Names from the Land of Oz
By stacylynnJ
Updated Tue May 23 2023
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A collection of common and unusual names from and inspired by L. Frank Baum's beloved 14-book Land of Oz series, beginning with "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz." Includes names from later additions to the Oz canon, including books written by Roger S. Baum, Ruth Plumly Thompson, John R. Neill, Eric Shanower, and Jack Snow, among others, as well as associated movies, musicals, and animated films.
- ABATHA
- Agnes
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"pure, virginal"Description:
Agnes is the Latin variation of the name Hagne, which itself derived from the Greek word hagnos, meaning "chaste." In medieval times, St. Agnes was a very popular saint, leading to its popularity as a girl's name. Agnes Grey is the title of one of the two novels written by Anne Brontë.
- Amos
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"carried by God"Description:
Amos is a robust biblical name that's being discovered by a new generation of parents in a major way.
- Ann
Origin:
English variation of Hebrew HannahMeaning:
"grace"Description:
Ann, the name of the sainted mother of the Virgin Mary, was among the top girls’ names for centuries, in both the original English Ann spelling and the French Anne. Both left the Top 100 around 1970 and show no signs of returning, with Anne is the middle of the US Top 1000 and Ann dropped out of sight.
- Betsy
Origin:
Diminutive of ElizabethMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
This Elizabeth nickname has a decidedly retro feel--think Betsy Ross and the Betsy Wetsy doll-- once seen as a perkier, younger-sounding alternative to Betty. But with Betty on the brink of a comeback, pigtailed Betsy could return as well.
- Bill
Origin:
English, diminutive of WilliamMeaning:
"resolute protection"Description:
Most Bills today are dads...or grandpas. The younger Williams are usually nicknamed Will, or called by their full names.
- Billina
- BOQ
- CAYKE
- Dorothy
Origin:
English variation of Greek DorotheaMeaning:
"gift of God"Description:
In the 1930s, Dorothy left Kansas and landed in the Land of Oz; by the '80s she had become a Golden Girl, living in Miami with roommates Blanche and Rose, giving her a decidedly older image. But parents today seeking a quiet classic are bringing Dorothy back—she reentered the Top 1000 in 2011 after almost completely disappearing.
- ELPHABA
- Em
Origin:
Short form of Emma or Emily, German or LatinMeaning:
"universal or rival"Description:
There are a lot of little girls called Em today, but not that many named Em, just Em. As a first name, it's a bit reductive, especially with all the children named Emma, Emily, Emilia, Emeline, and onward. But we can see it working as a creative middle name, perhaps a clever way to honor Grandpa Mike?
- ERVIC
- EUREKA
- EVANORA
- EVILLENE
- FYTER
- Gayelette
Origin:
Invented literary nameDescription:
A fanciful concoction whipped up by L. Frank Baum for a beautiful and powerful princess in one of his Oz books.
- Glinda
Origin:
Literary nameDescription:
Glinda is famous as the name of the Good Witch in The Wizard of Oz, invented by author L. Frank Baum. but has there ever been a real life, non-fictional Glinda? Not in the US last year.
- Graham
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"gravelly homestead"Description:
Well used in England and Scotland since the fifties, the smooth and sophisticated Graham is catching on here.