100+ Literary Boy Names from the Pages of Great Books

Ever thought about naming your little guy after a character who shaped your childhood? Or maybe after an author whose words have moved you to tears?

Literary names carry this amazing weight of story and meaning that other names just don’t have.

Let’s dive into the world of literary boy names – where every name tells a story before your child even begins to write their own.

Classic Character Names

These names belong to some of the most unforgettable characters in literature. They’ve stood the test of time for good reason:

Atticus – From “To Kill a Mockingbird,” a name that practically radiates integrity and wisdom
Holden – The complicated teenage narrator from “The Catcher in the Rye”
Darcy – The proud, ultimately loving hero from “Pride and Prejudice”
Oliver – The orphan boy who won hearts in Charles Dickens’ “Oliver Twist”
Heathcliff – The brooding, passionate character from “Wuthering Heights”
Santiago – The determined fisherman from Hemingway’s “The Old Man and the Sea”
Pip – The orphan from “Great Expectations” with dreams bigger than his circumstances
Romeo – Shakespeare’s tragic romantic hero (though be prepared for endless “Where’s Juliet?” jokes)
Winston – The rebellious protagonist of Orwell’s “1984”
Huck – Short for Huckleberry from Mark Twain’s adventures

A friend of mine named her son Atticus, and it suits him perfectly – he already shows signs of being thoughtful and standing up for what’s right, even at just age five!

Check out these names that mean loyal for more options that reflect strong character.

Names of Literary Authors

Why not name your son after the brilliant minds who created the stories we love?

Fitzgerald – After F. Scott Fitzgerald, author of “The Great Gatsby”
Emerson – After Ralph Waldo Emerson, the influential essayist and poet
Whitman – After the free-spirited American poet Walt Whitman
Hemingway – After Ernest Hemingway, master of the understated style
Byron – After the romantic poet Lord Byron
Thoreau – After Henry David Thoreau, who championed simple living
Hawthorne – After Nathaniel Hawthorne of “The Scarlet Letter” fame
Orwell – After George Orwell, author of “Animal Farm” and “1984”
Eliot – After T.S. Eliot, the modernist poet
Poe – After Edgar Allan Poe, master of the macabre

I met a little boy named Whitman at the park last week, and his mom told me he already loves running barefoot through grass just like his poet namesake would have wanted!

Fantasy and Adventure-Inspired Names

For the boy who might grow up to slay dragons or discover new worlds:

Aslan – The wise lion from “The Chronicles of Narnia”
Frodo – The brave hobbit from “The Lord of the Rings”
Percy – From the “Percy Jackson” series
Samwise – The loyal friend from “The Lord of the Rings”
Ender – The strategic genius from “Ender’s Game”
Potter – A subtle nod to Harry Potter
Bastian – The boy who enters a magical book in “The Neverending Story”
Atreyu – Also from “The Neverending Story”
Artie – Short for Arthur, from Arthurian legends
Gulliver – The traveler from “Gulliver’s Travels”

My nephew’s best friend is named Percy, and he definitely lives up to his adventurous namesake. Every playground becomes a quest!

Discover names that mean adventurer or wanderer if you’re raising a future explorer.

Shakespearean Boy Names

The Bard gave us some truly timeless names:

Benedict – From “Much Ado About Nothing”
Lysander – From “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
Orlando – From “As You Like It”
Oberon – The fairy king from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
Malcolm – From “Macbeth”
Puck – The mischievous sprite from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
Edmund – From “King Lear”
Sebastian – From “Twelfth Night”
Lennox – A nobleman from “Macbeth”
Cassio – From “Othello”

Shakespeare’s names have this wonderful quality – they sound distinguished and playful at the same time. I know a little Puck who absolutely lives up to his trickster name!

Unique Literary-Inspired Names

Looking for something more unusual? These literary names stand out from the crowd:

Dorian – From “The Picture of Dorian Gray”
Ishmael – The narrator from “Moby Dick”
Austen – After Jane Austen (works great for a boy!)
Crusoe – After Robinson Crusoe
Sawyer – From “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer”
Radley – A subtle nod to Boo Radley from “To Kill a Mockingbird”
Quentin – From Faulkner’s “The Sound and the Fury”
Finn – From “Huckleberry Finn”
Walden – After Thoreau’s “Walden”
Atlas – The titan who appears in countless literary works

I recently met twins named Finn and Sawyer, and their parents said they wanted “adventure names” for their boys. It fits them perfectly!

Browse names that mean unique or one-of-a-kind for more distinctive options.

Modern Literary Picks

From more recent works that have captured our hearts:

August – The kind protagonist from “Wonder”
Bhaer – The professor from “Little Women”
Cullen – From the “Twilight” series
Rhett – The charming rogue from “Gone with the Wind”
Almanzo – From the “Little House” books
Peeta – From “The Hunger Games”
Gatsby – From “The Great Gatsby”
Cedric – From the “Harry Potter” series
Laszlo – From “The Night Circus”
Theo – From “The Goldfinch”

A couple in my book club named their son Theo after finishing “The Goldfinch,” and they said the name just stuck with them – they couldn’t imagine calling him anything else!

What Are Literary Boy Names?

Literary boy names come from the pages of our favorite books – they’re the heroes we cheered for, the villains we loved to hate, and the brilliant minds who crafted those unforgettable stories. These names bridge the gap between fiction and reality, giving your child a connection to stories that have stood the test of time.

When you name a child Atticus, you’re not just picking a cool-sounding name – you’re passing down the integrity and moral courage of Atticus Finch. When you choose Darcy, you’re nodding to that complicated, ultimately good-hearted hero that readers have swooned over for centuries.

Check out these names that mean mystery for more inspiration that carries hidden depths.

Why Choose a Literary Name for Your Son?

There’s something magical about naming your child after a character or author you admire. It’s like giving them a built-in role model, a story to grow into, and a conversation starter for life.

My friend named her son Holden after “The Catcher in the Rye,” and she says it’s amazing how many people light up when they make the connection. It creates instant bonds with fellow book lovers and gives her son a literary heritage that feels special.

Literary names also tend to have rich backstories and meanings that go beyond what you’ll find in typical baby name books. They carry the weight of entire worlds and generations of readers who’ve connected with them.

Literary Boy Names

Inspiration from Classic and Modern Literature

Literary names draw from a well that never runs dry – from ancient epics to yesterday’s bestsellers. This gives parents an incredible range of options, from the classically dignified (Atticus, Darcy, Rochester) to the modern and distinctive (Ender, Katniss, Percy).

What I love most is how these names evolve over time. Shakespeare’s Romeo felt tragically romantic in the 16th century, impossibly old-fashioned in the 20th, and now feels fresh and bold in the 21st. Literary names have this amazing way of cycling back into relevance.

How Literary Names Shape Identity and Imagination

Giving your child a literary name can spark their imagination from day one. Kids named after book characters often feel drawn to reading and storytelling themselves – it’s like they’ve been given an early invitation into the world of literature.

My nephew Mateo was named after a character in a Gabriel García Márquez novel. Now at age 10, he’s already showing interest in the magic realism that inspired his name. It’s become part of his identity in this really sweet way.

Literary Names as a Bridge to Culture and History

Literary names connect us to different time periods, cultural movements, and historic moments. A boy named Gatsby carries echoes of the Jazz Age, while Holden evokes mid-century American restlessness. These names become tiny time capsules that your child carries with them.

Explore names that mean time or timekeeping for more options that connect to history and passage of time.

Types of Literary Boy Names

Names of Famous Literary Characters

Some character names are so powerful that they’ve become almost inseparable from their literary origins:

Atticus (To Kill a Mockingbird) – The ultimate father figure and moral compass
Holden (The Catcher in the Rye) – The complicated, questioning adolescent
Darcy (Pride and Prejudice) – The reformed snob whose character growth captivates readers
Heathcliff (Wuthering Heights) – The tormented romantic anti-hero
Gatsby (The Great Gatsby) – The ambitious dreamer with a complicated past

What makes these character names so appealing is that they come with ready-made personalities and stories. When you meet someone named Atticus, you already have a sense of the values his parents wanted to instill in him.

Names Inspired by Renowned Authors and Poets

Naming your son after a brilliant writer is another wonderful way to connect him to the literary world:

Dylan (Dylan Thomas)
Langston (Langston Hughes)
Emerson (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
Tennyson (Alfred, Lord Tennyson)
Byron (Lord Byron)

I ran into a little boy named Whitman at the park last week, and his mom told me he was named after her favorite poet, Walt Whitman. There was something so fitting about watching this free-spirited kid running through the grass with a name that honors “the poet of democracy.”

Unique and Rare Literary Boy Names

For parents seeking something more distinctive, literature offers countless names that are recognizable but uncommon:

Jem (To Kill a Mockingbird)
Dorian (The Picture of Dorian Gray)
Phineas (A Separate Peace)
Algernon (The Importance of Being Earnest)
Fitzwilliam (Pride and Prejudice)

These names stand out without being bizarre – they have the legitimacy of literary history behind them.

Take a look at names that mean unique or mysterious for more uncommon options.

Gender-Neutral Literary Names

Literature also gives us wonderful gender-neutral options:

Scout (To Kill a Mockingbird)
Harper (after Harper Lee)
Blake (after William Blake)
Sawyer (The Adventures of Tom Sawyer)
Rowan (featured in many fantasy novels)

Gender-neutral names have gained popularity as parents increasingly look for options that don’t confine their children to traditional gender expectations. Literary gender-neutral names offer this flexibility while still having rich meaning and history.

Comprehensive List of Literary Boy Names with Origins and Meanings

A-M

Name	Literary Origin	Meaning/Significance
Atticus	“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee	“Man of Attica”; represents justice and moral integrity
Bram	After Bram Stoker, author of “Dracula”	Shortened form of Abraham; “father of multitudes”
Caspian	“The Chronicles of Narnia” by C.S. Lewis	Named after the Caspian Sea; represents adventure
Dante	“The Divine Comedy” by Dante Alighieri	“Enduring”; poet who journeyed through hell, purgatory, and heaven
Edgar	After Edgar Allan Poe	“Wealthy spearman”; master of the macabre
Finley	“A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens	“Fair warrior”; represents sacrifice
Gatsby	“The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald	Represents ambition and the American Dream
Holden	“The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger	“Hollow valley”; represents youthful questioning
Ishmael	“Moby Dick” by Herman Melville	“God will hear”; the narrator and sole survivor
Jude	“Jude the Obscure” by Thomas Hardy	“Praised”; represents perseverance against odds
Kent	“King Lear” by William Shakespeare	“Edge”; represents unwavering loyalty
Lennox	“Macbeth” by William Shakespeare	“With many elm trees”; nobleman who opposes tyranny
Milo	“The Phantom Tollbooth” by Norton Juster	“Soldier” or “merciful”; represents curiosity and growth

N-Z

Name	Literary Origin	Meaning/Significance
Nathaniel	After Nathaniel Hawthorne	“Gift of God”; master of American Romanticism
Orlando	“Orlando” by Virginia Woolf	“Famous throughout the land”; represents transformation
Phineas	“A Separate Peace” by John Knowles	“Oracle”; represents vitality and charisma
Quentin	“The Sound and the Fury” by William Faulkner	“Fifth”; represents southern complexity
Romeo	“Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare	“Pilgrim to Rome”; the iconic romantic lover
Santiago	“The Old Man and the Sea” by Ernest Hemingway	“Saint James”; represents perseverance
Thoreau	After Henry David Thoreau	From “thorough”; represents individualism and nature
Ulysses	“Ulysses” by James Joyce / Greek mythology	“Wrathful”; represents the journeying hero
Victor	“Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley	“Conqueror”; the creator who grapples with ethics
Winston	“1984” by George Orwell	“Joy stone”; represents resistance
Xavier	Various fantasy and sci-fi works	“New house”; often represents wisdom or mystical powers
York	“Richard III” by William Shakespeare	“Yew tree estate”; represents historical connection
Zeno	After ancient Greek philosopher in many literary references	“Gift of Zeus”; represents wisdom

Discover more names that mean wisdom if you’re drawn to names with intellectual significance.

Literary Boy Names by Genre and Era

Classic Literature (Shakespeare, Dickens, etc.)

Shakespearean names carry a timeless quality and often sound dignified and strong:

Benedict (Much Ado About Nothing)
Cassio (Othello)
Lysander (A Midsummer Night’s Dream)
Oberon (A Midsummer Night’s Dream)
Puck (A Midsummer Night’s Dream)

From Dickens and other Victorian writers:

Oliver (Oliver Twist)
Nicholas (Nicholas Nickleby)
Pip (Great Expectations)
Copperfield (David Copperfield)
Rochester (Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë)

I know a family with three boys named Oliver, Bram, and Dorian – a little Victorian literary trio! The mom jokes that she wanted names with character, literally.

Browse names that mean classic or timeless for more traditional options.

Modern and Contemporary Works

Contemporary literature has given us fresh options that feel modern while still carrying literary weight:

August (Wonder by R.J. Palacio)
Ender (Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card)
Inman (Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier)
Peeta (The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins)
Theo (The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt)

These names feel current and accessible while still having layers of meaning from their literary origins.

Fantasy and Adventure Novels

Fantasy literature is a goldmine for distinctive boy names with heroic associations:

Artemis (Artemis Fowl)
Bastian (The Neverending Story)
Samwise (The Lord of the Rings)
Percy (Percy Jackson series)
Aslan (The Chronicles of Narnia)

My neighbor’s son is named Ender after the protagonist in “Ender’s Game,” and it fits him perfectly – he’s thoughtful and strategic just like his namesake.

Poetry and Mythology

Poets and mythological tales offer names with lyrical qualities and ancient resonance:

Byron (after Lord Byron)
Dylan (after Dylan Thomas)
Keats (after John Keats)
Atlas (Greek mythology, frequent poetic reference)
Leander (Greek mythology, featured in poetry by Marlowe)

A poet friend of mine named her son Auden after W.H. Auden, and the name seems to have inspired him – he’s already writing little poems at age six!

Explore names that mean storyteller or writer for more inspiration from the world of words.

The Meanings and Symbolism Behind Literary Names

Exploring the Etymology and Symbolic Value

Literary names often have fascinating etymological roots:

Arthur (of Arthurian legend) comes from Celtic words meaning “bear” or “stone,” symbolizing strength and endurance
Hector (from The Iliad) means “holding fast,” representing loyalty and duty
Orlando (from Shakespeare and Woolf) derives from Germanic words meaning “famous land,” symbolizing transformation

These etymological roots add another layer of meaning beyond the character or author associations.

How Literary Names Reflect Values and Virtues

Many parents choose literary names specifically for the values they represent:

Atticus for integrity and justice
Santiago for determination and resilience
Darcy for growth and the capacity to change
Remus (Harry Potter) for kindness and wisdom despite hardship

My college roommate named her son Atticus specifically because she wanted him to grow up with a strong sense of justice and moral courage like his namesake.

Trends and Popularity of Literary Boy Names

Rising and Unique Picks

Based on current trends, these literary boy names are poised to rise in popularity:

Atlas (trending up rapidly, mythological figure in many literary works)
Arlo (featured in various contemporary works)
Jasper (from various works including Twilight series)
Milo (from The Phantom Tollbooth)
Finn (Huckleberry Finn, among others)

I’ve noticed more little Finns and Milos at playground meetups lately – these names feel fresh but grounded in literary tradition.

Celebrity Babies and Literary Names

Celebrities have helped popularize literary names:

Reese Witherspoon named her son Tennessee after Tennessee Williams
Julia Roberts has a son named Henry (a name appearing in countless literary works)
David and Victoria Beckham chose Romeo for their son
Benedict Cumberbatch named his son Hal (Prince Hal from Shakespeare’s Henry plays)

When a celebrity chooses a literary name, it often sees a surge in popularity the following year.

Check out names that mean famous or renowned if you’re looking for a name with star quality.

How to Choose the Perfect Literary Name

Factors to Consider: Pronunciation, Uniqueness, Family Significance

When choosing a literary name, keep these things in mind:

Pronunciation – Will people know how to say it? (Hermione became much easier after the Harry Potter films)
Uniqueness level – How comfortable are you with your child having to explain their name?
Personal connection – Did the book or character mean something special to you?
Compatibility with your surname – Does the flow work? (Rhett Butler Smith has a different ring than Rhett Butler Jones)

My sister loved “The Great Gatsby” but realized that Gatsby Johnson didn’t quite have the ring she wanted, so she went with Nick (for Nick Carraway) instead – still literary but more subtly so.

Tips for Pairing Literary Names with Middle and Last Names

Creating a harmonious full name is an art:

Balance unusual first names with simpler middle names (Atticus James rather than Atticus Xenophon)
Consider the cadence and syllable count (alternating between short and long names often works well)
Look for meaningful combinations (Santiago Ernest pays homage to both Hemingway’s character and the author himself)

I know a little boy named Finn Ernest – the first name from Huckleberry Finn and the middle name honoring Ernest Hemingway. The combination tells a story about the parents’ love of American literature.

Cultural Sensitivity and Appropriateness

When borrowing from literature outside your cultural background:

Research the name’s significance in its original context
Consider whether the name might be seen as cultural appropriation
Be prepared to share the literary connection respectfully

A friend was considering naming her son Atticus but worried about appropriating a character so tied to civil rights struggles. She did her research and ultimately chose it with the intention of teaching her son about the fight for racial justice.

Explore names that mean respect or honor for options that celebrate dignity across cultures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Literary Names Suitable for Every Family?

Literary names work best when they have personal meaning for the parents. If you’ve never read “To Kill a Mockingbird,” naming your son Atticus might feel hollow. Choose names from books that have shaped your thinking or moved you.

I’d also consider your family dynamics. If you’re the only reader in a family of sports enthusiasts, your son might feel disconnected from his literary name. But if books are a family value, a literary name reinforces that shared passion.

Can Literary Names Be Used for Girls?

Absolutely! Many traditionally male literary names have crossed gender lines:

Scout from To Kill a Mockingbird
Sawyer from Tom Sawyer
Harper after Harper Lee
Bronte after the Bronte sisters
Elliot after T.S. Eliot or George Eliot

Gender boundaries in naming are becoming increasingly fluid, and literature provides a wealth of options that work beautifully for any gender.

How to Ensure a Literary Name Stands the Test of Time?

To choose a literary name with staying power:

Consider the character’s legacy – Is this a character who will continue to be read and admired?
Avoid trendy literary phenomena that might fade quickly
Look to enduring classics rather than current bestsellers
Check that the name works outside its literary context – Does it stand on its own?

Names from Shakespeare and Greek mythology have already proven their longevity, while names from very recent works might not have the same staying power.

Browse names that mean enduring or eternal for options with lasting significance.

Books and Databases for Literary Name Inspiration

For even more literary naming ideas:

“The Oxford Dictionary of First Names” includes literary references
“Baby Names from Literature” by Nicole Goldsworthy
“Great Characters from Literature” by W.B. Gooderham
Nameberry.com’s literary names section
Behind the Name website for etymological origins

I spent hours with these resources during both my pregnancies. Even though we ultimately chose family names, the research process was incredibly fun.

Communities and Forums for Baby Name Discussions

Connect with other literary-minded parents:

r/namenerds subreddit has a literary names tag
Nameberry forums have dedicated literary name threads
Goodreads groups often have discussions about character names
Local book clubs can be surprising sources of naming inspiration

My cousin found her son’s name (Cyrus) through a book club discussion about Persian literature – a connection she might never have made otherwise.

Embracing the Magic of Literature Through Names

Naming your son after a literary character or author creates a bridge between generations of storytelling. It gives your child a heritage beyond your family tree – a connection to the grand tradition of human storytelling.

I’ve noticed that kids with literary names often grow curious about their namesakes. My friend’s son Atticus started asking about his name around age seven, which led to family readings of “To Kill a Mockingbird” when he was old enough. His name became a doorway to important conversations about justice and standing up for what’s right.

Final Thoughts on Choosing a Literary Boy Name

The perfect literary name balances meaning, sound, and personal significance. It should feel right saying it thousands of times (because you will!), look good on a future resume, and carry values you hope to instill in your child.

When choosing, listen to your gut. If a name keeps coming back to you, there’s probably a reason. Your connection to a particular book or character matters more than trending lists or others’ opinions.

Remember that the greatest stories have always celebrated the extraordinary potential of ordinary people. Whatever literary name you choose, your child will write their own unique story – one that’s sure to be a bestseller in your heart.

Discover names that mean new beginning or story for your child’s fresh start in life.