Baby girl names from Shakespeare
The works of William Shakespeare have long been a rich source of Baby Girl Names from Shakespeare, particularly when it comes to baby girls. The Bard used a remarkable 75 unique women’s names across his 37 plays, creating a diverse tapestry of captivating female characters. From the tragic Ophelia to the spirited Rosalind, Shakespeare’s plays offer a wealth of literary-inspired name options for parents seeking something unique and meaningful.
Whether you’re drawn to the classic appeal of a name like Juliet or the more uncommon charm of an Imogen, there are plenty of Shakespearean-inspired baby girl names to consider. These names not only carry the weight of literary history but also often have beautiful meanings and origins that can lend depth and significance to your child’s identity.
Key Takeaways
- Shakespeare used 75 unique women’s names across his 37 plays.
- Popular Shakespearean baby girl names include Juliet, Ophelia, Rosalind, and Desdemona.
- Shakespearean names offer a wide range of meanings and origins, from the tragic to the whimsical.
- Exploring literary-inspired names can be a rewarding way to find a unique and meaningful name for your baby girl.
- Shakespearean names are associated with strong, resilient, and captivating female characters.
Popular Shakespearean Names for Baby Girls
When it comes to classic Shakespearean names for baby girls, a few stand out as truly captivating. Juliet from the timeless tale of “Romeo and Juliet” is a name brimming with youthful charm, while Ophelia from “Hamlet” evokes a sense of gentle grace. Cordelia, the noble heroine from “King Lear,” represents a woman of rare honesty and integrity.
These Popular Shakespearean baby girl names have remained beloved choices for parents seeking literary-inspired monikers with rich histories and profound meanings. Whether you’re drawn to the romantic allure of Juliet, the compassionate nature of Ophelia, or the unwavering strength of Cordelia, these classic Shakespearean names offer a world of possibilities for your little one.
Viola – Meaning: “Violet flower”
- Inspired by the clever and resourceful heroine from “Twelfth Night,” Viola embodies grace and intelligence.
Miranda – Meaning: “Worthy of admiration”
- The gentle and compassionate daughter of Prospero in “The Tempest,” Miranda is a name full of wonder and charm.
Portia – Meaning: “Pig, hog” (traditionally, but can also be interpreted as “gatekeeper”)
- Known for her wit and intelligence in “The Merchant of Venice,” Portia represents justice and wisdom.
Desdemona – Meaning: “Ill-fated, unfortunate”
- The devoted wife of Othello in “Othello,” Desdemona’s name carries a sense of tragic beauty.
Rosalind – Meaning: “Gentle horse”
- A strong and independent character in “As You Like It,” Rosalind is a name that exudes grace and vitality.
Imogen – Meaning: “Beloved child”
- A heroine from “Cymbeline,” Imogen represents loyalty and purity, making this a sweet and endearing choice.
Beatrice – Meaning: “Bringer of joy”
- The sharp-tongued and witty heroine of “Much Ado About Nothing,” Beatrice’s name is full of life and energy.
Hermione – Meaning: “Messenger, earthly”
- A character in “The Winter’s Tale,” Hermione symbolizes strength and resilience.
Celia – Meaning: “Heavenly”
- Another character from “As You Like It,” Celia’s name is delicate and divine.
Titania – Meaning: “Great one”
- The queen of the fairies in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Titania’s name is magical and regal.
Bianca – Meaning: “White, pure”
- A character in both “The Taming of the Shrew” and “Othello,” Bianca’s name suggests purity and innocence.
Helena – Meaning: “Shining light”
- The loyal and lovestruck character from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Helena’s name is radiant and strong.
Katherine – Meaning: “Pure”
- The fiery and independent heroine of “The Taming of the Shrew,” Katherine’s name represents strength and individuality.
Marina – Meaning: “Of the sea”
- The virtuous daughter in “Pericles, Prince of Tyre,” Marina’s name carries a serene and peaceful quality.
Perdita – Meaning: “Lost”
- A character in “The Winter’s Tale,” Perdita’s name reflects a story of loss and eventual reunion.
Regan – Meaning: “Royal, regal”
- One of the daughters in “King Lear,” Regan’s name carries a sense of power and authority.
Jessica – Meaning: “Foresight”
- A character from “The Merchant of Venice,” Jessica’s name is timeless and classic.
Tamora – Meaning: “Palm tree”
- The fierce queen from “Titus Andronicus,” Tamora’s name is strong and exotic.
Isabella – Meaning: “Devoted to God”
- A character from “Measure for Measure,” Isabella’s name is elegant and spiritual.
Adriana – Meaning: “From Hadria”
- A character from “The Comedy of Errors,” Adriana’s name is sophisticated and timeless.
Luciana – Meaning: “Light”
- Another character from “The Comedy of Errors,” Luciana’s name is bright and luminous.
Margaret – Meaning: “Pearl”
- A character in “Much Ado About Nothing,” Margaret’s name is classic and precious.
Olivia – Meaning: “Olive tree”
- The wealthy and noble lady from “Twelfth Night,” Olivia’s name is graceful and serene.
Audrey – Meaning: “Noble strength”
- A character in “As You Like It,” Audrey’s name is simple yet powerful.
Emilia – Meaning: “Rival”
- A character in “Othello,” Emilia’s name is strong and steadfast.
Octavia – Meaning: “Eighth”
- A character in “Antony and Cleopatra,” Octavia’s name is regal and dignified.
Lavinia – Meaning: “Purity”
- A character in “Titus Andronicus,” Lavinia’s name is delicate and graceful.
Opal – Meaning: “Precious gemstone”
- A rare name inspired by Shakespeare’s use of gems and stones, Opal evokes a sense of beauty and rarity.
Juliet – Meaning: “Youthful”
- The iconic heroine from “Romeo and Juliet,” Juliet’s name is timeless and romantic.
Ophelia – Meaning: “Help”
- The tragic character from “Hamlet,” Ophelia’s name is poetic and evocative
Cordelia, the noble and honest daughter in “King Lear,” represents a woman of unwavering integrity. This name, meaning “woman of rare honesty,” is a beautiful and empowering choice for a baby girl.
Charming and Unique Shakespearean Names
Beyond the more well-known Shakespearean names, there are a variety of charming and unique options to consider for your baby girl. These lesser-known but captivating Shakespearean names can be a great choice for parents seeking a distinctive and literary-inspired name.
Arden – Meaning: “High, enthusiastic”
- Inspired by the Forest of Arden in “As You Like It,” this name evokes a sense of nature and adventure.
Cressida – Meaning: “Gold”
- A character from “Troilus and Cressida,” Cressida’s name is both rare and poetic.
Thaisa – Meaning: “To wonder”
- The name of the queen in “Pericles, Prince of Tyre,” Thaisa is an exotic and graceful choice.
Lavina – Meaning: “Purity, woman of Rome”
- A variation of Lavinia, from “Titus Andronicus,” Lavina carries a classical and refined charm.
Paulina – Meaning: “Small, humble”
- A strong character from “The Winter’s Tale,” Paulina is a name that embodies strength and loyalty.
Hero – Meaning: “Demi-god, brave one”
- A character in “Much Ado About Nothing,” Hero is a bold and unique name with a strong connotation.
Juno – Meaning: “Queen of the heavens”
- Though not a character in Shakespeare, Juno is mentioned in several plays and is associated with the Roman goddess of marriage and childbirth.
Valeria – Meaning: “Strong, healthy”
- A minor character in “Coriolanus,” Valeria’s name is both elegant and powerful.
Nerissa – Meaning: “Sea nymph”
- The witty lady-in-waiting in “The Merchant of Venice,” Nerissa’s name is rare and enchanting.
Ursula – Meaning: “Little bear”
- A character from “Much Ado About Nothing,” Ursula’s name is classic and has a warm, familiar sound.
Adriana – Meaning: “From Hadria”
- A name from “The Comedy of Errors,” Adriana is timeless and carries a sophisticated charm.
Viola – Meaning: “Violet flower”
- The main character in “Twelfth Night,” Viola’s name is both delicate and full of life.
Isabella – Meaning: “Devoted to God”
- From “Measure for Measure,” Isabella is a name that exudes purity and grace.
Mariana – Meaning: “Of the sea”
- A character in “Measure for Measure,” Mariana’s name is romantic and serene.
Regan – Meaning: “Royal, regal”
- One of the daughters in “King Lear,” Regan’s name is strong and authoritative.
Octavia – Meaning: “Eighth”
- From “Antony and Cleopatra,” Octavia’s name is elegant and carries historical weight.
Perdita – Meaning: “Lost”
- From “The Winter’s Tale,” Perdita is a name that carries a sense of mystery and grace.
Cymbeline – Meaning: “Sun lord”
- While typically a male name, Cymbeline can be a unique and gender-neutral choice for those who appreciate its regal sound.
Tamora – Meaning: “Palm tree”
- The queen in “Titus Andronicus,” Tamora is a name that is both strong and exotic.
Ophelia – Meaning: “Help”
- From “Hamlet,” Ophelia is a poetic and evocative name with a sense of gentle beauty.
Rosaline – Meaning: “Little rose”
- A character in “Love’s Labour’s Lost,” Rosaline is a charming and less common alternative to Rosalind.
Evadne – Meaning: “Pleasing”
- A character from “Timon of Athens,” Evadne is a rare and melodious name.
Lucetta – Meaning: “Little light”
- From “The Two Gentlemen of Verona,” Lucetta’s name is sweet and carries a light-hearted charm.
Iris – Meaning: “Rainbow”
- Mentioned in “The Tempest,” Iris is a name full of color and beauty.
Charmian – Meaning: “Joy, delight”
- A character in “Antony and Cleopatra,” Charmian is a name that exudes warmth and happiness.
Titania – Meaning: “Great one”
- The queen of the fairies in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Titania’s name is magical and regal.
Emilia – Meaning: “Rival”
- A strong character in “Othello,” Emilia is a name that speaks of loyalty and strength.
Claribel – Meaning: “Bright, famous”
- A name mentioned in “The Tempest,” Claribel is both whimsical and elegant.
Ariel – Meaning: “Lion of God”
- The airy spirit in “The Tempest,” Ariel’s name is ethereal and has a celestial quality.
Helena – Meaning: “Shining light”
- From “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Helena is a classic name that radiates beauty and strength.
Rosalind, from the play “As You Like It,” is a charming Shakespearean name that evokes a sense of beauty and grace. With a meaning of “beautiful rose,” this name is both delicate and strong, making it a wonderful choice for Imogen, Miranda, or any Shakespearean-inspired baby girl.
These unique Shakespearean baby girl names offer parents a chance to honor the literary legacy of the Bard while bestowing their daughter with a captivating and distinctive name.
Baby girl names from Shakespeare
Shakespeare’s captivating plays are a treasure trove of inspiration for parents seeking [Shakespeare baby girl names]. From the tragic Desdemona to the spirited Rosalind, the Bard’s works offer a diverse selection of names to choose from, each with its own unique meaning and history.
For those drawn to the classic appeal of [Shakespearean names for girls], the name Juliet stands out. Meaning “youthful,” this timeless choice has been a favorite for centuries. Another popular option is Ophelia, which means “help.” Cordelia, meaning “woman of rare honesty,” is also a charming Shakespearean name for baby girls.
Looking for something a bit more unique? Imogen, meaning “legendary queen,” or Miranda, “worthy of admiration,” are both delightful [baby girl names from Shakespeare]. Rosalind, meaning “beautiful rose,” is another enchanting option from the Bard’s repertoire.
Whether you’re captivated by the tragic heroines or the spirited leading ladies, Shakespeare’s expansive body of work provides endless possibilities for finding the perfect [Shakespeare baby girl names] for your little one. Explore the rich tapestry of female characters and their names, and let the Bard’s timeless tales inspire your baby girl’s name.
Discover more Shakespeare-inspired baby names.
Literary Inspiration: Shakespearean Heroines
Shakespeare’s plays are renowned for their captivating female characters, many of whom have become literary icons. Names like Desdemona, the ill-fated wife of Othello, and Portia, the clever heroine of “The Merchant of Venice,” offer a rich source of literary inspiration for parents seeking unique and meaningful names for their baby girls. These Shakespearean heroines and their names not only evoke the timeless drama and beauty of the Bard’s works but also provide a chance to honor the strength, intelligence, and resilience of these iconic female characters.
Juliet – Meaning: “Youthful”
- The star-crossed lover from “Romeo and Juliet,” Juliet symbolizes passionate love and youthful beauty.
Ophelia – Meaning: “Help”
- The tragic heroine from “Hamlet,” Ophelia’s name evokes grace, innocence, and poetic beauty.
Cordelia – Meaning: “Heart, daughter of the sea”
- The loyal and loving daughter in “King Lear,” Cordelia represents integrity and compassion.
Rosalind – Meaning: “Beautiful rose”
- The clever and resourceful heroine of “As You Like It,” Rosalind’s name is romantic and full of charm.
Hermione – Meaning: “Messenger, earthly”
- The virtuous queen from “The Winter’s Tale,” Hermione stands for strength and loyalty.
Viola – Meaning: “Violet flower”
- The witty and resourceful heroine from “Twelfth Night,” Viola is a name that radiates creativity and charm.
Miranda – Meaning: “Worthy of admiration”
- The innocent and kind-hearted heroine from “The Tempest,” Miranda embodies purity and grace.
Beatrice – Meaning: “Bringer of joy”
- The sharp-witted heroine from “Much Ado About Nothing,” Beatrice is a name full of spirit and intelligence.
Cressida – Meaning: “Gold”
- A complex heroine from “Troilus and Cressida,” Cressida’s name is rare and enchanting.
Imogen – Meaning: “Legendary queen”
- The resilient heroine from “Cymbeline,” Imogen is a name that conveys strength and nobility.
Helena – Meaning: “Shining light”
- The lovestruck character from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Helena is a name of beauty and persistence.
Titania – Meaning: “Great one”
- The queen of the fairies in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Titania’s name is regal and otherworldly.
Portia – Meaning: “An offering”
- The brilliant and eloquent heroine of “The Merchant of Venice,” Portia represents intelligence and virtue.
Isabella – Meaning: “Devoted to God”
- The virtuous and determined heroine from “Measure for Measure,” Isabella’s name is elegant and spiritual.
Regan – Meaning: “Royal, regal”
- One of King Lear’s daughters in “King Lear,” Regan’s name has a commanding and strong presence.
Hero – Meaning: “Demi-god, brave one”
- A character from “Much Ado About Nothing,” Hero is a unique and powerful name.
Desdemona – Meaning: “Ill-fated”
- The tragic heroine of “Othello,” Desdemona’s name is rich with emotion and depth.
Cleopatra – Meaning: “Glory of the father”
- The iconic queen from “Antony and Cleopatra,” Cleopatra is a name of strength, beauty, and allure.
Octavia – Meaning: “Eighth”
- A dignified and loyal character in “Antony and Cleopatra,” Octavia’s name is elegant and timeless.
Emilia – Meaning: “Rival”
- A strong and loyal character from “Othello,” Emilia’s name is both classic and resilient.
Marina – Meaning: “Of the sea”
- The virtuous daughter in “Pericles, Prince of Tyre,” Marina is a name of serenity and strength.
Paulina – Meaning: “Small, humble”
- A powerful character from “The Winter’s Tale,” Paulina’s name represents strength and loyalty.
Nerissa – Meaning: “Sea nymph”
- The witty lady-in-waiting in “The Merchant of Venice,” Nerissa’s name is rare and captivating.
Adriana – Meaning: “From Hadria”
- A character from “The Comedy of Errors,” Adriana is sophisticated and timeless.
Celia – Meaning: “Heavenly”
- A loyal friend in “As You Like It,” Celia’s name is both divine and endearing.
Bianca – Meaning: “White, pure”
- A character in “Othello” and “The Taming of the Shrew,” Bianca’s name suggests purity and simplicity.
Tamora – Meaning: “Palm tree”
- The fierce queen in “Titus Andronicus,” Tamora is a name of strength and exotic appeal.
Perdita – Meaning: “Lost”
- The abandoned princess in “The Winter’s Tale,” Perdita’s name is evocative and mysterious.
Juno – Meaning: “Queen of the heavens”
- Though not a character in Shakespeare, Juno is mentioned in several plays and represents majesty and power.
Ariel – Meaning: “Lion of God”
- The airy spirit in “The Tempest,” Ariel’s name is ethereal and filled with light.
Another Shakespearean heroine, Portia from “The Merchant of Venice,” is a shining example of intelligence, wit, and strength. Her clever disguise and eloquent courtroom defense have made her a beloved character, and her name a truly literary choice for parents seeking to honor the remarkable women in Shakespeare’s works.
The appeal of these Shakespearean-inspired names lies in their timeless elegance, their rich historical and literary significance, and the powerful stories they represent. By choosing a name like Desdemona or Portia, parents can connect their baby girl to the enduring legacy of Shakespeare’s iconic female characters, instilling in her a sense of strength, resilience, and the power of the written word.
Floral and Nature-Inspired Shakespearean Names
Shakespeare’s works are renowned for their poetic exploration of the natural world, and this influence is reflected in the abundance of floral and nature-inspired names found within his writings. These Shakespearean names offer a unique and enchanting source of inspiration for parents seeking monikers that celebrate the beauty and wonder of the great outdoors.
Rosaline – Meaning: “Little rose”
- A character in “Love’s Labour’s Lost,” Rosaline’s name is delicate and romantic, evoking the imagery of a blooming rose.
Celia – Meaning: “Heavenly”
- From “As You Like It,” Celia is a name that carries the serene and ethereal qualities of the heavens.
Iris – Meaning: “Rainbow”
- Mentioned in “The Tempest,” Iris is associated with the goddess of the rainbow, symbolizing beauty and color.
Phebe – Meaning: “Bright, radiant”
- A shepherdess in “As You Like It,” Phebe’s name reflects the brightness and light of the natural world.
Perdita – Meaning: “Lost”
- From “The Winter’s Tale,” Perdita’s name is symbolic of the lost and found, much like the changing seasons.
Flora – Meaning: “Goddess of flowers”
- While not directly from a Shakespeare play, Flora is often associated with the lush imagery found in his works.
Daisy – Meaning: “Day’s eye”
- A simple and charming flower, Daisy is often used in Shakespearean symbolism to represent innocence and purity.
Marina – Meaning: “Of the sea”
- From “Pericles, Prince of Tyre,” Marina’s name reflects the vastness and mystery of the ocean.
Olivia – Meaning: “Olive tree”
- The noble lady in “Twelfth Night,” Olivia’s name is a symbol of peace and fruitfulness.
Hyacinth – Meaning: “Flower of the sun”
- Though not directly a Shakespearean character, Hyacinth is a name that carries the beauty and elegance of nature.
Lavinia – Meaning: “Purity”
- From “Titus Andronicus,” Lavinia’s name evokes the purity and simplicity of untouched nature.
Rosalind – Meaning: “Beautiful rose”
- The heroine of “As You Like It,” Rosalind’s name is full of natural beauty and romance.
Lily – Meaning: “Pure, white”
- The lily flower symbolizes purity and is often referenced in Shakespeare’s works as a symbol of innocence.
Cymbeline – Meaning: “Sun lord”
- While a male character, Cymbeline can be adapted as a nature-inspired name, suggesting a connection to the sun and sky.
Laurel – Meaning: “Victory, honor”
- A symbol of victory in ancient times, the laurel tree is associated with honor and triumph.
Thalia – Meaning: “To blossom”
- A name with Greek origins, Thalia can be linked to the flowering imagery found in Shakespeare’s plays.
Silvia – Meaning: “Spirit of the woods”
- From “The Two Gentlemen of Verona,” Silvia’s name conjures the image of a wood nymph or the spirit of the forest.
Rose – Meaning: “Rose flower”
- A timeless symbol of love and beauty, the rose is often referenced in Shakespearean sonnets and plays.
Aurora – Meaning: “Dawn”
- While not directly from a Shakespeare play, Aurora captures the essence of a new day, often celebrated in his works.
Holly – Meaning: “Holly tree”
- A plant associated with winter and resilience, Holly is a name that symbolizes endurance.
Coriander – Meaning: “Spice”
- A unique and rare name that could be inspired by the herb, representing a fresh and aromatic presence.
Fern – Meaning: “Green plant”
- The fern plant represents the lushness of the forest and can be seen as a symbol of sincerity.
Lilac – Meaning: “Bluish-lavender”
- A fragrant flower, lilac represents the beauty of early spring and can symbolize youth and renewal.
Jasmine – Meaning: “Gift from God”
- A sweet-smelling flower, Jasmine is often used to represent love and beauty in literature.
Heather – Meaning: “Flowering plant”
- A plant that thrives in rugged landscapes, Heather is associated with strength and beauty in nature.
Hazel – Meaning: “Hazel tree”
- A tree that bears nuts, Hazel is a name that symbolizes wisdom and inspiration.
Juniper – Meaning: “Evergreen shrub”
- Juniper is a hardy plant that symbolizes protection and healing, making it a unique nature-inspired name.
Briar – Meaning: “Thorny bush”
- Often associated with the story of “Sleeping Beauty,” Briar is a name that symbolizes resilience and protection.
Violet – Meaning: “Purple flower”
- A delicate and sweet-smelling flower, Violet is often used in Shakespeare’s works to symbolize modesty and humility.
Rowan – Meaning: “Rowan tree”
- A tree known for its vibrant red berries, Rowan is a name that carries a sense of magic and protection
Another nature-themed Shakespearean name that has gained popularity is Silvia, which means “spirit of the woods.” This name, featured in the play The Two Gentlemen of Verona, conjures visions of lush forests and serene outdoor settings, making it a delightful selection for parents seeking a name that celebrates the natural world.
These floral and nature-inspired Shakespearean names, such as Viola and Silvia, offer a unique and whimsical alternative to more traditional baby girl names. By embracing the Bard’s poetic imagination, parents can bestow their daughters with monikers that are both beautiful and meaningful, connecting them to the timeless beauty of the natural world.
Mythological and Royal Shakespearean Names
In addition to the floral and nature-inspired Shakespearean names, the Bard’s works also feature a rich tapestry of mythological and royal-themed names that can serve as unique and captivating options for baby girls. Names like Juno, meaning “queen of the heavens,” and Cleo, meaning “pride, fame, or glory,” draw upon the grand, legendary, and majestic elements that are woven throughout Shakespeare’s timeless plays. These mythological and royal-inspired Shakespearean names offer parents a chance to bestow their daughters with a sense of power, authority, and cultural significance.
Shakespeare’s attention to detail in language and the choice of names showcases his unique ability and genius. Many of his characters’ names are directly tied to mythological figures or historical royalty, adding depth and richness to the narratives. For instance, the name Juno is a nod to the queen of the Roman gods, while Cleo evokes the legendary Egyptian ruler, Cleopatra. These names not only capture the grandeur of Shakespearean storytelling but also provide parents with a chance to honor their daughters’ cultural heritage and lineage.
By drawing inspiration from the mythological and royal elements in Shakespeare’s works, parents can bestow their baby girls with names that are both unique and steeped in literary and cultural significance. These Shakespearean names offer a perfect balance of timelessness and modernity, allowing parents to create a lasting legacy for their little ones.
Conclusion
Baby Girl Names from Shakespeare Shakespeare’s timeless plays and captivating characters have long been a rich source of inspiration for parents seeking unique and meaningful names for their baby girls. From the classic allure of Juliet to the more distinctive charm of Imogen, the Bard’s expansive body of work provides a wealth of options for those looking to honor the literary heritage and enchanting storytelling of Shakespeare.
Whether you’re drawn to the floral beauty of Viola, the regal grandeur of Juno, or the tragic elegance of Desdemona, there is a Shakespearean-inspired name to suit every taste and personality. Embracing these literary-inspired Shakespeare baby names can be a wonderful way to infuse your baby girl’s life with the timeless magic and drama of the Bard’s immortal works.
As the world continues to celebrate the enduring legacy of Shakespeare, it’s no surprise that Shakespearean-inspired baby names remain a popular choice for parents seeking to honor the rich literary and cultural heritage embodied in the Bard’s iconic characters and stories. By embracing these literary baby names, you can create a lasting connection between your child and the timeless masterpieces that have captivated audiences for centuries.