30 baby names inspired by Shakespeare (and their meanings)


by Samantha Ball |
Updated on

Some of the most beautiful baby names come from famous books or movies, so why not take some inspiration from traditional literature and choose a name that's inspired by Shakespeare?

From the classics Romeo and Juliet to the more unique such as Ophelia, Shakespeare inspires a lot of names that are not only beautiful but classic, too. We've found the best names inspired by Shakespeare that we think you'll fall in love with!

30 Shakespeare-inspired baby names

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Shakespearian baby names

Adriana1 of 30

1) Adriana

This lovely girls name is of Latin origin meaning "man of Adria." It's also the name of a character in Shakespeare's 'The Comedy of Errors'.

Shaw2 of 30

2) Shaw

Shaw is of English origin meaning "dweller by the wood." The name is a modern take on 'Shawn', but still takes its inspiration from Shakespeares character in 'Richard the Third.'

Phebe3 of 30

3) Phebe

Similar to 'Phoebe' meaning "radiant, shining one," Phebe is a name from Greek origin. This variation of the name is inspired by the character 'Phebe' who was a Shepherdess in As You Like It.

Lennox4 of 30

4) Lennox

From the famous Macbeth, Lennox was a nobleman with Scottish origin. The name itself means "elm grove."

Bianca5 of 30

5) Bianca

Bianca was a character that featured in both 'Othello' and 'The Taming of the Shrew'. The name is popular for a little girl, originating from Italy with a meaning of "white."

William6 of 30

6) William

William is a timeless name that means "resolute protection" and there is no name closer to Shakespeare than his first name, right?

Helena7 of 30

7) Helena

Meaning "bright, shining light" the name Helena sounds a lot more delicate than the name 'Helen'. The name was a favourite of Shakespeare, as he used it for two characters in 'All's Well That Ends Well' and 'A Midsummer's Night Dream.'

Toby8 of 30

8) Toby

Ideal for a baby boy or baby girl, Toby is of Greek origin meaning "God is good."

Cordelia9 of 30

9) Cordelia

Inspired by 'King Lear's' daughter, the name Cordelia means "heart; daughter of the sea." It's a beautiful name, that has a timeless feel but also sounds modern.

Puck10 of 30

10) Puck

Puck originated from Shakespearian literature and was a mischievous pixie. It makes a great boys name and is also fun-sounding.

Valeria11 of 30

11) Valeria

The character Valeria was known for her nobility, with the name itself meaning "strength, health." It's a Shakespearian twist on the name Valerie.

Fenton12 of 30

12) Fenton

Fenton is more common as a surname, but we think it would make a great name for a baby boy! Inspired by the wild and good-looking character from 'The Merry Wives of Windsor', the name means "marsh town."

Celia13 of 30

13) Celia

This feminine name was scattered throughout Shakespearian literature and has a meaning of "heavenly." Celia is a lovely, modern girls name too, that is of Latin origin.

Lysander14 of 30

14) Lysander

You will be love-struck with your baby boy just as much as the character from A Midsummer Night's Dream was. Meaning "liberator," the name is also of Greek origin.

Rosalind15 of 30

15) Rosalind

Of Latin origin meaning "pretty rose," the name Rosalind was made more popular by Shakespeare, as it was the name of one of his most charming heroines.

Caius16 of 30

16) Caius

Several Shakespearian characters were given this name as its classic name has a joyful meaning, "rejoice." It's also of Latin origin.

Ophelia17 of 30

17) Ophelia

This beautiful name is of Greek origin, meaning "help." Ophelia is becoming an incredibly popular choice for a baby girl and has strong Shakespearian roots.

Albany18 of 30

18) Albany

Known more as a place-name, this name would suit any little boy. Shakespeare's 'King Lear' is known for its ruthless characters, but the Duke of Albany takes on a kinder role.

Juliet19 of 30

19) Juliet

We love everything about this beautiful name, meaning "youthful" and of English and French origin. Julietis the most romantic and popular baby girls name that is inspired by Shakespeare.

Cassio20 of 30

20) Cassio

Meaning "hollow" this name is a variation of the name Cassius and is a notable Shakespearean name, as Cassio was character Othello's younger brother.

Viola21 of 30

21) Viola

A lovely shortening of the name Violet, this gorgeous girls name can be linked to Shakespeare's 'Twelfth Night' character, who plays the leading role, Viola.

Orlando22 of 30

22) Orlando

Orlandois a variation of then name 'Ronald' and means "famous throughout the land." The name also takes it's inspiration from As You Like It, with the character being known as brave, handsome and modest.

Ceres23 of 30

23) Ceres

The goddess of the harvest from The Tempest. Ceres is of Roman origin and is a beautiful baby girls name.

Marcellus24 of 30

24) Marcellus

Meaning "young warrior" the name is of Latin origin and is inspired by the character from Hamlet. While the name will make a strong stand on the class register, it can be shortened to "Marcel" or "Marcus" as a nickname.

Imogen25 of 30

25) Imogen

Inspired by the character in Shakespeare's Cymbeline, Imogen was known as an incredibly beautiful girl. Imogen comes from Celtic origin, 'Innogen' and means "maiden."

Balthasar26 of 30

26) Balthasar

Meaning "God protects the king" the name Balthasar is a strong, Shakespearian boys name that is of Greek origin. The character was a loyal friend and servant.

Titania27 of 30

27) Titania

Of Greek origin meaning the "great one", Titaniais the Queen of the Fairies in Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," so what little girl wouldn't love this name?

Philo28 of 30

28) Philo

While this baby boys name isn't very common, it's definitely a name that will stand out on the class register. Philo was a soldier in Shakespeares 'Antony and Cleopatra'. The name is of Greek origin and also means "loving."

Emilia29 of 30

29) Emilia

Meaning "rival" the name Emilia is the feminine variation of Emil, which is of Latin origin.

Romeo30 of 30

30) Romeo

One of the most well-know characters from Shakespeare, the name Romeo is also a popular choice for baby boys. From Italian origin, the name means "pilgrim to Rome."

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