Writers do more than just tell stories — sometimes, they create names that go on to become household staples. From bold heroes to poetic dreamers, these boy names were imagined for fictional characters, but they’ve taken on a life of their own in the real world.
Here are some brilliant boy names you might not know were born from books, plays, or films:
- Holden – Originally an English surname, but first used as a first name in The Catcher in the Rye (1951).
- Cedric – Coined by Walter Scott in Ivanhoe (1819), inspired by ancient royalty.
- Draven – Created for the 1994 film The Crow, it has a mysterious, edgy vibe.
- Tristan – Based on old Celtic legends, but popularized in 12th-century romantic tales.
- Fiyero – A fiery, original name from Wicked by Gregory Maguire.
- Percival – Invented by a French poet in the 12th century, it carries knightly charm.
- Finnick – Dreamed up by Suzanne Collins for The Hunger Games — sleek and modern.
- Gareth – First used in Malory’s Le Morte d’Arthur, possibly from Welsh roots.
- Heathcliff – Made famous by Emily Brontë in Wuthering Heights, rugged and moody.
- Dorian – Created by Oscar Wilde for The Picture of Dorian Gray, sophisticated with a dark twist.
- Kordian – A bold, Slavic-sounding name from Polish writer Juliusz Słowacki.
- Figaro – A theatrical classic from Beaumarchais, later turned into a cultural icon.
- Orville – Invented by Fanny Burney, possibly meaning “golden city” in Old French.
- Gendry – Born from Game of Thrones, this name sounds strong and stylish today.
Turns out, literature isn’t just shaping our imaginations — it’s influencing baby name trends, too.
Source: She Knows