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If you’re searching for baby names inspired by movies, you are probably invested enthusiastically in your favorite movies and would like to have your baby names after some of them. Movies take us away from the mundane to a world of thrilling adventures, romances, action, emotions, and more. No wonder movies and the characters inspire us in so many ways. Choosing a name inspired by your favorite film or movie character allows you to connect your child’s identity with the traits of your beloved character. It evokes nostalgia and personal significance, making the name more special.
In this post, we have rounded up amazing names from movies and television for you to choose from.
Key Pointers
- Parents often name their children after their favorite on-screen prince, princess, or other characters that inspire them.
- A few popular character names for boys are Noah, James, Paul, and Forrest.
- Popular feminine names inspired by television and film characters are Marilyn, Daisy, Gabriella, and Hermoine.
- Arya is one name that became popular after the television series Game of Thrones.
Popular Baby Boy Names From Movies
1. Noah
The character of Noah from “The Notebook” is one of the most lovable characters in the history of Hollywood. The edgy name surprised the world when it went on to take the first spot in 2012, unseating Jacob after 13-year long reign. The meaning of Noah is ‘wandering’.
2. Naveen
Naveen from “The Princess and the Frog”, is regarded by many as the best Disney prince, in terms of both looks and personality. The moniker is a traditional Hindi name with a sheen of modernity and means ‘new’. Naveen Andrews, the famous actor, is another modern namesake.
3. Clark
The moment we hear the name Clark, the ‘man of steel’ crosses our mind. This strong name, meaning ‘scholar, cleric and secretary’ is on an upswing these days, but the ranking is still very low (#554). Clark Gable, the famous actor, is another famous namesake.
4. Sidney
This unisex moniker, used more for boys than girls, is the name of the famous American writer and producer Sheldon. He even earned an Academy Award for “The Bachelor And the Bobby Soxer”. This French name comes from Saint Denis and is related to Dionysius, the Greek god of fertility.
Trivia5. Charles
Charles is the name of one of the leading characters in the classic movie “The Thin Man”. And it’s also the formal name of Charlie Chaplin, the most famous movie stars of all time. This name, meaning ‘free man’ ranks 62nd in the United States.
6. Frank
The movie “Frank”, released in 2014 is the story of a wannabe musician who joined an eccentric pop band led by Frank. Frank was one of the top 10 names from the years 1880 to 1920 and is well used even today.
7. Lawrence
How can anyone forget the adorable Theodore Lawrence from “Little Women” film? It is also the moniker of one of the greatest movie stars of all time. You must use Laurie as a nickname for your son if you truly want to pay tribute to this fantastic character.
8. James
“The name’s Bond, James Bond.” Our list would have been incomplete without citing the most iconic movie characters of all time. This classic name is a favorite with celebrities as well. Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker named their eldest son James Joseph.
Moreover, James’ Biblical connection also makes it popular among parents. And one of them is McKenzie, a mother of two, a blogger, and a website developer. Sharing her son James’ naming story, she says, “Once we found out we were pregnant with a son, we knew fairly quickly that we would name him James… James comes from the Hebrew verb עקב (abaq), which means ‘to follow, to be behind,’ ‘holder of the heel,’ or ‘he who closely follows.’ I love these phrases and I hope I can teach James to closely follow at the heel of God and be a great disciple of Jesus. If my James were to let God lead his life, that is the best thing I could ever ask for… We can find actual people in the Bible named James and learn lessons from their lives as well (i).”
Quick fact9. Paul
Paul does not just belong to late Paul Walker from the “Fast and Furious” series. It was also the name of a hit movie of the same name. This ancient name currently ranks #192, which is not bad for a baby name.
10. Tristian
“Legends of the Fall” may be a tearjerker, but Brad Pitt’s, wild-at-heart character was far from it. As a name, we think that Tristan is incredibly charming. And it’s an appealing choice for parents looking for an alternative to Christian.
11. Fitzgerald
We believe that you should forget the bad boy from “The Revenant” and imagine how adorable your little son would look with this versatile name. And it has the option for the cutest nickname ‘Fitz’.
12. Forrest
Forrest from “Forrest Gump” may have had to withstand a few runs, but there’s no denying that the name is extremely distinguished. We think Forrest is one of the most unusual nature-inspired names.
13. Flint
Flint is the adorable character from the animated movie, “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs”. This macho, English name is one the rise, along with its cousins Steel, Stone, and Slate.
14. Logan
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We can quite certainly attribute the popularity of this Scottish name to the action hero “Wolverine” played by Hugh Jackman.
Quick fact15. Amsterdam
This city name, not as mellifluous as London or Trenton, was used for Leonardo DiCaprio’s character in “Gangs of New York”.
16. Bartleby
Bartleby, meaning ‘son of the furrow,’ was the name of one of the characters in “Dogma,” played by Ben Affleck. We think it would make a unique literary alternative to the commonplace Barnaby.
17. Patrick
Who can forget Patrick Bateman, the madman from Christian Bale’s iconic movie “American Psycho? This Irish name is currently enjoying a Renaissance as a classic name. Patrick means ‘noble or patrician.”
18. Bjergen
Even though the character of Bjergen Kjergen was played by a female (Drew Barrymore) in “Wayne’s World”, in real life, it would only be used for a baby boy.
Baby Girl Names From Movies
19. Alice
Alice, the curious and imaginative protagonist of Disney’s film “Alice in Wonderland”, has been a baby name inspiration from time immemorial. This classic, feminine name is a shortened form of the French name Adelais. It’s hugely popular in Sweden, where it ranked the most popular baby name for girls in 2009.
20. Ava
Ava is the name of a humanoid robot with artificial intelligence in “Ex-Machina”. This name has become increasingly popular these days, partly due to Hugh Jackman and Reese Witherspoon selecting it for their daughters. A variation of Eve, Ava is the fifth most popular baby name for girls.
21. Audrey
The name brings to mind Holly Golightly, Ms. Audrey Hepburn. But it’s also the character of a character in Disney’s “Atlantis: The Lost Empire”. This name is enjoying a steady popularity these days and currently ranks #40.
22. Lauren
Lauren was the name of Reese Witherspoon’s character in “This Means War”. This popular baby name also nods to the very talented actress Lauren Bacall. The meaning of Lauren is ‘baby laurel’ and it was one of the top 25 names from the early 80s until the year 2006.
23. Marilyn
Marilyn, the stage name of Hollywood’s quintessential golden girl, is rising in popularity these days. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that Marilyn, the combination of Mary and Lynn is a one-person name. In fact, there were more than 700 babies named Marilyn last year.
24. Akasha
This Sanskrit name for the fifth element is the female form Akash, which means ‘open sky.’ This moniker was used by Anne Rice in the “Vampire Chronicles”. The meaning of Akasha is ‘ether’. For the nickname, you can use Akki.
25. Daisy
The much-awaited remake of “The Great Gatsby” did wonders for the name Daisy. It has risen several places since the year 2012 and is currently one of the top 30 names. This energetic and wholesome baby name is also considered a diminutive of Margaret.
26. Juno
The titular character Juno and her boyfriend face an unplanned pregnancy in this movie of the same name. In the film, Juno’s father calls her Junebug for a pet name, which we think is an attractive option if you are thinking of using the name.
Quick fact27. Gabriella
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If you have been humming all time long since you learned about your pregnancy, you should probably opt for a musically inspired name. Gabriella is the moniker of one of the main characters of “High School Musical”. The meaning of this traditional name is ‘God is my strength’.
28. Lena
Lena is one of the central characters from the movie “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants”. We also have Lena Horne, the famous actress, singer and civil rights activist. Then you have Lena Dunham, the American actress. Either way, Lena, the pet form of Helena, is quite a strong name.
29. Barbara
Barbara is the name of the protagonist of the German movie of the same name. Meaning ‘foreign woman’, the name Barbara was incredibly popular in the 50s and 60s. If you want the name to sound a little less old school, spell it as Barbra.
30. Natalie
The name refers to Natalie Rushman aka Black Widow from the Marvel comic series. And fans of ‘West Side Story’ can consider this name for their little one for paying tribute to Natalie Wood. Meaning ‘birthday of the Lord’, Natalie currently ranks #17.
31. Ginger
Yes, Ginger is also a name and is quite famous in America. It was the name of a character in “Gilligan’s Garden”. It was also the moniker of Virginia Katherine McMath, better known as Ginger Rogers.
32. Ingrid
Ingrid Bergman, the Casablanca star gave this classic Scandinavian name has loads of panache and glamor. The name is still not much heard today and could barely crack the top 1000 in the United States.
33. Briony
This unique and lovely name is inspired from the movie “Atonement”. This moniker is so unique that most of your friends wouldn’t even know where it came from. The meaning of Briony is ‘to sprout’.
34. Samantha
Samantha is the lovable lead from “The Brat Pack” series. As a name, Samantha has plenty of nickname options- Sam, Sammy, Sammie, Sami, Samatha and all are equally good.
35. Katniss
Katniss is the kind, loving, yet fearless heroine of the “Hunger Games” trilogy. This slightly unusual and unique baby name has gained immense popularity over the recent years.
36. Hermione
Harry has always been a familiar name, but the name Hermione definitely rose because of the super popular “Harry Potter” series. The film starred the elegant Emma Watson, and her best pals Ron and Harry.
Popular Baby Names From TV Shows
Baby Boy Names From TV Shows
37. Luke
“Modern Family” fans would understand whom we are referring to here. The name garnered widespread popularity in the year 2012, probably because of Luke Dunphy. Its cousin Lucas is even more popular. And it also references to a character from “One Tree Hill”.
38. Campbell
Campbell was never really a favorite name, but witnessed a huge jump since “Mad Men” hit the small screen. The name Campbell is as popular for girls as it is for boys. Even Pete Campbell would be honored by your choice.
39. Parker
The show “Desperate Housewives” may have ended, but the monikers inspired by the characters of Wisteria Lane live on in many kids. Parker, the name of the youngest son of Tom and Lynette is a favorite with the American parents. It ranks 55th on the baby name list.
40. Humphrey
Humphrey B. Bear is the protagonist of the Australian kid’s television series “Here’s Humphrey”. Meaning ‘peaceful warrior’, the moniker also brings to mind Humphrey Bogart, the greatest star in the history of American cinema.
41. Mickey
Mickey is the name of the greatest cartoon characters of all time. Of Hebrew origins, Mickey is the variation of Michael and means ‘who is like God.’ It is currently the eighth most popular name in the United States.
42. Jimmy
Jimmy is the name of one of the primary characters of “Breaking Bad” television series. It also belongs to one of the greatest American actors, Jimmy Stewart. Who can forget his role as George Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful Life”?
43. Cameron
Here’s another “Modern Family” inspired the baby name. Cameron has witnessed a steady rise over the years, not just for boys, but also for the baby girls. This moniker currently sits at the 54th spot on the Social Security list.
44. Theo
Theo is the lovable character from “The Cosby Show”. Your son will have some great sweater style if you name him after Huxtable son’s name. Or you can use it as a short form for Theodore.
Trivia45. Cory
Cory Matthews is the handsome hunk from the television series “Boy Meets World”. This one’s a serious name choice for your son. Your son will have a THANK GOD IT’S FRIDAY in your house every day with a name like that.
46. Milo
An alternative to the typical Miles, Milo became hugely popular after Georgina on “The Gossip Girl” selected it for her son. The name has maintained its place in the top 500-baby name list even after three years.
47. Charlie
It was quite well established that a series like “Downton Abbey” would give rise to a wave of traditional names and that’s precisely what happened. Charlie was the name of Ethel Parks, and Major Bryant.
48. Elliot
Elliot is the name of a character in one of the longest running television series “Law & Order”. This series is now in its 14th season, and the name is still steady on the charts.
49. Finn
The popularity of the name Finn has increased manifold after “Glee’s” lovable character’. If you are expecting twins, call your child Rachel and Finn for a Gleek family.
50. Dexter
This name is inspired by one of the most popular television series of all time “Dexter”. If you can get past the character’s dangerous methods, Dexter is quite a quirky name for baby boys.
51. Nolan
“Revenge” the famous television series took not just the prime time, but also the baby name list by storm. The moniker Nolan, based on the character of the television series, is currently at the 88th spot.
52. Cooper
Cooper isn’t just the last name of one of the “Man Men”, but is also the last name of Sheldon Cooper, the geeky hero of “Big Bang Theory”. It’s the first time a last name has made such a huge impact in terms of baby names.
53. Archie
No, we are not talking about Archie from “Archie’s” comic. This name is inspired by ABC show “Once Upon A Time”. Amy and her husband Will name their child, Archibald, who’s better known as Archie.
54. Preston
Preston is the name of one of Tom and Lynette’s twin babies in “Desperate Housewives”. It’s one of the classiest baby names in our opinion.
55. Shane
“The Walking Dead” gave parents a chance to reconsider the moniker Shane, which was on the verge of disappearance.
Baby Girl Names From TV Shows
56. Carrie
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Naming your daughter after the television icon can never be a bad idea, especially if someone is as iconic as Carrie Bradshaw of “Sex and The City”. Another famous bearer is Emmy-winning character, Carrie Mathison of “Homeland”. The meaning of Carrie is ‘free man’.
57. Arya
Arya, the feisty character from “Game of Thrones” has captured the imagination of the public and how. Some people are using it in its original form while others are using its variation Aria. It’s one of the top 100 baby names now.
58. Vivien
Vivien Harmon was Connie Britton’s character in “American Horror Story”. Meaning ‘life,’ this name would work as great for boys as it sounds on girls. The name currently ranks #140, which is its highest since the year 1950. Vivian is a spelling variation of this name.
59. Judy
How can anyone forget Judy, Monica’s finicky mother from the iconic television series “F.R.I.E.N.D.S”? A short form for Judith, Judy means ‘He will be praised’, or ‘woman from Judea”. This moniker was in its heyday in the middle of the 20th century.
60. Lana
Lana Lang is a character from “Smallville”, a classic television series. This name became famous in the 30s and continued meeting success until 1991. This name is also used, as a nickname is Alana, which is a feminine version of Alan. The name Lana means ‘harmony’.
61. Greta
Greta von Amberg is a character from the soap opera “Days of our Lives”. Greta is the German nickname for Margarethe and means ‘pearl’. This name is currently more popular in Hungary, Germany and Italy than in the United States.
62. Katherine
Katherine Parker is a character from the television series “Greek”, played by Nora Kirkpatrick. This classic name is as loved today as it was ages ago. Keep Kate for the nickname. It was Katherine Hepburn, the legendary star’s favorite nickname as well.
63. Lucille
Lucille Austero was the character in “Arrested Development”, a thrilling television series. It’s also shared by Lucille Ball, the brilliant comedian. Shorten it to Lucy for the nickname. The meaning of Lucille is ‘light’.
64. Shoshanna
Shoshanna is everyone’s favorite girl from the “Girls” television series. This lovely and exotic Hebrew variation of Susannah is loved by American and Israeli parents. Shosh would make a quirky nickname.
65. Felicity
Felicity Porter is the leading woman of the American television series “Felicity”. Despite her same, old haircut and oversized sweaters, people love this beautiful character. And it has a positive meaning too!
66. Charlotte
The name Charlotte is even more popular now than it was when “Sex and The City” aired. This classic, sweet and feminine name is in 19th spot right now.
67. Olivia
The name Olivia, here inspired by the television series “Law and Order”, shows absolutely no signs of slowing down. It has been in the top 10 list since 2001.
68. Haley
Most of the parents were not even aware of this name until it appeared in “Modern Family”. It’s borne by Claire and Phil’s teenage daughter.
69. Marnie
The name Marnie is making rounds already, thanks to the character of Allison William in “Girls”. Lily Allen, British singer also chose it for her daughter.
70. Addison
The moniker Addison gained popularity via the series “Grey’s Anatomy”. This name ranks 14 and shows no signs of slowing down.
71. Lily
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Lily, one of the lead characters of “How I Met Your Mother” is the inspiration behind this baby name. This name has been in the top 20 since 2009. One of the sweetest and most delicate names it is.
72. Daisy
Here’s another floral-themed baby name inspired by Downton Abbey’s characters. Although the name is still seen as a name of the past, it’s making a comeback and remains one of the classic and beloved Downton Abbey Names.
73. Molly
Here’s another name from the past that made a comeback because of the television series “Mike and Molly”. The funny bones Melissa McCarthy played a crucial role in keeping the name in the top 100 in the last few years.
Discover More Names
When you have to choose a name for your baby, a few hundreds of names may not be just enough. Keep digging our mine of baby names until you find that one precious gem.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you use a character name from a movie as a middle name for your baby?
Of course, you can use any character’s name as your child’s middle name, provided it is gender-appropriate.
2. What are some considerations to remember when choosing a baby name that’s inspired by a movie?
When a movie becomes popular, it is common for parents to name their child after its famous character. Ensure that the name you choose is not too common. Imagine how your child would feel knowing he is one of the five Noahs in his class.
3. What are some potential drawbacks to giving your baby a name inspired by a movie?
Movie character names tend to be quite common. Also, if the movie character is negative, your child might be teased about it in school. Or suppose you name your child after a brave character while your child gets scared easily; he is likely to be mocked for it too.
4. Are there any legal restrictions on naming your baby after a movie character?
No legal restrictions or implications exist for naming your child after a movie character.
5. How do baby names inspired by movies reflect cultural and societal trends?
The baby name ‘Arya’ was lost in oblivion until the success of the TV series, ‘Game of Thrones,’ which catapulted the name to significant popularity. Similarly, movie character names become famous after the movie becomes successful and trendy.
6. What character traits inspire baby names?
Many parents are drawn to characters that embody bravery, intelligence, kindness, or freedom. Selecting a name inspired by your favorite character expresses your wish to imbue your child with the traits you admire. For example, names like Noah evoke a sense of depth and romance, while Katniss suggests fearlessness and boldness.
Baby names inspired by movies and TV shows mean a lot to some parents, especially if it is a name that comes from a character they have adored for a long time. These names sound musical to the ears and are pleasant. They have beautiful meanings and are easy to pronounce. So our list above holds many such suggestions. Thus, it is a great source of information to begin your research with and find the most suitable name for your little one.
Infographic: Cool Baby Names For TVholic Parents
TV shows and movies can draw anyone’s attention, whether a child or an adult. If you are a legit #TVholic and thinking of a perfect name for your baby, the names in the following infographic could fit your description. All these names with their meanings are from well-known TV shows and movies. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Have you grown up on a diet of 90’s movies and series? Check out this awesome list of 15 boy names inspired by 90’s series and movies! Perfect for 90’s babies! Get ready to be inspired!
Personal Experience: Source
MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. A Biblical Dive into the Meaning of the Name James;https://www.mckenziesuemakes.com/a-biblical-dive-into-the-meaning-of-the-name-james/
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