English sagu (saw) plus the agent suffix -er

Place of Origin: England

Meaning: “One who saws wood”; originally an occupational surname for a woodcutter

Sawyer does not have the most romantic etymology, but the character from whom this name is drawn is far from boring. The character Tom Sawyer provides the title of a 1876 novel by Mark Twain; the book is a celebration of boyhood and coming of age. Any boy named Sawyer is bound to be all boy, and just as, if not more adventurous than his namesake!

4. Corin

Etymology: Possibly from Latin Quirinus, or a variant of names like Corinus; may also be related to the Greek-derived Corinna

Place of Origin: Latin/Roman origin, later used in English through literary traditions

Meaning: Meaning is uncertain; possible interpretations include “spear” or “of Quirinus,” a Roman deity

No literary list would be complete without a Shakespearean name! Corin is a wise, simple shepherd from the comedy “As You Like It.” He works hard and offers advice and support to the characters. He says,

C.S. Lewis also uses the name “Corin” – he is the boy in The Horse and His Boy. Also known as Thunder-Fist, Corin is the lost prince of Archenland, whose quest to discover his roots forms the center plot of the novel.

5. Edmund

Etymology: From Old English Ēadmund, a compound of ēad and mund

Place of Origin: Anglo-Saxon England

Meaning: “Protector of prosperity” or “wealth protector”

There’s no shortage of literary Edmunds, but two of the most iconic are Edmund Dantès and Edmund Pevensie. The first is the brooding hero of The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas—a man wrongly imprisoned who escapes and sets out to deliver poetic justice. Dramatic? Yes. Legendary? Absolutely.

Then there’s Edmund Pevensie from C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia. Sure, he starts off as a bit of a brat in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, but don’t worry—he has one of the best redemption arcs around. By the end, he’s a loyal sibling and key player in saving Narnia.

With depth, drama, and just the right amount of literary cred, you really can’t go wrong with the name Edmund.

6. Westley

Etymology: Derived from Old English elements “west” meaning west and “lēah” meaning wood, clearing, or meadow.

Place of Origin: Originated in England as a topographic surname for someone who lived to the west of a settlement or in a western clearing. Also associated with various English place names such as Westley in Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.

Meaning: “Western meadow” or “meadow to the west”.

This name invokes all the joy and adventure or childhood. “Westley” is the name of the main hero in The Princess Bride. The novel, penned by the whimsical William Goldman, was first published in 1973. A charming blend of fairy tale, satire, and swashbuckling adventure, it’s got everything—true love, sword fights, giants, and witty banter. It’s both a parody and a heartfelt homage to classic storybook romance. It was turned into a film in 1987 and has since been a staple in many homes. If you choose to name your son Westley, all we shall say is “as you wish!”

Girls:

1. Lorien

Etymology: Invented name by J.R.R. Tolkien

Place of Origin: Literary (Middle-earth, from Tolkien’s legendarium)

Meaning: In The Lord of the Rings, Lórien (also Lothlórien) is the name of an Elven forest realm. The name evokes beauty, memory, and dreams. It’s likely inspired by Lórien, the Vala of dreams in Tolkien’s lore, derived from the Elvish languages he created (Quenya/Sindarin).

Have you ever wanted to name your daughter after a Lord of the Rings character, but didn’t want to commit to something so bold as “Arwen” or “Eowyn”? We have the name for you! A shortened version of Lothlórien, the home of Galadriel, Lorien was a place of rest, peace, and healing for the Fellowship before they continued on their journey. Lorien is a beautiful name that doesn’t expose your nerdom while still incorporating all of the traits we love about the heroines of Lord of the Rings: grace, poise, strength, and beauty.

2. Alice

Etymology: From Old French Aalis, a shortened form of Adelais, from Germanic Adalheidis

Place of Origin: Germanic, popularized in France and England

Meaning: “Noble”, “of noble kind”

Curiouser and curiouser! The name Alice immediately brings to mind the character from Lewis Carroll’s beloved books: Alice in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking Glass. The name invokes curiosity, intelligence, adventure, and just a dash of whimsy! Your little girl named Alice is sure to be precocious and see the beauty in the world.

3. Jane

Etymology: Feminine form of John, from the Hebrew Yochanan

Place of Origin: English (via Old French Jehanne)

Meaning: “God is gracious”

No literary baby name list would be complete without “Jane.” Whether it’s Jane Bennet from Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre from Charlotte Brontë’s beloved novel, or the legendary author Jane Austen herself, the name carries a quiet strength and timeless dignity. Janes are wise, graceful, and peacemaking—never flashy, but always unforgettable. Choose Jane for your little girl, and she may one day echo the words of Jane Eyre: “If all the world hated you and believed you wicked, while your own conscience approved of you and absolved you from guilt, you would not be without friends.”

4. Cordelia

Etymology: Uncertain—possibly Celtic or Latin origin

Place of Origin: Possibly Welsh or Latin roots

Meaning: Theories include “heart” (cor) in Latin or “jewel of the sea” in Celtic

Once again, we would be in err if we did not include a Shakespearean name on our list! Cordelia is the name of King Lear’s youngest daughter. Unlike her older sisters, Cordelia is honest with her father and loves him in accordance with right order. She says:

The girl who has the name Cordelia will be inspired to grow up loyal, kind, and truthful in her words and actions.

5. Cosette

Etymology: Diminutive form, possibly of Nicolette or Colette

Place of Origin: French

Meaning: Victor Hugo invented the name in Les Misérables; it might derive from “chosette” (little thing), a term of endearment

This name is completely unique to literature! Victor Hugo invented the name for a character in his novel Les Miserables. Since its publication in 1862, the story of Hugo’s novel has inspired audiences with its complex characters and examples of virtue and goodness. Cosette is the adopted daughter of the main character, Jean Valjean. Her love story with Marius is beautiful, and the name encapsulates her sweetness, innocence, and resilience.

6. Josephine

Etymology: Feminine form of Joseph, from Hebrew Yosef

Place of Origin: Hebrew origin, French adaptation

Meaning: “God will increase”

The final name on our list comes from one of the most beloved heroines in American literature: Josephine March from Little Women. Known as “Jo” to her family and friends, she’s fiercely passionate—both about her writing and the people she loves. Alongside her sisters, Jo strives to grow in virtue, learning to temper her impulsiveness and trust in God’s plan.

Early in the story, she dreams big, saying, “I want to do something splendid before I go into my castle—something heroic, or wonderful—that won’t be forgotten after I’m dead.” But by the end, she comes to see that faith, family, and quiet virtue matter more than fame.