The Harry Potter series isn’t just books and movies, it’s a cultural phenomenon that’s shaped a generation. From the moment Harry stepped onto Platform 9¾, J.K. Rowling’s magical world captured our hearts and hasn’t let go.
For parents-to-be who grew up with Harry Potter, naming a child after a beloved character feels like passing down a cherished piece of childhood magic. These names carry rich stories, powerful personalities, and often hidden meanings that go beyond just sounding cool.
What makes Harry Potter names so appealing? They strike that perfect balance—unique enough to stand out but familiar enough to spell and pronounce. They range from quintessentially British classics to invented magical terms that somehow still work perfectly as names.
Looking for names that carry significance and character? The wizarding world offers plenty of names that mean brave heroes, clever witches, and magical beings.
Harry Potter Baby Names
Popular Gryffindor Names
Gryffindor house values bravery, daring, and chivalry. These names embody courage and noble spirit—perfect for a child you hope might charge fearlessly into life’s adventures.
- Harry – English, Germanic origin meaning “home ruler” or “army commander.” The brave protagonist who repeatedly faced Voldemort.
- Hermione – Greek origin meaning “messenger” or “earthly.” The brilliant witch whose intelligence was matched only by her courage.
- Ronald/Ron – Norse origin meaning “ruler’s counselor.” Harry’s loyal best friend who overcame his fears time and again.
- Minerva – Latin origin, named after the Roman goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare. The formidable Transfiguration professor and Gryffindor Head of House.
- Neville – French/Norman origin meaning “new town.” The initially timid boy who grew into one of Hogwarts’ greatest heroes.
- Godric – Germanic origin meaning “power of God” or “good ruler.” The legendary founder of Gryffindor House.
- Lily – English flower name symbolizing purity and beauty. Harry’s brave mother who sacrificed herself to save him.
- Remus – Latin origin referring to one of Rome’s legendary founders raised by wolves. The kind-hearted werewolf professor.
- Sirius – Greek origin meaning “burning” or “scorching,” named after the Dog Star. Harry’s fiercely loyal godfather.
- Ginevra/Ginny – Italian form of “Guinevere” meaning “fair one” or “white shadow.” The spirited youngest Weasley who never backed down from a fight.
If you’re looking for more names that embody courage like these Gryffindors, explore these names that mean brave for additional options.
Popular Ravenclaw Names
Ravenclaw house celebrates intelligence, creativity, and wisdom. These names are perfect for parents hoping to inspire a love of learning and originality in their children.
- Luna – Latin origin meaning “moon.” The dreamy, insightful Ravenclaw who saw things others missed.
- Rowena – Celtic/Germanic origin possibly meaning “famous friend” or “white-haired.” The brilliant founder of Ravenclaw House.
- Filius – Latin origin meaning “son.” The charming, tiny Charms professor and Ravenclaw Head who was a dueling champion.
- Cho – Chinese origin meaning “butterfly.” The talented Ravenclaw Seeker and Harry’s first crush.
- Garrick – Germanic origin meaning “spear power” or “rule by spear.” The name of wandmaker Ollivander (a Ravenclaw according to Pottermore).
- Myrtle – English plant name. The ghost who haunts the girls’ bathroom and was a Ravenclaw in life.
- Padma – Sanskrit origin meaning “lotus.” Parvati’s twin sister who was sorted into Ravenclaw.
- Quirinus – Latin origin named after the Roman god of war. Professor Quirrell taught Defense Against the Dark Arts and was from Ravenclaw House.
- Roger – Germanic origin meaning “famous spear.” The Ravenclaw Quidditch captain.
- Helena – Greek origin meaning “bright, shining light.” The Grey Lady ghost, daughter of Rowena Ravenclaw.
For parents drawn to intellectual names like these Ravenclaws, you might find these names that mean knowledge particularly appealing.
Popular Slytherin Names
Slytherin house values ambition, cunning, and determination. Despite some dark associations, these names carry power and distinction that might appeal to many parents.
- Draco – Latin origin meaning “dragon” or “serpent.” The complex Slytherin rival to Harry with a remarkable character arc.
- Severus – Latin origin meaning “stern” or “serious.” The complicated potions master with one of the series’ most compelling stories.
- Salazar – Spanish/Portuguese origin possibly meaning “old hall.” The ambitious founder of Slytherin House.
- Regulus – Latin origin meaning “little king” or “prince,” also a star name. Sirius’s brother who defied Voldemort in the end.
- Narcissa – Greek origin referring to the myth of Narcissus, suggesting “self-love.” Draco’s mother whose love for her son ultimately helped Harry.
- Bellatrix – Latin origin meaning “female warrior” or “war-like.” The fiercely loyal but dangerous Death Eater.
- Andromeda – Greek origin referring to the mythological princess and galaxy. The Slytherin who broke family tradition by marrying a Muggle-born.
- Blaise – French/Latin origin meaning “to stutter” or “lisper.” The sophisticated, reserved Slytherin in Harry’s year.
- Theodore/Theo – Greek origin meaning “gift of God.” The intelligent, less antagonistic Slytherin student.
- Merlin – Welsh/Celtic origin, legendary wizard. According to Potter lore, this famous wizard was actually a Slytherin!
For those drawn to powerful, commanding names like these Slytherins, explore these names that mean power for complementary options.
Popular Hufflepuff Names
Hufflepuff house celebrates loyalty, hard work, and fairness. These names carry warmth and steadfastness, perfect for a child you hope will value friendship and justice.
- Cedric – Celtic origin meaning “kindly” or “loved.” The fair and honorable Hufflepuff champion in the Triwizard Tournament.
- Helga – Scandinavian origin meaning “holy” or “blessed.” The kind-hearted founder of Hufflepuff House.
- Nymphadora – Greek origin meaning “gift of the nymphs.” The cheerful, clumsy Metamorphmagus with a heart of gold.
- Pomona – Latin origin named after the Roman goddess of fruit trees and gardens. The cheerful Herbology professor and Hufflepuff Head.
- Newt – English origin, short for “Newton” meaning “new town.” The magizoologist protagonist of Fantastic Beasts who was a Hufflepuff.
- Hannah – Hebrew origin meaning “grace.” The kind-hearted Hufflepuff who later married Neville Longbottom.
- Susan – Hebrew origin meaning “lily” or “rose.” The loyal Hufflepuff member of Dumbledore’s Army.
- Ernie – German origin, short for “Ernest” meaning “serious, determined.” The dignified, principled Hufflepuff prefect.
- Justin – Latin origin meaning “fair, righteous.” The friendly Muggle-born Hufflepuff in Harry’s year.
- Teddy – English origin, diminutive of “Edward” or “Theodore” meaning “wealthy guardian” or “gift of God.” Remus and Tonks’ son who was sorted into Hufflepuff.
If you appreciate names representing loyalty like these Hufflepuffs, you might enjoy browsing names that mean loyal for more inspiration.
Baby Girl Names inspired by Harry Potter
The wizarding world offers a wonderful array of feminine names that balance uniqueness with wearability. These magical girl names come with built-in character and significance.
- Hermione – Greek origin meaning “messenger” or “earthly.” The brightest witch of her age.
- Luna – Latin origin meaning “moon.” The dreamy, insightful Ravenclaw.
- Ginevra/Ginny – Italian form of “Guinevere” meaning “fair one” or “white shadow.” The fierce, talented witch.
- Minerva – Latin origin, named after the Roman goddess of wisdom. The stern but fair Transfiguration professor.
- Lily – English flower name symbolizing purity. Harry’s kind-hearted, talented mother.
- Fleur – French origin meaning “flower.” The beautiful Beauxbatons champion.
- Rowena – Celtic/Germanic origin possibly meaning “famous friend.” The brilliant Ravenclaw founder.
- Molly – Hebrew variant of “Mary” meaning “bitter” or “wished-for child.” The loving, fierce Weasley matriarch.
- Nymphadora – Greek origin meaning “gift of the nymphs.” The shape-shifting Auror with a bubbly personality.
- Lavender – English flower name. Ron’s briefly passionate girlfriend.
- Angelina – Latin origin meaning “messenger angel.” The talented Gryffindor Quidditch captain.
- Parvati – Sanskrit origin meaning “daughter of the mountains.” The pretty Gryffindor twin.
- Padma – Sanskrit origin meaning “lotus.” Parvati’s equally beautiful Ravenclaw twin.
- Sybill – Greek origin referring to female prophets. The eccentric Divination professor.
- Arabella – Latin origin meaning “beautiful altar.” The Squib neighbor who watched over Harry.
- Wilhelmina – Germanic origin meaning “determined protector.” The Care of Magical Creatures substitute.
- Poppy – English flower name. Hogwarts’ kind-hearted nurse Madam Pomfrey.
- Rolanda – Germanic origin meaning “famous land.” The no-nonsense flying instructor.
- Charity – English virtue name. The Muggle Studies professor.
- Olympe – Greek origin referring to Mount Olympus. The impressive Beauxbatons headmistress.
For parents drawn to names with magical qualities like Luna, consider exploring these names that mean magical for additional enchanting options.
Harry Potter Boy Names
From brave heroes to complex villains, the wizarding world offers a variety of masculine names that stand out while still feeling wearable in the Muggle world.
- Harry – English, Germanic origin meaning “home ruler” or “army commander.” The courageous protagonist.
- Ronald/Ron – Norse origin meaning “ruler’s counselor.” Harry’s loyal best friend.
- Neville – French/Norman origin meaning “new town.” The unexpectedly heroic Gryffindor.
- Draco – Latin origin meaning “dragon” or “serpent.” The complex Slytherin rival.
- Sirius – Greek origin meaning “burning” or named after the Dog Star. Harry’s rebellious godfather.
- Remus – Latin origin referring to Rome’s legendary founder. The kind werewolf professor.
- Albus – Latin origin meaning “white” or “bright.” The wise, powerful headmaster.
- Severus – Latin origin meaning “stern” or “serious.” The complicated potions master.
- Cedric – Celtic origin meaning “kindly” or “loved.” The fair Hufflepuff champion.
- George – Greek origin meaning “farmer” or “earth-worker.” The mischievous Weasley twin.
- Frederick/Fred – Germanic origin meaning “peaceful ruler.” George’s equally mischievous twin.
- Percy – French origin, short for “Percival” meaning “pierce the valley.” The ambitious Weasley brother.
- William/Bill – Germanic origin meaning “determined protector.” The cool curse-breaker.
- Charles/Charlie – Germanic origin meaning “free man.” The dragon-taming Weasley.
- Kingsley – English origin meaning “king’s meadow.” The powerful Auror and future Minister.
- Rubeus – Latin origin meaning “red” or “ruddy.” The gentle half-giant gamekeeper.
- Filius – Latin origin meaning “son.” The charming Charms professor.
- Seamus – Irish form of “James” meaning “supplanter.” The pyrotechnically-inclined Gryffindor.
- Dean – English origin meaning “valley” or Greek meaning “from Delos.” The artistic Gryffindor.
- Viktor – Latin origin meaning “conqueror.” The famous Bulgarian Seeker.
Parents looking for strong, brave names like many of these wizard monikers might also enjoy these names that mean warrior for additional powerful options.
Gender Neutral Harry Potter Names
The wizarding world offers names that work beautifully regardless of gender, giving parents flexible options with magical connections.
- Avery – English origin meaning “ruler of elves.” A Slytherin student mentioned in the books.
- Rowan – Scottish/Irish origin meaning “little red one” or referring to the rowan tree. A sacred tree in wizarding wand-making.
- Phoenix – Greek origin referring to the mythical bird that regenerates. Dumbledore’s animal companion.
- Quinn – Irish origin meaning “wisdom” or “counsel.” A player on the Kenmare Kestrels Quidditch team.
- Sage – Latin origin meaning “wise.” A fitting magical herb name from potions class.
- Morgan – Welsh origin meaning “sea-born” or associated with Arthurian legend. References magical history.
- Aubrey – German origin meaning “elf ruler.” Mentioned as a Hogwarts student.
- Blair – Scottish origin meaning “plain, field.” Appears in wizarding family names.
- Elliot – Hebrew/Greek origin meaning “the Lord is my God” or “height.” A surname mentioned in wizarding families.
- Jordan – Hebrew origin meaning “flowing down.” Like Lee Jordan, the Quidditch commentator.
- Marlowe – English origin meaning “driftwood.” Similar to Marlene McKinnon of the original Order.
- Finn – Irish origin meaning “fair” or “white.” Similar to Finnigan, Seamus’s last name.
- Emerson – German origin meaning “son of Emery” or “brave, powerful.” Has a wizarding feel.
- Hollis – English origin meaning “dweller by the holly trees.” Holly is an important wand wood.
- Winter – English seasonal name. Evokes magical imagery common in the series.
- Ash – English origin referring to the ash tree. Another important wandmaking wood.
- Robin – Germanic origin meaning “bright fame.” Mentioned in wizarding world texts.
- Merlin – Welsh/Celtic origin, legendary wizard. Referenced frequently in wizarding expressions.
- Fawkes – English variant of “Faulkes” meaning “falcon.” Named after Dumbledore’s phoenix.
- Briar – English origin meaning “thorny patch.” Evokes the magical feel of fairy tales connected to the wizarding world.
For those seeking more gender-neutral names with magical qualities, you might explore these names that mean mysterious for additional options.
Understanding Harry Potter Names
What Makes a Name “Harry Potter-inspired”?
When we talk about Harry Potter names, we’re typically referring to:
- Character names from the seven books and eight movies
- Spell names that sound fitting for a child (like Aurora)
- Magical creature names that work as human names (like Phoenix)
- Location names from the wizarding world (like Godric)
Harry Potter naming inspiration comes in different layers of obviousness. There’s the unmistakable “Hermione” that immediately announces your Potter fandom, and then more subtle nods like “Lily” that only fellow fans might connect to Harry’s mother.
Main vs. Secondary Characters
The series gives us options ranging from front-and-center heroes to fascinating background characters:
- Main characters: Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Draco
- Secondary characters: Luna, Neville, Cedric, Cho, Seamus
- Background characters: Rolanda, Arabella, Penelope
Some of the most interesting name options actually come from characters with minor roles but major naming appeal!
If you’re drawn to names with mystical qualities, you might also enjoy browsing names that mean mysterious for additional inspiration.
Comprehensive List of Names
Boys’ Names from the Wizarding World
Main Character Names
| Name | Character | Meaning/Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Harry | The Boy Who Lived | “Army ruler,” English |
| Ronald/Ron | Harry’s loyal best friend | “Ruler’s advisor,” Norse |
| Draco | Slytherin rival | “Dragon,” Latin |
| Albus | Wise headmaster | “White, bright,” Latin |
| Severus | Complex potions master | “Stern, severe,” Latin |
| Rubeus | Gentle half-giant | “Red, ruddy,” Latin |
Secondary Character Names
- Neville – Brave Gryffindor who comes into his own
- Cedric – Handsome and fair Hufflepuff champion
- Seamus – Irish Gryffindor with pyrotechnic tendencies
- Dean – Artistic Gryffindor and Seamus’s best friend
- Percy – Ambitious Weasley brother
- George and Fred – Mischievous twins
- Bill – Cool curse-breaker Weasley
- Charlie – Dragon-taming Weasley
Unique and Lesser-Known Names
- Kingsley – Powerful auror and future Minister
- Filius – Charms professor
- Aberforth – Albus’s brother
- Gideon – Member of the original Order
- Xenophilius – Luna’s eccentric father
- Garrick – Wandmaker
- Cormac – Arrogant Gryffindor
- Regulus – Sirius’s redemptive brother
For those looking for more names with magical qualities, check out these names that mean miracle which might complement your Harry Potter-themed naming journey.
Girls’ Names from the Wizarding World
Main Character Names
| Name | Character | Meaning/Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Hermione | Brilliant witch | “Messenger,” Greek |
| Ginevra/Ginny | Fierce Weasley | “White wave,” Italian |
| Luna | Quirky Ravenclaw | “Moon,” Latin |
| Minerva | Transfiguration professor | Roman goddess of wisdom |
| Bellatrix | Dark witch | “Female warrior,” Latin |
| Nymphadora | Metamorphmagus | “Gift of the nymphs,” Greek |
Secondary Character Names
- Cho – Ravenclaw seeker
- Lavender – Ron’s brief girlfriend
- Parvati – Gryffindor student
- Padma – Ravenclaw twin
- Hannah – Kind Hufflepuff
- Susan – Loyal Hufflepuff
- Fleur – Triwizard champion
- Molly – Motherly Weasley matriarch
Unique and Lesser-Known Names
- Pomona – Herbology professor
- Rolanda – Flying instructor
- Wilhelmina – Care of Magical Creatures substitute
- Arabella – Squib neighbor
- Andromeda – Tonks’s mother
- Narcissa – Draco’s mother
- Rowena – Ravenclaw founder
- Helga – Hufflepuff founder
If you’re drawn to celestial Harry Potter names like Luna, you might enjoy exploring more names that mean moon for additional inspiration.
Unisex Names from the Series
While the wizarding world tends toward traditional gender roles, there are still some names that work beautifully for any child:
- Avery – A Slytherin student
- Blaise – Slytherin in Harry’s year
- Quinn – Quidditch player mentioned in passing
- Rowan – Name in magical history
- Phoenix – Not a character but a magical creature
- Merlin – Legendary wizard referenced often
For those seeking gender-neutral options with magical connections, exploring names that mean transformation might yield some inspiring choices.
Meanings and Origins: The Magic of Rowling’s Naming Choices
J.K. Rowling didn’t just pick names that sounded nice—she crafted them with layers of meaning that hint at character traits, futures, and hidden identities.
Meaningful Character Names
- Sirius Black: Named after the “Dog Star,” foreshadowing his Animagus form
- Remus Lupin: “Remus” references one of Rome’s founders raised by wolves, while “Lupin” comes from “lupine” meaning wolf-like—perfect for a werewolf
- Albus Dumbledore: “Albus” means white (representing good), while “dumbledore” is an old English word for bumblebee (Rowling imagined him humming to himself)
- Severus Snape: “Severus” suggests his stern nature, while “Snape” sounds like “snake” and “snide”
- Minerva McGonagall: Named after the Roman goddess of wisdom and warfare
Rowling’s Naming Patterns
Rowling often uses:
- Alliteration: Severus Snape, Minerva McGonagall, Rowena Ravenclaw
- Latin roots: Many spell names and character names come from Latin
- Star names: The Black family names members after stars and constellations (Sirius, Regulus, Andromeda)
- Character traits: Names that reflect personality (Lupin the werewolf, Malfoy from “mal foi” meaning “bad faith”)
If you appreciate names with deeper meanings like those Rowling created, you might find names that mean knowledge particularly appealing.
Tips for Choosing a Harry Potter-Inspired Name
Thinking of giving your child a wizarding name? Here are some things to consider:
Match Character Traits to Your Hopes for Your Child
Think about what qualities you admire:
- Bravery and courage: Harry, Neville, Ginny
- Intelligence and wisdom: Hermione, Minerva, Rowena
- Loyalty and kindness: Ron, Molly, Cedric
- Creativity and uniqueness: Luna, Fred, George
I love the idea of naming a child after a character whose qualities you hope they’ll embody. My friend named her daughter Luna, hoping she’d grow up with the same open-mindedness and acceptance of others.
Consider Practicality
Let’s be real—some wizarding names might be tough in the Muggle world:
- Pronunciation challenges: Will teachers correctly say “Hermione” on the first day of school?
- Spelling issues: Will your child spend their life spelling “Xenophilius”?
- Nickname potential: “Nymphadora” is a mouthful, but “Dora” works perfectly
Balance Uniqueness with Usability
The sweet spot is a name that’s:
- Recognizable enough that people can pronounce it
- Unique enough that your child won’t be one of five in their class
- Versatile enough to grow with your child from playground to professional life
For those seeking balance between uniqueness and usability, browsing names that mean balance might provide some complementary options.
Popularity Trends: From Obscurity to Nursery
The Harry Potter effect on baby naming is real! Since the books began publishing in 1997, several previously obscure names have skyrocketed in popularity.
Names That Soared Thanks to Harry Potter
- Luna: Before Luna Lovegood appeared in the fifth book, this name was barely used. By 2018, it ranked in the top 25 girls’ names in the US.
- Hermione: This classical Greek name was virtually unknown to most people before becoming synonymous with Emma Watson’s character.
- Draco: Once considered too draconian, this name has seen modest but steady growth despite the character’s villainous role.
Statistics Worth Noting
- Luna saw over 2,000% increase in usage from 2002 to 2020
- Hermione jumped from virtually unused to hundreds of babies per year
- Boys’ names like Harry, Ron, and Neville saw smaller but notable bumps
- Names of “good” characters generally outperform “villain” names (though Bellatrix and Draco have their fans!)
If you’re interested in names that have gained popularity through storytelling, you might also enjoy exploring names that mean storyteller or messenger for additional inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it okay to name my child after a villain?
Absolutely! Some of the most compelling names in the series belong to complex or villainous characters. Names like Draco, Bellatrix, and Narcissa sound gorgeous regardless of character alignment. Plus, most people outside hardcore fans won’t immediately make the connection.
Remember that in the real world, your child will define their name’s meaning—not the other way around!
Will my child be teased for having a “weird” Harry Potter name?
It depends on how obscure you go. Names like Luna, Lily, and even Hermione have become mainstream enough that they don’t immediately scream “Harry Potter” anymore. However, naming your child “Albus Severus” might lead to some playground comments.
The good news is that today’s parents grew up with Harry Potter, so these names don’t seem as strange to our generation as they might have to our parents!
Will these names age well as my child grows up?
Many Harry Potter names have historical roots that predate the series:
- Hermione appears in Shakespeare
- Luna is literally the moon in Latin
- Cedric was a common medieval name
These names have stood the test of time already and will likely continue to do so. The most timeless options are those with historical usage before Harry Potter made them popular again.
For parents concerned with timelessness, exploring names that mean eternal might provide additional peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Naming your child is one of the first gifts you give them, and drawing inspiration from stories that moved you adds an extra layer of meaning. Harry Potter names offer that perfect blend of significance, uniqueness, and connection to a beloved cultural touchstone.
Whether you go with something obviously Potter-esque like “Hermione” or subtly magical like “Lily,” you’re giving your child a name with character, history, and yes—a touch of magic.
The most important thing is choosing a name you love that resonates with your family’s values. The right name, like the right wand, chooses the wizard as much as the wizard chooses it!
What’s your favorite Harry Potter-inspired name? I’d love to hear which magical monikers have captured your imagination for your little witch or wizard!