International Women’s Day is this weekend and in the name of celebrating women, we have rounded up our favourite names of literary heroines to inspire you on your quest of searching for the right name for your little girl.
Anna
My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult
The novel tells of a story of a daughter who was conceived to save her sister’s life, hence the title. Anna plays the role of a courageous 11 year old, whom despite her odds, strives to be strong for her older sister Kate’s sake. This spirit of unquenchable bravery would make Anna an apt name for your baby girl.
Lucy
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
Lucy in the C.S. Lewis series is a sweet little girl whom grows up with straits of bravery as she was crowned Queen of Valiance. Even Aslan the lion seems to agree as he tells her, “If you were any braver, you would be a lioness.” Lucy’s gentle spirit is what makes her likeable, and that is certainly a plus point for your little girl!
Wendy
Peter and Wendy by J.M. Barrie
Wendy depicted in the story by author J.M. Barrie is a beautiful young girl who does not desire to grow up and hence maintains childish characteristics throughout her childhood. You’d be happy to know that Wendy does outgrow this and matures into a wonderful mother of 2, hence displaying her caring nature.
Laura
The Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Laura is a feisty little girl who loves nothing more than a good adventure. She is a dependable girl and perseveres even when she is hit by many trials in life, and that is something your little girl can have when she follows after her character namesake.
Katniss
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Katniss Everdeen plays the main role in the popular book, The Hunger Games. A brave, independent, intelligent and beautiful girl who fights for her beliefs and protects the people she loves.
Khaleesi
Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin
Who wouldn’t want to be named after a confident leader who has dragons as pets, an army of soldiers to protect her and striking features, both in looks and character?
Matilda
Matilda by Roald Dahl
Matilda was a talented and intelligent girl born with the ability to move physical things with her mind. Which parent wouldn’t want a daughter who could help clean up the house with the snap of her fingers?
Heidi
Heidi by Johanna Spyri
A story of a girl who was eager to learn, intelligent and cheerful, one who had a rough upbringing but pushed through all the misery with her determination to learn how to read and write, her kind heart and hope.
Hermione
Harry Potter by JK Rowling
Who wouldn’t want a daughter with Hermoine’s quick wit and encyclopaedic knowledge? Your baby might not inherit Hermione’s magical abilities, but she’ll always feel the love, starting with the day you decide to name her after such a strong, clever and charming female character.
Mulan
The Ballad of Mulan
Forget the Disney film. Mulan is originally from a 6th century Chinese Poem called The Ballad of Mulan. Unlike the Disney version, which features a bumbling girl trying to be a soldier, the traditional figure is a legendary warrior who was already a martial arts and weapons expert. Mulan has been a longtime favourite for her strength and courage, which won’t be bad shoes for your little girl to fill.
Mahsuri
Legend of Langkawi Island
Mahsuri, a beautiful young woman originated from Langkawi was accused of something she had not done but was honest and stood up for what she believed in, and that was of her innocence. Her trait of honesty makes Mahsuri a courageous woman and an excellent name for your daughter.
Alice
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Her curiosity might get the better of her sometimes, but she remains unfazed by obstacles and continues to explore a fascinating but unknown world. Hopefully, your little girl never loses that childlike approach to new things in life as she grows older into a wise, mature young lady just as Alice did.
Primrose “Prim” Everdeen
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Prim’s sweet, feminine, and nurturing demeanour is a stark contrast to tough-cookie, older sister Katniss. Apart from being an animal lover, your daughter could perhaps be interested in medicine — taking after Prim’s skills as a healer and a nurse in training.
Charlotte A. Cavatica
Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White
Most people would find anything that has more than four legs scary, but not Wilbur, the pig. His best friend and close confidant is barn spider Charlotte who is not only wise and brilliantly smart, she’s a loyal friend that sticks by Wilbur through thick and thin. Now, that’s a quality your, or any girl would be proud to have.
Coraline Jones
Coraline by Neil Gaiman
Here’s a girl who has it a little harder than everyone else, and especially with a unique name like that — the teasings are almost predictable. Smart, creative, imaginative and a little misunderstood, Coraline thrives in challenges as she courageously saves her parents. A daughter that cooks her own dinner, slay villains and still manages to tuck herself in? Doesn’t sound bad at all.
Image Credit: Storify, Hero, Disney, Little House, Portable TV, Roald Dahl, Recordsale, Harry Potter, Comic Vine, Asian Itinerary, Lions Gate, Irish Times, Laika, Routine Habit.
