Baby Names Inspired by Summer Reads
by Casey Anderson
Some of us read a lot all year round, but a lot of us get especially excited about summer reading. We pick our beach and vacation reads way ahead of time, excitedly reading through lists and reviews to find the perfect book. We want something relaxing, engaging and a little suspenseful. Or maybe you want something sweet and romantic?
Either way, picking out your summer books are fun, and a lot less stressful than picking out your baby’s name. But that’s fun too! It’s exciting to think about the child and then adult your baby will grow up to be and what the perfect name for them will be. Authors have always said their books are like their babies, so I think it makes sense to look for baby name inspiration in some of the authors of some of the popular summer reads this year.
Girls
Joanne The name means “God is gracious” and is the real name of famous author J.K.Rowling. The Harry Potter series might not be new, but it’s definitely not out of style. Kids and adults alike are still spending summers pouring over the pages of Harry and his friends adventures. If you can’t wait to teach your child all about Hogwarts and the Potters, Joanne is a perfect name. It also has great nick names, Jo and Anne.
Nora Nora is said to mean both “light” and “honor” and these are both great meanings. But here we are thinking of Nora Roberts. She’s been doling out popular summer reads for years, her newest being Come Sundown, which is already highly popular. The name Nora is also pretty popular right now.
Cassandra This is a lovely flowing name. It means “to excel and shine on mankind.” It seems to have originated from a Greek Prophetess. Here, we get it from Cassandra Clare, whose book Lord of Shadows is one of the top picks for summer reads. We just love this name, it sounds so elegant. It also comes with a host of nicknames, Cassie, Cass, Sandra and probably more.
Margaret This old fashioned name means “pearl” and is quickly becoming a new favorite. If you follow pop culture right now then you know that Margaret Atwood’s book, The Handmaid’s Tale, is something almost everybody’s talking about. It a great one for nicknames as well, I’ve actually never known a Margaret that was not called by an nick name, some examples: Meg, Marge, Maggie, Peg, Peggy, Mags, Margy and probably more.
Paula Paula means “tiny, petite” which of course makes you think of an adorable little baby. We picked this because of Paula Hawkins, and her new novel Into the Water. It’s a popular suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The name is coming down in populate right now but it ebbs and flows and could be up again anytime.
Sarah This name means “princess” and we all want our little girl to be that right? This is a name that is always popular. Here we picked it because of Sarah J Maas, her new book A Court of Wings and Ruin is already getting rave reviews. All of her series make great summer reads. When your little Sarah grows up she will love them.
Boys
Rick This name means “strong power” which is an inspiring thing for a little boy. We choose this name from Rick Riordan, author of the Percy Jackson series. These books are great summer reads for boys and girls, and adults as well. There’s all kinds of adventure and good life lessons. This will be classics one day and your little boy will be glad to know where you got his name!
John Not the most original, but classic. You can’t find fault with a name like John. It means “God is merciful.” The reason we picked it is John Grisham whose new book Camino Island is sure to be as popular as his others. His suspenseful stories have been read on beaches and lakeside cabins for years.
Clive This name means “on or near a cliff” and is how it feels sometimes reading a Clive Cussler novel. His new one, Nighthawk is already considered a great suspense read. Clive as a name stands out without being too crazy. It’s a respectable name that works for any age.
Jay This name refers to a bird in the crow family. Depending on where it’s sourced from it could mean different things as well. We picked it because of Jay Asher and his groundbreaking novel Thirteen Reasons Why. The book has been around awhile but is enjoying new popularity based off the TV show. Everyone is talking about this book right now. Name your boy after this and people will know what he’s talking about.
