This post was originally published on February 10, 2012. It was substantially revised and re-posted on October 13, 2015 – with new names added, too!
There are many kinds of strong names for girls. There are the Hermiones – clunky and smart and unexpected. There are the Eleanors – impeccably classic, tied to strong women from history.
And then there are the Katniss names.
Katniss Everdeen, hero of The Hunger Games trilogy, has much in common with Hermione Granger. They make difficult choices in impossible circumstances. They’re courageous, and it’s no wonder that their names make strong names for girls.
But while Hermione’s name is rich with history, Katniss is not. It’s modern, but not invented. Feminine, but not obviously so. Both kinds of names make for strong names for girls. But while Miss Granger is more about intellect, Miss Everdeen is characterized by almost preternatural instinct.
Here’s a list of names that are inspired by Katniss. They’re bold, strong names for a girl, a little bit modern and often tied to the natural world. If you’re after a stand-out name for a girl that has a touch of the fierce and fearless about it, this list is for you.
Strong Names for Girls: A through D
Adair – A new addition to the list, Adair is part-surname name, part-alternate form of Edgar. If you remember the television series Dead Like Me, one of the characters was called Daisy Adair. It’s a daring, bold name, and while there’s history to Adair, it also feels fresh, modern, and unexpected, just like Katniss.
Aderyn – Katniss is an underdog from a remote part of her world. Like District 12, modern-day Wales is a bit off the beaten path. And so Welsh names feel like an obvious choice. Aderyn is a modern Welsh name meaning bird. It’s one of the rarer possibilities on The Great Big List of Bird Names for Girls. Call her Addie and she’ll blend in, but Aderyn is a stand-out.
Alix – Naming your daughter Charlie or Evan doesn’t make the list, but Alix does. A medieval French variant of Alice worn by European royals into the twentieth century and still in use in France today, Alix splits the difference between borrowing from the boys and finding a feminine name with a unisex sound. Alice went to Wonderland, but Alix feels like the kind of name that could go anywhere.
Briar – Like Katniss and Aderyn, Briar makes for a frills-free nature name. This one only counts, however, if you resist the urge to pair it with Rose, the original name of fairy tale princess Sleeping Beauty. The image of a thorn-filled briar patch fits right in with Katniss.
Carys – Several of you suggested Carys as a Katniss name, and I think it fits. Like Aderyn, Carys is Welsh, and quite rare in the US. The meaning – love – is a straightforward one. And Carys is a relatively modern name, not used until the twentieth century.
Clio – Full disclosure: this is my daughter’s name. Since Clio is originally a Greek muse, she almost qualifies for the Hermione list. Except that -o ending screams modern, especially for girls. Spell it Cleo and she’s a legendary Egyptian queen with a thing for eyeliner. Similar in sound to the mega-popular Chloe, Clio is different, but still recognizable.
Strong Names for Girls: E through H
Echo – Like Clio, she’s not really new. But the Greek nymph’s name sounds ever so modern. Layer in the tough-as-nails character Eliza Dushku played on short-lived Fox-series Dollhouse and Echo resonates.
Elke – A short form of Adelaide whispered down the alley, this noble name is a cousin to fellow list member Alix, as well as an unrelated Hebrew name. Elke makes the list for two reasons – the name is short and high energy, but there’s also her resemblance to the mighty elk. Names like Fawn are sweetly feminine, but Elke has an edge.
Elif – Elif is huge in Turkey. It comes from the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet – remember Natalie Portman’s son, Aleph? But it can also mean slender, because the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet is slim and trim. It’s pronounced something like ay LIFF. I think Elif is an unconventional choice with a surprising strength.
Ever/Everild – Depending on your perspective, Ever is either a modern word name or a traditional name that coincidentally resembles the adverb. Everild is one form of an old saint’s name referring to battle. Both feel distinctively modern and sharp, and bring to mind Katniss’ last name – Everdeen.
Gates – Gates is the cool girl in Curtis Sittenfeld’s novel Prep. It’s an interesting name, conjuring up medieval walled cities and gatekeepers of all sorts. It’s probably the least name-like of any name on this list, but I think it fits with the other strong names for girls.
Greer – Greer is rather harsh in sound, a traditional surname related to Gregory by way of Scotland. Oscar-winning actress Greer Garson was born Eileen; Greer was her mother’s maiden name. Ms. Garson put the name firmly in girls’ territory. Brooke Shields named her younger daughter Grier.
Hero – I was reluctant to include Hero at first. The character in Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing wasn’t especially bold. The original Hero, the lover of Leander in Greek myth, may have been more daring. That’s more history than most Katniss names, but using the same logic applied to Clio about a modern sound, Hero made the cut.
Honor – There’s something almost vintage about Honor. It’s a word name, though maybe not a word that we use easily in 21st century speech. Jessica Alba gave the name to her daughter, raising the name’s profile. But Honor isn’t new, and variations like Honora and Honoria can be found through the ages. Still, Honor strikes the right note for a frills-free virtue name that captures some of the best of Katniss.
Strong Names for Girls: I through L
Jennifer Lawrence stars as ‘Katniss Everdeen’ in THE HUNGER GAMES.
Landry – Now considered a surname, but originally a given name worn by a trio of medieval saints, Landry was one of several similar names on the very first draft of this list. Hadley and Langley were both cut, but something about Landry endures. While the original Landrys were male, and typically appear in the historical record as the Latinized Landericus, the name hasn’t seen much use in our era, making it fair game for both genders.
Leta – Similar names and alternate spellings include Leto, Leda, and Lida. Yes, it conjures up swans and Spartan queens, but also rock icon and Runaways alum Lita Ford. Lila and Lily are lovely, but Leta is fierce. Original mama blogger Heather Armstrong has a daughter named Leta Elise. It’s also proof that strong names for girls can end in -a.
Luca/Lux – Luca is a traditional boy’s name in most languages, and lux is the Latin word for light. Both have made occasional appearances on the girls’ lists. Luca is the middle daughter of actors Jennie Garth and Peter Facinelli, and also a Hungarian form of Lucia – currently quite popular. Lux is among the troubled sisters in Jeffrey Eugenides’ grim and grisly novel-turned-movie The Virgin Suicides. We love Lucy and all of her many elaborations, but she’s not quite a Katniss. Luca and Lux are – the feminine equivalents of another young hero, Luke Skywalker.
Lyra – It’s a night sky name, and also a musical one – the constellation is named because it resembles the shape of Orpheus’ lyre. I’m torn about including Lyra as a Katniss-inspired name, because Lyra belongs to an equally capable fictional heroine: Lyra Belacqua, of Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy. Maybe there should be another post called the Lyras!
What names have I missed? What should be included on the second half of the list? Do you think these are strong names for girls? And would you use any of these names, or are you more of a Hermione type?
Briar and Ever are my favorite from the Katniss list. I wonder about Zora, Maybe more of a classic because of the literary tie to Zora Neale Hurston, but it sound modern and strong. Also, not sure how I feel about this name, but Storm might be a good name for this list.
My daughter’s middle name is Adair! And we got the idea from Daisy Adair of Dead Like Me! Too funny that you would mention it too! I love the name and I think it works particularly well as a middle because I pronounce it a-DAIR, with the emphasis on the second syllable.
I’d also suggest Clarke after the character in the CW show The 100.
Good suggestion, Emily!
Devastated that it said ‘I through L’ and there were no I suggestions. That’s an initial I need and was looking forward to hearing what you thought counted. Iris is strong and nature-y but maybe too ladylike? And Ivy is poison, which helps here… but it’s also so popular…?
Anyway, Briar is by far my favourite of the listed ones.
Other ideas
Saoirse – ‘freedom.’
Undine – a water elemental. Melusine would be a Hermione. Undine is a Katniss, I think.
Vesper – I was raised on Vesper Holly adventures – an unflappable steampunk heroine. And Vesper is trim and word-y enough to stand with these I think. Hesperia is definitely on the Hermione side though.
Yael – Name that means ‘mountain goat,’ most famous for a story about a woman putting a spike through someone’s head. So Katniss.
Zella – ‘shadow.’ A modern sounding, not-too-clunky, nature-ish name with a dark meaning.
I could see using Katniss names. I feel like I’d have to pick between them and Hemiones as FNs though because they don’t go with each other.
Thinking about it, maybe austere not-too-cute vintage nature names like Hazel/Opal are what bridge the styles?
Hmm… Welsh names… Angharad, Gwenonwy, and Tegeirian I love but are too long for this category… Rhoswen/Lilwen?
Ack! There are no I suggestions, are there? Thinking, thinking …
Idella, Idra, Inari, Isolde
How about Bow or Arrow for this list
Aww I have a soft spot for Gates, it reminds me of Gates McFadden, who played Dr. Crusher on Star Trek: TNG.
Yes! I knew there was a girl Gates I was missing. Thank you!
I had to talk my sister and brother-in-law out of naming one of their kids Aderyn. It is a lovely name, and I’m a big fan of all things Welsh, but their surname is rare and is such that if you saw it spelled, you’d never guess the pronunciation, and if you only heard it, you’d never guess how it is spelled. So I came down pretty firmly on the side of “you have to give your kid at least ONE name that people can either spell or pronounce on sight”.
That child ended up being a boy, so the question was moot, but my arguments were persuasive and my next niece became Rinnah (Heb. for ‘a ringing cry of joy’, so I’ve been told, though I haven’t confirmed it myself).
Love these names and all the suggestions. Can’t wait for part two.
I loved “The Herminones” so much that I made my own A-Z list of them and I think I’ll do the same for “the Katniss.” It helps that I have adored the hunger games trilogy from day one.
Aisling
Blaise
Cyan
Dana
Elen
Ffion
Greta
Honor
Indigo
Jules
Kerensa
Lourdes
Mila
Noemi
Oona
Plum
Quil
Roisin
Seren
Thisbe
Uno
Vine
Wren
Xanthe
Yvaine
Zola
Leto is my favourite, even though she’s not tecnically on the list. I plan on using her in a book, and the name I had originally picked out belongs on this list as well, but recent events have rendered it less usable for me (Siri).
Other suitables would be Vesper, Betrys, Anouk, Bilquis, Betony, Clary, Cress, Delta, Eira, Eos, Franca, Hedra, Isis, Iskra, Iscah, Mayim, Merel, Nerys, Nimue, Phaedra, Pilar, Runa, Sequoia, Tesla, Tesni, Tulsi, Zosime
And I forgot Thora. ^^
I agree with many others – the Hermiones are more my style… that said, I do very much like Briar, Clio, and Carys (mentioned in comments – that one was actually on our list originally for our 4 year old). Katniss itself has been growing on me a lot and I just started reading “The Hunger Games” this morning (I may be the last person on earth to read the series). One of the things I really like about Katniss (and Briar in particular) is the nature aspect. I’ll admit, when I think of “Katniss” names, my mind really goes to those not-so-obvious nature names (Ivy, Fern, Juniper).
I haven’t read the Hunger Games yet, so you are not the last person on earth to read the books!
Neither have I! 🙂
add me to the list, though i’ve wanted to
So, I started out wanting to comment on great suggestions, but realized I’d be responding a whole bunch. Wow, what great names! I actually love the Hermiones and the Katnisses, except that I don’t actually like Hermione or Katniss – just the names on the lists.
It would be easier to say which ones I don’t like, but why? I’d rather try to add to this already incredibly long list. Does Noor fit? or too feminine? I feel like if Echo fits, then Noor should as well. I think of Queen Noor, a modern heroine in my opinion.
(For me, Landry is too tied to Tom Landry for it to feel feminine.)
Tough Women:
Mattie: True Grit’s Mattie Ross, another tough girl on a mission.
Katsa: The warrior character from Kristin Cashore’s novel Graceling. This series was overshadowed by The Hunger Games hype, but Katsa maybe perfect for parents who are scared off by Katniss’ overexposure?
Saoirse: I was originally thinking of Saoirse Ronan’s character in Hanna…but it’s the actresses’ name that fits this list.
Grainne: Pirate Queen!
Sojourner: Not only was Sojourner Truth a trailblazer, but it’s a word name that feels modern and current.
I’ll second Katsa as a more wearable (i.e. less “catnip”) nod to Katniss – and the character is equally hardcore 🙂
Saoirse and Grainne (also known as Granuaile) were both on my list for my daughter Sorcha.
Thanks for taking the spirit of my comment!
For the next round, I’m thinking post-apocalyptic (dystopian) names need a review. With some high-profile sequels coming out this spring (like Veronica Roth’s Insurgent and Ann Aguirre’s Outpost) can we appreciate the virtues of Tris, Deuce, Four, and Fade? Any takers? 🙂
Add in some of the characters from S.M. Stirling’s Dies the Fire series – Juniper, Astrid, Signe, Eric (Signe and Eric are twins, Astrid is their younger sister), Rudi (boy), Eilir (girl), Nigel, Chuck, Oak
Juniper and Oak are awesome suggestions!
In Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Lux is the name of the crush of the main female protagonist. Don’t think I’ll be using that name on a boy anytime soon!
*ahem* girl is what I meant to type, sorry.
The Hermiones are definitely more my style as well. Am I the only one who thinks Landry sounds too much like Laundry…?
Can Luz substitute for Lux? I like that much much more.
Nice ideas. For other Celtic names similar to Aderyn I would add: Betrys, Celyn, Delun, Ffion, Jowna, Kensa, Llio, Maelys, Morven, Nia and Tecca.
I heart Alix. I love that at first glance it’s easy to dismiss it as just a creative spelling of Alex, while in reality there is this rich medieval and regal history behind it. I’d be sad if Luca went solely into the girl camp; I think a female Luca would be met with quizzical looks in Italy.
I really like Briar and Ever.. great list
I think the Hermiones are more my style, but I’m liking this list!
I’m definitely more into the Hermiones. The only one of these I might consider is Aderyn.
I love Alix, Clio, Ever & Landry! I am also more in the Hermione camp but Katniss-esqe names are great as well.
I agree with shanamah’s suggestions of Carys & Merit, & Rita’s suggestions Astrid & Thora.
Names I would add to Part I would be: Beryl, Devyn & Hollis
As for Part II predictions; I think River, Sidoney, Torrance & Vesper should make the list.
I’m definitely in the Hermione camp. I loved almost all of those names. While I like these, they’re just a little too … something … for me. Maybe they sound a bit *too* much like characters in a book or movie?
Apropos of the Baby Name Wizard’s current discussion of spoken vs written names, Alix, by virtue of sounding just like Alex, loses a lot of its spark. Too bad as it’s a great name.
Aderyn I’d awesome! I nominate Lyra from the His Dark Materials trilogy. She’s tough and smart, and really not your typical heroine.
I love this list! Alix and Echo are my favourites.
Some ideas:
Hero, Liberty, Sky, Pax, Nyx, Sora, Lyre or Lyra, Sixtine, Kai, Remi (legit feminine name in japanese), Ellery, Leona, Astrid, Honor, Isla, Thora, Amalie, Axelle, Willa, Xanthe, Aquila, Elowen, Blithe, Imogen…
Great list as always! I have never encountered Aderyn before — lovely find! Greer is a personal favourite as I love the combination of g and r in a girl’s name.
My own additions: Zelda, Scout, Lennox.
Oh, and as great as these names are, I am more in the classic, Hermione camp.
Aderyn is one of my favourites, but many people may be tempted to pronounce it wrong. It’s ‘ad-EH-rin’, with the stress on the second syllable.
You’re right, Elea – another name that could’ve made the list is Adair, which sidesteps that problem.
this one is definitely better w/ the correct Welsh prn. (I don’t always feel that way, but here, definitely).
I think Indigo and Scarlet could also work or Zenobia.
Echo & Aderyn are my secret crushes. Luca is a name I’d love to use as a nod to my Hungarian ancestry, but gosh, but I’d never get people to say it properly around here! (it’s “loot-sah”)
Names I’d add: Merit, Carys/Charis, Arke, Kelda, Avis, Neith.
I love Carys. Aine/Anya too.
How do you say Arke and Neith? They look so cool. I will add that I adore your suggestions of Merit and Avis.
Loving Briar, Lux and Alix!