Comments on: BABY NAMES FROM BOOKS: 20 Lost Literary Girls’ Names

By: Iolanthe

Iolanthe — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 21:20:28 +0000

I love names with a meaning and especially poetic names. My name is iolanthe and uncommon here in south africa. Its fascinating to hear these unique names.

By: Dove14

Dove14 — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:55:39 +0000

Ah I love literary names! Thanks for the post, and keep ‘em coming!

P.S. I also agree that any evil/destructive character names should be noted as such.

By: teabee

teabee — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:37:39 +0000

I have to add my two cents that the character of Briony Tallis is young and confused rather than evil, which is part of why “Atonement” is so compelling. She doesn’t properly understand what is going on and her role in it until the damage is done.

By: EvanescenceDolly

EvanescenceDolly — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 21:52:07 +0000

I love Thisbe and Briony and Fantine and Tamora.

By: dancer4life

dancer4life — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:41:58 +0000

I really love this blog because I love reading! My favorite literary girl’s name of all time is Meg from Little Women. I also really like Catriona, Clea, Fantine, Ginevra, Kamala, Lilia, Malta, Meridian, Prairie, Tamora, Thisbe, Titania, and Trilby.

By: Charlotte Vera

Charlotte Vera — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 03:36:44 +0000

I thought I should add that where I live (in Western Canada) Meridian is pretty much out of the question as a name since it’s what we call the cement/landscaped medians that divide opposing lanes of traffic.

By: Emz

Emz — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 21:44:27 +0000

I actually really like Prairie! If Meadow’s okay now then why the hell not? It makes me think of Prairie Dawn from Sesame Street playing her little piano.

Fantine’s lovely. I’ve never seen Les Mis but I keep hearing all these fab names from it.

Catriona’s perenially popular in Scotland. I see it all the time.

By: twinkle

twinkle — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 20:40:47 +0000

Ginevra (nn Ginger), Ianthe and Thisbe have all been on my list for a long while now – I adore literary names. Fantine is also on there, but the awkward nicknames deter me from using it.

Some of my other literary favourites are Cosette, Eponine, Undine/Ondine, Pollyanna and Cedric (the latter is from Little Lord Fauntleroy).

By: Annika

Annika — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 20:36:09 +0000

Wow, I think you picked out great names, even though I’d agree with Rebecca saying that it might be a little unfortunate to pick out a name connected with an evil character. I think I like Lilia and Ginevra best, even though the latter seems a little out there and may appear too Harry-Pottery… don’t know if I’d ever dare to use it.
By the way: Corinna is quite common here in Germany. I know at least two women with that name.

By: Charlotte Vera

Charlotte Vera — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:15:31 +0000

Persis is also the name of a minor character in the later Anne of Green Gables series. I’ve loved the name ever since I first read it. Although I grew up in India, the only Indian name in the list of favourite girls’ names I gave my husband before our daughter was born was Kamala — it’s beautiful. Both Ianthe and Iolanthe are possible considerations should we have another daughter in the future. Great list!