Names for November Babies
November is almost upon us, the month that conjures up red-and-gold spangled leaves, exciting football games, and warm family gatherings. There are countless wonderful names relating to November, from Thanksgiving-themed monikers to intriguing literary choices. Whatever your taste, there are dozens of wonderful names for November babies.
Ahab—Known primarily now as the tyrannical captain of the Pequod in Moby–Dick, which was first published in the United States in November 1851, Ahab is actually a name with strong Biblical roots. Simple and straightforward, this is one of the perfect November names for traditional parents who nonetheless want to go somewhat off the beaten naming path.
Anthea—Anthea is an unusual name that was borne by the woman who translated the masterful novel Austerlitz, which was published in November of 2001. Anthea is a lovely and delicate choice that was also given to executive Anthea Disney, a distant relative of Walt. A bonus: a perfect nickname for Anthea is the spunky and streamlined moniker Thea.
Chrysanthemum—Chrysanthemum is the name of the November month flower and also the title of a beloved children’s book by Kevin Henkes, about a young, female mouse called Chrysanthemum who dislikes her name because it sets her apart from her classmates. In the end, she learns to appreciate her name’s uniqueness and view it as a gift of love from her parents.
Brontë—Emily Brontë wrote Wuthering Heights, a classic nineteenth century novel, much of which is set in the month of November. The book is brimming with a number of wonderful classic names, including the timeless Catherine. The author’s surname Brontë is one of the literary November names for girls.
Condoleezza—Condoleezza is the unique, euphonious name of the first African American female secretary of state. The name was her parents’ invention and was based on a musical term connoting sweetness. Stately yet melodic, this November baby name would please any little girl (and give her a strong role model to boot)!
Edgar—Another name featured in Wuthering Heights, Edgar is a classic that is at once royal, literary, and artistic. Edgar doesn’t usually spring to mind when one thinks of popular boys’ names, but that is exactly what this timeless choice is! The noble November name for boys currently ranks at #286 on American popularity lists and an impressive #444 on Nameberry.
Gordon—The name of the November-born Gordon Ramsay, famous/infamous TV chef and restaurateur. The Scottish Gordon has a number of literary ties, and ranks at a modestly popular #635 on Nameberry. It’s one of the handsomest of November names for boys.
Ishmael—Another Biblical Moby–Dick name, this is an interesting alternative to the more popular Isaac and Isaiah. Ishmael currently ranks at #1539 on Nameberry, meaning that it is still undiscovered enough for especially creative parents.
Oceanus—Oceanus is the perfect name for a November baby because it relates to Thanksgiving, being the only baby born on the Mayflower, the famed ship that carried British emigrants to America. Oceanus was also the Titan in ancient Greek myth who rules the waters surrounding the Earth. One of the most ancient and imposing November baby names.
Penn—Penn Badgley, born in November of 1986, is a pop-culture star best known for his role as Dan Humphrey on the CW hit Gossip Girl. Penn is a sophisticated name that also has historic associations. Great on a boy, but could potentially work on a girl as well.
Topaz—The name of the November birthstone, this offbeat name would be a perfect choice for a little November-born girl. The sizzling z-ending would set your baby apart, and make her name especially fun to say and spell!