Literary Baby Names Inspired by Authors

Evocative of the great Nobel Prize winning poet Pablo Neruda, real last name Basoalito, who took on the surname Neruda to honor a Czech poet of that name. One of the most poetic boy names starting with N, or with any letter, for that matter.

Cheever has a nice, cheery sound, literary ties to novelist and short writer John Cheever and also, sideways, to the Edward Arlington Robinson narrative poem "Miniver Cheevy," as well as a subliminal association with the desirable word achiever: all strong pluses.

Shows some promise via its connection to the growing interest in Ewan.

A British surname that was used only for males until Mrs. Norman Mailer, Norris Church (born Barbara), came under the public eye.

Most often spelled without the final "e"--unless you're a particular fan of writer Bret.

Pretty and distinctive choice for poetry lovers.

Plausible literary name to honor upbeat Armenian-American playwright and prose writer William Saroyan.

Cool and casual, a la humorist Ring (born Ringgold. ) Lardner.

Better hold off and hope for a daughter so you can name her Anais.

A possibility for fans of the mystery writer, but most parents would prefer Dashiell.

The surname of humorist Ring is a new entry in the trendy occupational class -- but watch the lard.

For fans of the (female) author A. S. ; makes an interesting alternative to Wyatt or the hotelish Hyatt.

Pronounced GHEED, this surname of Nobel Prizewinning novelist Andre could make a smooth, sleek middle name choice.

Most recognizable as the name of London-born, America-raised author Jhumpa Lahiri. The award-winning writer was born Nilanjana Sudeshna Lahiri, but her Kindergarten teacher insisted she go by her nickname, Jhumpa.

Briefly faddish a few decades ago when Darrell was cool. But does have a creative connection to poet Randall Jarrell.

To modernize and add some oomph to the dated CASEY, add an O'-and also honor the great Irish playwright Sean.