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21 Baby Girl Names Inspired By Famous Feminists
by Sarah Bunton

There are unlimited options when it comes to choosing a name for your baby. In fact, the sheer volume of choices can be a bit overwhelming, if you ask me. Perhaps it's Murphy's Law, but even when you think you've found "the one," the very next day you'll find a moniker you love even more. The struggle is indeed, real. Something that might help tip the scale in the decision process is settling on the meaning behind the moniker. For instance, if you're having a daughter, baby girl names inspired by famous feminists could be a great place to start.

This way, as your little girl grows up, she can learn about the significance of her name and appreciate its impact all the more. Plus, it will make for an interesting story for you and her to share down the road. Your choice can also serve as a tribute to the many feminists who have come before you to pave the way for equality. If that's not a great lesson to teach your daughter, then I don't know what is.

Whether you want to keep your motivation subtle or have an easily identifiable moniker for you munchkin, there are plenty of options for girls names inspired by famous feminists. Check out these top choices.

1

Rosie

Though Rosie the Riveter is mostly a fictional feminist icon, according to History.com, her legacy and impact are undoubtedly real. A symbol for empowering women in the workforce during World War II, it's no surprise Rosie means "fame" in ancient Germanic.

2

Harriet

Beyond her civil rights work, Biography.com noted that Harriet Tubman supported equality, as well. Proving that women of color could do anything, it makes sense that Harriet means "estate ruler."

3

Zora

Known primarily for her famous books, Zora Neale Hurston was a strong feminist voice both in her writing and in real life. Inciting a new beginning in literary feminism, of course Zora means "dawn" in Slavic.

4

Ruth

The original RBG, Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a force to reckoned with in the Supreme Court of the United States. An ally to the people, Ruth means "friend" in Hebrew.

5

Gloria

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Biography.com noted that Gloria Steinem broke major ground in feminism, journalism, and activism. Meaning "glory" in Latin, Gloria is a name sure to bring pride to your heart.

6

Dolores

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Though many immediately recognize the name Cesar Chaves, few might know that Dolores Huerta played a huge role in activism not only for laborers but for women, too. Huerta spoke for the oppressed in phenomenal ways. Derived from The Virgin Mary of Sorrows in Spanish culture, the name Dolores means "sorrows."

7

Susan

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Where would women in America be today without the work of women like Susan B. Anthony? Much like her work in women's suffrage blossomed, the name Susan means "rose or lily" in Hebrew.

8

Malala

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Malala Yousafzai demonstrated immeasurable courage and determination when she took a stand for female education and equality in Pakistan. Though Malala means "sad, grieved" in Pashto, her work has allowed many women to rejoice in their new freedom.

9

Li

Known for her work in the LGBT community and gender studies, Li Yinhe is a well-regarded feminist in China. Li means "beautiful" in Chinese and is a popular choice for girls.

10

Alice

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Author of The Color Purple, Alice Walker is a strong activist against racism, sexism, and violence. Just like the nature of her accomplishments, Alice means "noble work" in ancient Germanic.

11

Margaret

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The name Margaret is equally inspired by Margaret Sanger, founder of Planned Parenthood, and Margaret Atwood, known for her feminist-themed literary works. Margaret means "pearl" in Greek and you can bet your daughter will have many pearls of wisdom to offer as she grows up.

12

Eva

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The wife of the former president of Argentina, Juan Perón, Eva Perón used her standing to help the women's movement in her country. The Latin form of Eve, Eva means "to live" in Hebrew.

13

Sojourner

An abolitionist and an activist for women's rights, Sojourner Truth is remembered for the amazing strides she made in civil rights and feminism. The name Sojourner comes from the Latin word for "one who journeys," and she definitely lived up to her name.

14

Amelia

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Amelia Earhart wasn't just the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic, she also strongly believed that women could do anything men could. It's no wonder Amelia means "striving."

15

Claudette

Before Rosa Parks, there was Claudette Colvin. Like Parks, Colvin refused to give up her seat and had a long career in civil and women's rights. Claudette means "enclosure," but Colvin was far from ever being confined.

16

Clara

The founder of The Red Cross, Clara Barton, was also a pioneer in the nursing field due to her extraordinary accomplishments—even though she was "only" a woman. Clara means "bright, clear" in Latin, and your daughter will have a bright future ahead of her, too.

17

Audre

Audre Lorde has fought for civil rights, feminism, and the LGBT community and has inspired many to follow in her footsteps. Derived from Audrey, Audre means "noble strength," which Lorde had in abundance.

18

Rain

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A barrier-breaking model, actor, and activist, Rain Dove has challenged people's perception of binary genders and what it means to be feminine. In addition to being the literal word for rain, the name Rain means "advice or counsel" in Estonian.

19

Sonia

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In 2009, Sonia Sotomayor became the first Latina to be a Supreme Court Justice in the United States. It's no surprise, then, that Sonia means "wisdom" in Greek, since she clearly demonstrates knowledge in her phenomenal work.

20

Janet

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Janet Mock, a transgender rights activist, has also spoken in support of gender equality across the board. Janet means "gift from God" in Hebrew and it's no doubt your daughter will be one, too.

21

Winona

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A Native American feminist, Winona LaDuke is also known for her achievements in environmentalism and raising awareness about indigenous people and tribes. Winona means "first born daughter" in the language of the Dakota tribe and is especially fitting is this is your first girl.