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.

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.

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."

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.