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Naming your baby girl can be an exciting endeavor. But with so many choices to choose from and endless suggestions from family and friends, the task may not be as easy as you envisioned. After all, finding the perfect name that captures your baby’s personality and disposition may entail a long search. However, there are some women that you can draw inspiration from – women in history who have worked endlessly to remove obstacles and pave the way for future generations. And what better way for us to remember and appreciate them than naming our daughters after them?
Here is a list of names inspired by some of the most influential women in history:
1. Lola
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The name Lola rolls off the tongue easily and is pleasant to the ears. In addition to that, it invokes the memory of Puerto Rican nationalist Lolita LeBrón. Although not all will agree with her political maneuvers, she was a symbol of strength. She is a woman who dedicated her entire adult life to securing the freedom of her country, and she is still referred to in high esteem by the people of Puerto Rico.
2. Ida
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This name sounds modern while still offering the feel of old-world charm. And it is even more charming when coupled with the fact that it was the name of civil rights leader and journalist Ida B. Wells, who was one of the founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Although she faced innumerable challenges in her lifetime, such as sexism and racism to name a few, she found the strength to fight for her people and the ideals she valued and believed in.
3. Nellie
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Would you like your little one to be named after a world traveler and a groundbreaking investigative journalist? Nellie is the name to choose! This adorable and unique name belonged to Nellie Bay, a dedicated journalist who tackled and shed light on important topics that were well ahead of her time, like immigration and healthcare. She also traveled around the world in 72 days and set a new world record at that time.
4. Elsa
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If you are looking out for a fashionable name for your little lady, Chanel is not your only choice. Although we may know Elsa from the famous movie Frozen, it can also be traced back to Elsa Schiaparelli who was known for being creative and beautiful. A true fashion designer, Elsa garnered notoriety for thinking outside the box and catering to the needs of women. She revolutionized women’s fashion in the early 20th century with her many innovative designs.
5. Tallulah
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This is surely an unusual and unique name. But it is equally beautiful and mesmerizing, just like Tallulah Bankhead. The name means “jumping water,” and it could signify how the actress jumped past her controversial upbringing in order to live her life freely and independently. She, instead, chose to pursue a successful career in acting and fulfill her dreams. Allow your little one to do the same!
6. Emmeline
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Want your baby to be named after someone in the 20th-century Times Magazine’s Most Influential list? Look no further than Emmeline Pankhurt, the woman who was instrumental in ensuring that women in England secure their right to vote. This name means “work” and has German and French origins. And who wouldn’t want to name their daughter after a woman who worked tirelessly for the liberation of women?
7. Serena
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The name Serena means calm, tranquil, and peaceful but also inspires inner strength as it is linked to arguably the most famous female tennis player in the world, Serena Williams. Serena is the epitome of mental and physical health and agility. She has worked hard her entire life and is a true example of what your little one can achieve if they are dedicated and disciplined. It symbolizes how they too have the ability to break through barriers and strive for the very best.
8. Maya
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This name is familiar and delightful, not to mention associated with that of the famous and respected writer Maya Angelou. This beloved writer is known for her incredible body of work. But, although she had talent, she had to overcome several obstacles. Maya did not speak at all for the first five years of her life but went on to become one of the most recognized and celebrated female writers in the world. She used her voice to give life to the stories of those who were ostracized by society and always advocated for the greater good. Her name is a legacy that will live on.
With so many inspirational women to look up to and remember, we are sure that you won’t have a shortage of beautiful names to choose from for your baby girl. Irrespective of what her name is, the most important thing is that she grows up to become a kind, strong, and beautiful person.
