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Names From Young Adult Literature

GoddessofWisdom
By GoddessofWisdom
Updated Tue May 23 2023
Names from books, specifically young adult books! John Green, Leigh Bardugo, Cassandra Clare, et cetera.
  1. Alec

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Alexander, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "defending men"

    • Description:

      Alec, though an old nickname for Alexander, is much fresher sounding than Alex, with the additional advantage, at least to some parents, of being distinctly male (there are as many girl Alexes these days as there are boys). While Alec has a clipped British image, it's actually one of the classic Greek names for boys, by way of father name Alexander.
  2. Aleksander

    • Origin:

      Polish, Slovene, Estonian, Norwegian, and Danish form Alexander, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "defending man"

    • Description:

      An international variation of classic Alexander, this form has slightly softer sounds, yet feels just as strong. Popular in Poland, the Netherlands, Norway and Slovenia, but familiar in the UK too, short forms include Aleks, Sander, Sandi, and Sašo (Sasho).
  3. Alina

    • Origin:

      Slavic, Germanic, Arabic, Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "bright, beautiful; noble; delicate, soft; defending men"

    • Description:

      Alina has been drifting up the US popularity charts since the early 1980s, and now sits in in the Top 200. But Alina's real strength is in its international flexibility: The name ranks highly in a wide range of European, English speaking, and Latin American countries.
  4. Augustus

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "great, magnificent"

    • Description:

      Parents are beginning to look at imposing, somewhat fusty-sounding names like this one with fresh eyes: they definitely make a strong statement.
  5. Aza

    • Origin:

      Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "powerful"

    • Description:

      Aza is an excellent Arabic choice: elegant and simple. Too simple for you? Consider Aziza.
  6. Alaska
    • Beatrice

      • Origin:

        Latin

      • Meaning:

        "she who brings happiness; blessed"

      • Description:

        Beatrice is back. Stored in the attic for almost a century, the lovely Beatrice with its long literary (Shakespeare, Dante) and royal history is being looked at with fresh eyes by parents seeking a classic name with character and lots of upbeat nicknames, like Bea and Bee.
    • Clary

      • Origin:

        Botanical name or variation of Clare, Latin

      • Meaning:

        "bright, clear"

      • Description:

        There are many variations of Clare and Clara, but this might be one of the simplest and most surprising. Clary can be a diminutive of the Latin name Clara, meaning 'bright' or 'clear,' or it might derive from the herb clary sage, giving it botanical associations. \
    • Cather
      • Hazel

        • Origin:

          English

        • Meaning:

          "the hazelnut tree"

        • Description:

          Hazel has a pleasantly hazy, brownish-green-eyed, old-fashioned image that more and more parents are choosing to share. Former Old Lady name Hazel reentered the popularity lists in 1998 and now is near the top of the charts.
      • Isabelle

        • Origin:

          French variation of Isabel

        • Meaning:

          "pledged to God"

        • Description:

          Isabelle is the French variation of Isabel, which emerged in the Middle ages as an Occitan form of Elizabeth. Medieval queens Isabella of Angoulême and Isabella of France helped popularize the name in the United Kingdom. Isobel is the Scottish version, Isabella the Italian, and Izabel is used in Brazil.
      • Inej
        • Jace

          • Origin:

            Hebrew, diminutive of Jason

          • Meaning:

            "the Lord is salvation"

          • Description:

            Jace may sound like only half a name -- it's usually pronounced like the first half of Jason though some may consider it a spelling-out of the initials J. C. -- but it's a popular choice for baby boys. Jace has been heard on such TV shows as Teen Mom 2 and Duck Dynasty.
        • Jem

          • Origin:

            Diminutive of James or Jeremiah

          • Description:

            This name of the ten-year-old boy in the much loved and acclaimed modern classic To Kill a Mockingbird could find favor along with that of the character's sister, Scout.
        • Jesper

          • Description:

            Jesper is a masculine name of Scandinavian origin, particularly popular in Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands. It developed as a variation of the name Jasper, which derives from Persian meaning "treasurer" or "keeper of the treasure." In Nordic countries, Jesper has maintained steady popularity for generations, appreciated for its strong yet approachable sound. The name combines traditional roots with a modern feel, making it increasingly recognized internationally. While still uncommon in English-speaking countries, Jesper has gained modest recognition through literary characters, sports figures, and cultural exchange. It offers parents a distinctive yet accessible option that works well across multiple languages and cultures.

        • Jordie
          • Kaz
            • Levi

              • Origin:

                Hebrew

              • Meaning:

                "joined, attached"

              • Description:

                Levi, lighter and more energetic than most biblical names, with its up vowel ending, combines Old Testament gravitas with the casual flair associated with Levi Strauss jeans.
            • Magnus

              • Origin:

                Scandinavian from Latin

              • Meaning:

                "greatest"

              • Description:

                Magnus is a Latin name, literally meaning "greatest," that has a Scandinavian feel. It dates back to Charlemagne being called Carolus Magnus, or Charles the Great. Norwegian king Magnus I, named after Charlemagne, introduced it to his culture, and thus Magnus was the name of six early kings of Norway and four of Sweden. It is still a highly popular name in Denmark and Norway.
            • Mal

              • Origin:

                Diminutive of Malcolm, Scottish

              • Meaning:

                "devotee of St. Colomba"

              • Description:

                A nickname for Malcolm that at one point ranked independently on the US Top 1000. It still exists as an affectionate pet form, but you’re unlikely to hear a Malcolm introduce himself as Mal.