Literary Baby Names Inspired by Authors

The surname of humorist Ring is a new entry in the trendy occupational class -- but watch the lard.

The surname of father-son British writers Kingsley and Martin could work very well as a first, though its Amy connection makes it sound a tad feminine.

Might be an honorific for novelist Saul Bellow, although bellowing is not the gentlest of sounds. Consider Saul instead.

National Book Award-winning novelist Jesmyn Ward brought this uncommon spelling of a lovely name into the public eye. Jasmine is the flower-y version, and Jessamine the genteel British version. Jessamyn West was an American writer in the 20th century.

Shows some promise via its connection to the growing interest in Ewan.

The name of one of the greatest Western philosophers is often used as a first name in its land of origin, Greece, and would make a really interesting, thought-provoking choice here. It is remembered here as the nickname of the memorable character played by Sal Mineo in the classic film "Rebel Without a Cause."

A possibility for fans of the mystery writer, but most parents would prefer Dashiell.

For fans of the (female) author A. S. ; makes an interesting alternative to Wyatt or the hotelish Hyatt.

Pronounced GHEED, this surname of Nobel Prizewinning novelist Andre could make a smooth, sleek middle name choice.

An undiscovered place-name with an appealing o-sound ending.

Cool and casual, a la humorist Ring (born Ringgold. ) Lardner.

Pleasant surname connected to humorist James Thurber, with a sound as happy as a baby's gurgle.

The surname Rudd, made most famous by Antman actor Paul, derives from the words ruddy or red and may have originally been given to someone with a reddish complexion.

Briefly faddish a few decades ago when Darrell was cool. But does have a creative connection to poet Randall Jarrell.

Most often spelled without the final "e"--unless you're a particular fan of writer Bret.

Cheever has a nice, cheery sound, literary ties to novelist and short writer John Cheever and also, sideways, to the Edward Arlington Robinson narrative poem "Miniver Cheevy," as well as a subliminal association with the desirable word achiever: all strong pluses.

To modernize and add some oomph to the dated CASEY, add an O'-and also honor the great Irish playwright Sean.

Kerouac could make for a meaningful possible modern literary inspiration, via On the Road author Jack. The writer's baptism certificate read Jean Louis Kirouac, though he later claimed his full name was Jean-Louis Lebris de Kerouac.

Most recognizable as the name of London-born, America-raised author Jhumpa Lahiri. The award-winning writer was born Nilanjana Sudeshna Lahiri, but her Kindergarten teacher insisted she go by her nickname, Jhumpa.

Kuchena is an African name rarely used in English-speaking countries. Kuchenga Shenjé is an Afro-British journalist and author of The Library Thief.