The Roaring Twenties, also known as the Jazz Age, was a decade of glitz, glamour, and excess. It was a time of social and cultural change, with new ideas and attitudes emerging in literature, art, and fashion. One of the most iconic literary works of this era is F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby,” which captures the essence of the 1920s and has remained a popular and influential novel to this day.
In this blog post, we will explore the world of literary baby names inspired by the Roaring Twenties and “The Great Gatsby.” These names not only have a rich history and meaning, but also evoke the spirit of this exciting and vibrant time period.
1. Jay – The protagonist of “The Great Gatsby,” Jay Gatsby is a mysterious and enigmatic character who embodies the excess and glamour of the 1920s. The name Jay, meaning “victory” in Latin, has been rising in popularity in recent years, and it’s not hard to see why. It has a sleek and modern feel, perfect for parents looking for a name with a touch of the Roaring Twenties.
2. Daisy – The object of Gatsby’s affection, Daisy Buchanan is a beautiful and charismatic character in the novel. The name Daisy, meaning “day’s eye,” has a delicate and feminine charm, making it a popular choice for baby girls. It also has a vintage appeal, making it a perfect fit for the 1920s theme.
3. Jordan – Jordan Baker is a strong and independent female character in “The Great Gatsby.” The name Jordan, meaning “to flow down” in Hebrew, has a unisex quality and has been given to both boys and girls. It has a modern and edgy vibe, making it a great choice for parents looking for a non-traditional name.
4. Nick – The narrator of “The Great Gatsby,” Nick Carraway is a steady and observant character who provides a glimpse into the lavish and turbulent world of the 1920s. The name Nick, short for Nicholas, has a strong and classic appeal, making it a popular choice for boys.
5. Zelda – Zelda Fitzgerald, the wife of F. Scott Fitzgerald, was a socialite and writer who embodied the spirit of the Roaring Twenties. The name Zelda, meaning “blessed” or “happy” in Yiddish, has a whimsical and charming quality, perfect for a little girl.
6. Scott – F. Scott Fitzgerald is one of the most iconic writers of the 1920s, and his name has a strong and timeless appeal. The name Scott, meaning “from Scotland” in Old English, is a popular choice for boys, and it has been given to many famous namesakes, from Scott Disick to Scott Eastwood.
7. Ginevra – Ginevra King was one of the inspirations for the character of Daisy Buchanan in “The Great Gatsby.” The name Ginevra, meaning “white shadow” in Italian, has a poetic and romantic quality, perfect for parents looking for a unique and elegant name for their daughter.
The Great Gatsby and Beyond: Literary Baby Names for the Roaring Twenties
8. Amory – “This Side of Paradise” by F. Scott Fitzgerald was a defining novel of the 1920s, and its protagonist, Amory Blaine, is a complex and brooding character. The name Amory, meaning “industrious” in German, has a strong and masculine appeal, making it a great choice for a baby boy.
9. Rosalind – In “This Side of Paradise,” Amory Blaine falls in love with Rosalind Connage, a beautiful and enchanting character. The name Rosalind, meaning “pretty rose” in Old French, has a timeless and feminine charm, perfect for a little girl.
10. Sinclair – “The Jungle” by Upton Sinclair was a groundbreaking novel that exposed the harsh realities of the working class in the 1920s. The name Sinclair, meaning “from Saint Clair” in Old French, has a distinguished and sophisticated quality, making it a great choice for a baby boy.
11. Zora – Zora Neale Hurston was a prominent writer and anthropologist during the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural movement that flourished during the 1920s. The name Zora, meaning “dawn” in Slavic, has a strong and powerful sound, perfect for a baby girl who will make her mark on the world.
12. Langston – Langston Hughes was a poet and writer who became a leading figure of the Harlem Renaissance. The name Langston, meaning “long stone” in Old English, has a unique and distinguished quality, perfect for parents looking for a name with a literary and historical connection.
13. Theda – Theda Bara was a silent film actress known for her sultry and exotic beauty, and she was one of the biggest stars of the 1920s. The name Theda, meaning “gift of God” in Greek, has a vintage and glamorous appeal, making it a great choice for a baby girl.
14. Holden – “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger was a controversial and influential novel of the 1950s, but its main character, Holden Caulfield, embodies the rebellious and disillusioned spirit of the 1920s. The name Holden, meaning “hollow valley” in Old English, has a strong and masculine sound, perfect for a little boy who will not conform to society’s expectations.
15. Zelda – Zelda Sayre was the wife of F. Scott Fitzgerald and a prominent figure in the social scene of the 1920s. The name Zelda, meaning “gray battle” in Old German, has a unique and exotic quality, making it a great choice for parents looking for a name with a touch of mystery and intrigue.
In summary, the Roaring Twenties was a time of cultural and social change, and these literary baby names capture the spirit and essence of this era. From the glitz and glamour of “The Great Gatsby” to the rebelliousness of “The Catcher in the Rye,” these names are not only unique and meaningful, but also have a timeless appeal that will never go out of style.