Life

9 People In Your Life You Never Thought To Name Your Baby After But Should

by Olivia Youngs

Naming a baby is serious business. Not only is it high on the list of stressful things to do as you prep for parenthood (unless you're one of the lucky few who have known your future children's names since age five), there are literally millions of amazing names out there just waiting to be used. What's a mom-to-be to do? Luckily, if top 100 charts and the more common namesakes like relatives aren't your thing, there are plenty of other people in your life you never thought to name your baby after but should.

Though many would argue that a namesake should be someone close to you or your future child, that doesn't always have to be the case. There are certain people in everyone's lives who leave a lasting impact, no matter how well or how long you knew them, or even if you personally knew them at all. From artists, to teachers, to fictional characters, to historical figures, there are countless inspirational namesakes out there that you probably haven't even considered.

If you're looking to shake up the baby naming process, look to these lesser known and more uncommon namesakes for inspiration, chances are you'll find a wealth of gorgeous names you've never even considered.

1

Your Delivery Doctor Or Nurse

This probably sounds strange before actually having said child, but after you go through the rigmarole that is labor and delivery, sometimes the hospital staff can feel like literal angels from heaven. Disregard this option if you had a bad hospital experience.

2

A Historical Figure Or Vintage Celebrity

Is there a certain time period in history you just can't get enough of? Look up popular names from that era or better yet, choose a name from an important figure of that time.

3

Your Childhood TV Crush

Controversial, maybe, but much safer than naming your child after your first actual human crush.

4

A Close Friend

Why not honor the person who has been with you through it all?

5

A President Or First Lady

Past or present — pick your favorite and run with it. It lends a name both class and credibility, plus gives them a presidential namesake to look up to their entire life.

6

An Inspirational Artist

Everyone has a favorite artist, musician, or author. Choose a name from one of their works of art, songs, or films, or even use their own name.

7

Your Favorite College Professor

College professors can have lasting impact on their students. Maybe a professor influenced your career choice, or maybe they just had a really cool name. Either way, it's a subtle namesake that doesn't necessarily warrant an elaborate explanation every single time.

8

Your Favorite Disney Character

Did you grow up as Disney obsessed as I did? Then choose a name of your favorite character. Or maybe a supporting character if Pocahontas or Hercules is too overt for your tastes.

9

Your Favorite Novel Character

Be it Harry Potter, To Kill A Mockingbird, The Lord Of The Rings, or any other classic work, there is more fiery hot fodder for baby names in the pages of your favorite books than anywhere else.