Shakespearean Baby Names for Book-Loving Parents: Exploring the World of Literature for Your Bundle of Joy
Choosing a name for your newborn is one of the most exciting and daunting tasks for any parent. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect name that will suit your child as they grow up. For book-loving parents, one source of inspiration for baby names is the world of literature. And what better place to turn to than the works of the most celebrated playwright in history, William Shakespeare.
Shakespeare’s plays and sonnets have stood the test of time and continue to be studied and enjoyed by people all over the world. His characters are iconic and his language is poetic, making the names of his characters perfect for any little one. In this blog post, we will explore the world of Shakespearean baby names and how they can be a great choice for book-loving parents.
Why Choose Shakespearean Baby Names?
There are several reasons why Shakespearean baby names are a great choice for book-loving parents. First and foremost, these names have a rich history and literary significance. They come from one of the greatest playwrights of all time, making them unique and special. These names also have a timeless quality to them, as they have been used for centuries and will continue to be used for generations to come.
Additionally, many Shakespearean names have beautiful meanings behind them, adding even more depth and significance to your child’s name. For example, the name Juliet means “youthful” and Miranda means “wonderful,” both of which can be seen in the characters’ personalities in the plays. These meanings can also serve as a source of inspiration for your child as they grow up.
Top Shakespearean Baby Names for Boys
1. William – This name is a classic and timeless choice, inspired by the great playwright himself. It means “resolute protector” and has been a popular choice for centuries.
2. Romeo – While the character may not have had a happy ending, the name Romeo has a romantic and passionate connotation. It means “pilgrim to Rome” and is a great choice for any little boy.
3. Sebastian – This name has a strong and regal feel to it, often associated with the character in “Twelfth Night.” It means “venerable” and has been a popular choice for centuries.
4. Oliver – This name has a playful and mischievous feel to it, inspired by the character in “As You Like It.” It means “olive tree” and can be a great choice for parents looking for a unique name.
5. Edmund – This name has a strong and noble feel to it, often associated with the character in “King Lear.” It means “fortunate protector” and has been a popular choice for boys.
Shakespearean Baby Names for Book-Loving Parents
Top Shakespearean Baby Names for Girls
1. Ophelia – This name has a romantic and tragic feel to it, inspired by the character in “Hamlet.” It means “help” and has a beautiful and delicate sound to it.
2. Cordelia – This name has a strong and noble feel to it, often associated with the character in “King Lear.” It means “heart” and has been a popular choice for girls.
3. Rosalind – This name has a playful and whimsical feel to it, inspired by the character in “As You Like It.” It means “pretty rose” and can be a great choice for parents looking for a unique name.
4. Viola – This name has a musical and romantic feel to it, often associated with the character in “Twelfth Night.” It means “violet” and has a beautiful sound to it.
5. Portia – This name has a strong and intelligent feel to it, inspired by the character in “The Merchant of Venice.” It means “pig” and has been a popular choice for girls.
Unique Shakespearean Baby Names
1. Lysander – This name means “liberator” and is inspired by the character in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” It has a strong and noble sound to it.
2. Beatrice – This name means “voyager” and is associated with the character in “Much Ado About Nothing.” It has a strong and independent feel to it.
3. Imogen – This name means “maiden” and is inspired by the character in “Cymbeline.” It has a delicate and feminine sound to it.
4. Balthazar – This name means “protect the king” and is often associated with the character in “The Comedy of Errors.” It has a regal and powerful feel to it.
5. Hero – This name means “defender” and is inspired by the character in “Much Ado About Nothing.” It has a strong and brave connotation.
Incorporating Shakespearean Names in Modern Times
While some Shakespearean names may sound traditional or even old-fashioned, they can easily be incorporated into modern times. Many parents choose to use these names as middle names, giving their child a unique and meaningful name without it being their first name. Others choose to use a shortened version of the name, such as Will for William or Rosie for Rosalind.
It’s also worth noting that the popularity of Shakespearean names has increased in recent years, with many celebrities choosing them for their children. For example, David and Victoria Beckham named their daughter Harper after the character in “The Winter’s Tale.”
In conclusion, Shakespearean baby names are a great choice for book-loving parents. They have a rich history, beautiful meanings, and a timeless quality that will make them stand out. Whether you choose a classic name like William or a unique name like Lysander, your child will have a name that is both meaningful and literary. So why not take inspiration from the world of Shakespeare and give your little one a name that will be treasured for years to come.