There are few things that evoke such strong and poignant memories as the books from our youth do. There was some truly amazing young-adult literature that we were lucky enough to grow up with, and we not only want to introduce those stories to our children — we're also finding baby name inspiration in them, too.
(While some of these books may border on the younger-reader side, we couldn't help but include a few classic children's novels with fantastic character names that are just begging for consideration.)
So kick back, relax, and read on for 15 examples from some YA faves of our past that might jog a memory or two for you. See if you recognize any books you love, and maybe you'll find the perfect moniker for your future son or daughter.
Adair
In Caroline B. Cooney's beloved The Face on the Milk Carton (1990), the heroine is Janie Johnson — a young teen who recognizes a child's face on a milk carton as her own, leading her on a life-changing journey as she discovers the truth about her past — but we were always drawn to the name of her friend Adair. Janie often complained about her own name and loved the musical qualities of her friends' monikers — including Adair O'Dell — so we are paying tribute to her raven-haired sidekick from this YA classic.
While Janie is a beautiful name, if you're looking for something a tad different, consider Adair for your future daughter.
Karana
The main character of Scott O'Dell's enormously popular Island of the Blue Dolphins (1960) is Karana, a young Native American girl who has to make a life for herself all alone on an island when she is left behind after her people leave for a new land. The ingenious Karana hunts, builds, explores, and tames animals as she survives and adapts to her new fate.
For your future clever and resourceful daughter, the name Karana might just be the perfect fit.
Madrigal
Caroline B. Cooney's suspensful Twins (1994) follows the story of Mary Lee, a teenager whose identical twin, Madrigal, has been killed in an accident — and whose life Mary Lee then inhabits, as everyone thinks it was actually Mary Lee who died. Mary Lee uncovers some shocking truths about Madrigal's hidden life — and about what it means to accept one's true self.
While Madrigal isn't exactly, um, the nicest of characters in this story, she had a gorgeous and memorable name that could be exactly what you're looking for.
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Jonas
In The Giver — Lois Lowry's gripping 1993 dystopian — a young boy named Jonas is selected in his bleak futuristic community as the one who will receive all the colorful memories of life from the only person in town who has them stored: the Giver. There is clearly a reason a boy like Jonas would be chosen, and it's evident in the incredible choices he makes throughout the story — even if his choices conflict with that of his unnerving community at large.
Naming your little boy Jonas could be a meaningful reference to the strong and moral young man at the center of this influential book.
Cassie
In Mildred D. Taylor's unforgettable Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry (1967) — in which a black Mississippi family maintains its dignity and pride in the face of unthinkable racism during the Depression — the heart of the story is young Cassie. Brave and outspoken, the 9-year-old learns harsh lessons about life — and invaluable lessons about her own strength and self-respect.
For a pretty and powerful name for your baby girl, give the name Cassie some thought — it may just be the right fit.
Winnie
Does the fountain of youth exist? In Natalie Babbitt's ever-popular Tuck Everlasting (1975), a magical spring grants eternal life — but certainly causes a lot of heartache and conflict for several folks along the way. At the center of the story is 10-year-old Winnie, who has to make some major choices for such a young child — but who also has a very sensible head on her shoulders.
Winnie is a sweet name that'll keep your daughter forever young.
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Dicey
Thirteen-year-old Dicey is the eldest sister in Cynthia Voigt's Homecoming (1981), who takes her three younger siblings on a journey to find a relative they've never met before after their mother abandons them in a mall parking lot. Strong, stoic, and smart, Dicey keeps her family together as they attempt to find a place to call home.
If you name your little one Dicey, you might just have a future leader on your hands.
Jacob
To be fair, there wasn't a character called Jacob in Katherine Paterson's Jacob Have I Loved (1980) — the name in the title actually refers to the sibling rivalry of Jacob and Esau from Romans 9:13: "As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated" — but the name is clearly important to the story. Paterson's book follows the rivalry of two sisters, Caroline and Sara Louise, the latter of whom struggles to move out of her pretty and popular sister's shadow.
In a powerful story about finding joy in being one's true self, the lovely name Jacob can be a great reminder of just that.
Theo
It's one of the most challenged young-adult books out there, but fans of Judy Blume's Forever (1975) will tell you it's a brutally honest depiction of young love. Heroine Katherine Danziger thinks she's found a forever love with Michael — but into the picture comes tennis instructor Theo … and suddenly not everything seems so certain anymore.
If you name your little man Theo, you could be in for a boy who likes to shake things up in life.
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Avery
It doesn't get much more classic than E.B. White's Charlotte's Web (1952). There were all sorts of colorful names and characters in this story, from the protagonist Fern to the titular spider Charlotte — but we're shining the spotlight on Fern's brother Avery. Fans of the beloved children's novel will remember that Avery was a mischievous source of comic relief.
With a great unisex name, Avery will be the child who has his or her class cracking up.
Serena
In E.B. White's The Trumpet of the Swan (1970), a swan named Louis is born mute and unable to trumpet like the other swans — and is therefore unable to attract the attention of the object of his affection, Serena. Louis's incredible journey ultimately helps him find his voice, as well as his true love.
If you're looking for a moniker that evokes images of tranquility and peace, the name Serena is ready and waiting to belong to your future daughter.
Henry
The Boxcar Children of Gertrude Chandler Warner's long-running series were four orphaned siblings who made a home for themselves in an abandoned boxcar before meeting their well-to-do grandfather. The eldest of the four was young teen Henry, who worked various jobs to make ends meet and also maintained a practical way of viewing things in life.
A future big brother (or only child, too!) with the name Henry will surely look out for his loved ones.
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Elena
Fans of the long-running CW series already know the story of Elena — the smart, kind, maternal human girl stuck between two vampire brothers named Stefan and Damon — but the show is actually based on a YA book series by L.J. Smith that started in 1991.
Elena may be a sweet name, but don't let that fool you — she'll never be afraid to stand up and fight for what's right.
Claudia
Who could forget Ann M. Martin's Baby-Sitters Club series? And on that note, who could forget the BCS's vice president, Claudia — the creative artist with the endless snacks and the private phone line? She loved reading Nancy Drew books and she happened to have an above-average IQ.
With the name Claudia, your daughter could grow up with a passion for art — though, if she's like a certain babysitting club VP, she might keep her room a little messy.
Marco
K. A. Applegate's Animorphs series was all about finding the animal within — literally. In these books, five humans have obtained the power to turn into any animal they touch — and one of those humans just happens to be the funny yet practical Marco, who even coins the term "animorphs" within the story.
The name Marco might be the very best choice for your easygoing and humorous little guy.
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