20 Baby Boy Names Inspired by Beloved Literary Characters

Heroes we love and the meaning behind their names.

By: Alexa Lisitza

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Leading Characters to Name Your Son After

Searching for the perfect name can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. Consider these characters whose names reflect their strong personalities and stories.

Dorian

Dorian Gray, The Picture of Dorian Gray

Meaning: Descendant of Dorus, a legendary Greek hero

Dorian wishes to remain youthful and beautiful forever. After getting this wish, Dorian’s actions demonstrate how young people often believe they are invincible.

Edward

Edward Fairfax Rochester, Jane Eyre

Meaning: Wealthy or fortunate guardian; prosperity; protector

Edward Rochester is described as a dark character. He is wealthy and spent years rampaging around Europe in an attempt to escape the consequences of his younger self’s decisions. While these two traits are unflattering, his devotion to protecting his first wife after she goes crazy is admirable.

Jay

Jay Gatsby, The Great Gatsby

Meaning: To rejoice

Though his conventions may be questionable, Jay Gatsby pulls himself up by his bootstraps and becomes a symbol of new money. He hosts lavish parties every night in the hopes of attracting the love of his life and strives for the life he dreams of.

Max

Max, Where the Wild Things Are

Meaning: Derived from Maximillian, meaning greatest, or Maxwell, meaning great spring

Max is imaginative and brave. When he suddenly lands himself in a forest among the wild things, Max does not run away but tames them instead. He is independent, resourceful and strong.

Holden

Holden Caulfield, The Catcher in the Rye

Meaning: From the hollow in the valley

Holden doesn’t want to grow up. He wants everyone to stay young, innocent and pure, and rejects the notion of aging. This makes him slightly naïve, because no one can escape the day’s end, but his passion is undeniable.

James

Casino Royale

Meaning: Supplanter; one who takes over

Bond. James Bond. 007. This character is widely known for his smooth attitude, cunning behavior, strength, intelligence and lethal abilities.

Victor

Victor Frankenstein

Meaning: Conqueror

Victor Frankenstein is a scientist who created the monster widely recognizes as Frankenstein, even though the creature is never actually given a name in the book.

Amory

Amory Blaine, This Side of Paradise

Meaning: Brave; powerful

In the beginning, Amory gets everything he wants. He is rich and spoiled but lacks satisfaction in life. He changes his persona to get further in life, but it isn’t until he experiences the war and heartbreak that Amory matures and finds his place in the world.

Marius

Marius, Les Misérables

Meaning: Male

Marius comes from money but wants nothing to do with his parents, who he believes are on the wrong side of the French revolution. He fights for the people, stays by his friends’ side and proves his loyalty to the cause.

Milo

Milo Minderbinder, Catch-22

Meaning: Merciful

Milo is crafty. He uses his smarts to control the black market and is described as being equal parts genius and insane.

Phillip

Phillip “Pip” Pirrip, Great Expectations

Meaning: Lover of horses

Pip is a deeply loved character who many are taken with because of his naivety and romantic ideas.

Mark

Mark Antony, Antony and Cleopatra

Meaning: Consecrated to the God Mars; to be warlike

Mark Antony and Cleopatra had a romance that is widely recognized. By himself, Mark has a series of powerful speeches that play as a call to action and he has the ability to stir passion in the hearts of others.

Rhett

Rhett Butler, Gone with the Wind

Meaning: Ardent; fiery

Frankly, my dear, Rhett just doesn’t give a damn.

Bruce

Bruce Wayne, Batman

Meaning: Thick brush

Bruce Wayne lost his parents at a young age when they were shot by a robber. He chooses to use his inheritance and vast wealth to train and become a vigilante who protects his city from further harm.

Anton

Anton Chigurh, No Country for Old Men

Meaning: Highly praiseworthy

Anton is ruthless, and there are few other ways to describe him. He maintains his values and principles as the story progresses and holds no interest in money.

Atticus

Atticus Finch, To Kill a Mockingbird

Meaning: Man of Attica

Atticus Finch is widely respected by all of the other residents in the town – though this does change throughout the story. He is a widower and parent to two children who he desperately tries to store a sense of good in.

Aslan

Aslan, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Meaning: Lion

Aslan is noble, courageous and strong. Many in Narnia depend on his guidance, leadership and commitment to what’s right.

Augustus

Augustus Waters, The Fault in Our Stars

Meaning: Majestic; venerable

Augustus Waters is a cancer patient who has endured many hardships. He lost his leg but continues to encourage his friends to take what they want out of life.

Darcy

Fitzwilliam Darcy, Pride and Prejudice

Meaning: Dark one; from the fortress

Though Darcy is argumentative, he is incredibly protective of his sister and other women in his life. Darcy does many things for good but does not let others know because he doesn’t ask for credit. He is honorable to the very end.

Oliver

Oliver Twist, Oliver Twist

Meaning: Peace; fruitfulness; dignity

Oliver is the youngest character on this list and was born as an orphan. He is often mistreated but endures and thrives while maintaining his child-like nature.

Check out our top 20 book-inspired girl names.