From history books to novels, favorite films to beloved living or dearly departed relatives, parents-to-be look for baby name inspiration in a variety of places and ways. But there's most definitely something about the season during which a little one is born that can serve to influence a mom and dad's name choice.
Fall, in particular, boasts a variety of natural, whimsical elements that might lead to a fitting moniker. But there is some particularly special about the month of October. And October, which is perceived as an autumnal month through and through, is brimming with special days, themes, and symbols that lend themselves to names, as well.
That said, for parents welcoming their baby in the 10th month of the year, birth month-driven inspiration for name options really are endless.
Consider the fact that if the LO is born prior to October 23, he or she is a Libra, a social air sign symbolized by the scales and ruled by Venus, the planet of love and beauty. If the baby is born after that date and through Halloween, he or she is a Scorpio, an emotionally deep water sign symbolized by the scorpion and ruled by Mars, the planet of action. From Justice to Marcus, there are many baby names based on October astrology alone!
Halloween season provides its own laundry list of names inspired by scary novels and films, mythical creatures, and magical elements galore.
Beyond that, parents could choose from names that call to mind harvest time, changing fall leaves, stars who celebrate October birthdays, and birthstones presently and historically associated with the cozy month. Here, 40 stunning options for October-born babies.
OPAL
The beautiful Sanskrit baby girl name also happens to be especially fitting for an October LO, as it's the month's official birthstone.
KENN
This Welsh baby name — which is Ken, with an added "n" — is ever so slightly different and means "bright water," which makes it perfect for a baby boy born during Scorpio season (which begins on October 23 and runs through November 22).
JUSTICE
The zodiac sign Libra is symbolized by the scales, and Libra season runs from September 23 to October 23, making earlier October baby girls perfect candidates for the name Justice.
ZEDEKIAH
Of Hebrew origin, Zedekiah is a name fitting for a Libra baby boy, as it also means justice.
AUSTRINA
Austrina is a valley on Venus, the planet of love and beauty that rules one of October's zodiac signs Libra.
CLIVE
You could pay tribute to famous Libra actor Clive Owen (born on October 3) with his namesake, which means "lives near a high cliff."
DEMETER
October is prime time for harvesting, and Demeter was the Greek goddess of grain, agriculture, the harvest, growth, and nourishment.
AKI
Aki is a short and sweet baby boy name originating from Japan means "born in the autumn."
LIEV
The Yiddish-originating name Liev is perfect for a Libra boy, as it means "heart" — and also brings to mind famous Libra, Liev Schreiber.
KATY
The short form of the name "Katherine" means pure — and may be a way to pay tribute to famous Scorpio songstress, Katy Perry.
RUSTY
As an ode to the leaves' changing colors, short form of Ruston, which is often used by itself, has a playful, free-spirited vibe.
OCTAVIA
Meaning "eighth child," Octavia might also bring to mind your baby girl's birth month.
OCTAVIUS
The male version of Octavia, also meaning "eighth," is of Latin origin.
AUTUMN
Because October is the heart of autumn, why not go with this beautiful, seasonally inspired pick.
CASPER
The "friendly ghost" name — which is actually of Scandinavian and Persian origin and means "treasurer" — might be right for your baby boy born near Halloween.
LUNA
If Halloween and harvest time bring to mind a big glossy moon, you could pay tribute to it with this popular baby girl name of Latin origin that was also used in Harry Potter.
CRANE
Fans of Washington Irving's popular, creepy, Halloweentime tale The Legend of Sleepy Hollow could give a shoutout to the main character — who was also a real career military officer –Ichabod Crane with this boys' name.
RAVEN
Bringing to mind Edgar Allan Poe's poem — or perhaps the actress Raven-Symone — this baby girl name has built-in drama.
BRAM
Dracula fans may want to pay tribute to the Irish author Bram Stoker with this strong baby boy name of Hebrew and Dutch origin. It means "father of multitudes."
CALENDULA
Another name for the marigold flower, Calendula could work as a baby girl name.
CIARA
This Irish baby girl name means "black-haired one" — and might be a sweet nod to the "Level Up" singer.
AUBREY
Meaning “elf ruler,” this whimsical name works for a baby boy or girl, and also pays tribute to famous Scorpio singer, Drake (whose first name is … Aubrey!).
JULIA
Channel a bit of Hollywood glam with the namesake of famous Scorpio movie star, Julia Roberts. The name means "youth."
CEDRIC
Harry Potter fans (not to mention Robert Pattinson fans!) may gravitate to this harvest-time, Celtic baby boy name, which means "bounty."
SABRINA
The name of a legendary Celtic goddess could also be seen as a nod to Halloween — after all, Sabrina's also a teen witch, right? — that's not too in-your-face.
JASON
Horror movie fans might want to consider the name of the super-creepy Friday the 13th villain, which is a Greek name that means "to heal."
REGAN
Horror fans naming a baby girl might be drawn to Regan, the name of the main character in The Exorcist. Regan means "little king."
GAGE
The baby boy name, which means "oath, pledge," is also a tribute to one of Stephen King's characters in Pet Sematary.
ROSEMARY
The name of the main character of the 1967 horror novel by American writer Ira Levin — and of course classic film adaptation that came out in '68 — is of Latin origin. It means "dew of the sea," making it perfect for a watery Scorpio, too.
JASPER
Jasper — which means "bringer of treasure" — is the name of a red crystal associated with the sacral chakra and root chakra, which is said to have a grounding energy, and is associated with the month of October.
WINIFRED
The Welsh baby girl name, which means "blessed peacemaking," is also a nod to Bette Midler's Hocus Pocus character.
TIM
This classic baby boy name also serves as a tribute to the mastermind behind some of the creepiest, most Halloween-appropriate movies like Edward Scissorhands and The Nightmare Before Christmas, Tim Burton.
CORAL
According to the ancient Hindu calendar, coral was, at one time, the birthstone for October. It also makes a beautiful name for a baby girl.
TOM
Tom is another simple, short, and sweet baby boy name, which could be used in honor of the late and great rock star Tom Petty, whose birthday was October 20.
BERYL
Beryl, which is of Greek origin and means "sea-green jewel," is an ancient birthstone for October in Russia.
MARCUS
Marcus was popular in ancient Rome and means "to harvest" (hello, perfect October name!), plus nods to Mars, which is the ruling planet of Scorpio.
AGATA
Derived from the ancient Greek word Agathē, which is from agathos, meaning good/kind, the baby girl name also brings to mind the crystal agate, which is the talismanic stone of Libra.
LOGAN
This Scottish name meaning "small hollow" feels crisp, earthy, and fitting for an October-born baby boy.
ZARINA
Zarina, a Persian baby girl name, is a less obvious way to nod to stunning, shimmery fall leaves, as it means "a golden vessel."
