8 Legendary Fantasy-Inspired Girl Names For Your Fearless Little One
Whether you love the books, movies, or the culture that celebrates it all, the fantasy genre holds a special place in many parents' hearts. We are inspired by its otherworldly adventures and take refuge in its mystical worlds. As fantastical as fantasy characters may be, we connect with them deeply and resonate with their unfathomable tales. It's no surprise, then, that we want to capture the magic and wonder for our new bundle of joy, and there are tons of fantasy-inspired girl names to honor your favorite characters, themes, and tales — and instill a love of the genre for the next generation.
For our list of fantasy-inspired girls' names, we sought to honor the legendary female characters from some of the most iconic works of fantasy. The beauty of the genre is that there is inspiration to glean from every magical element of the tales, such as nature or character traits. Nature-themed names with a touch of whimsy are a great option, like Everleigh ("Leigh" meaning "meadow"), Sylvie (Latin for "forest" with connections to ancient mythology), and Celestine (Latin for "heavenly" or "of the sky"). Also worth considering are names that honor the values of your beloved stories and characters, like Hope, Harmony, and True.
There are plenty of options out there. With that in mind, here's our list of eight legendary girl names inspired by some of the most iconic characters in fantasy.
Arya
If you're a fan of author George R.R. Martin, you know there are tons of names to choose from in the "Game of Thrones" world. We love the uniqueness, simplicity, and melody of Arya, as well as the character behind the name. Sanskrit for "noble," "illustrious," and "spiritual," it's a variation of the spelling "Aria," which has Greek origins meaning "song," "air," and "wind." All are fitting for the adventurous and independent Arya Stark, who forges her own path with an unwavering sense of justice and loyalty.
Éowyn
Éowyn means "horse lover," with Old English origins. The name is best known from J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings." Éowyn is known for being fearless and loved by all, leading the people of Edoras to safety when King Theoden goes into battle. Desperate to join the fight, Éowyn disguises herself as a male soldier and ultimately fulfills the prophecy that no living man could kill the Witch-king of Angmar by slaying him herself. Otherworldly and powerful, Éowyn is a legendary name.
Kerowyn
Kerowyn is the name of the female protagonist in "By the Sword" by Mercedes Lackey. The epic fantasy novel chronicles Kerowyn's quest to avenge her noble family after an attack led by a sorcerer. The granddaughter of a sorceress herself, Kerowyn's journey leads her to discover her true (non-magical) powers and fulfill her destiny of becoming a fierce warrior. Determined and courageous, Kerowyn makes a unique and enchanting baby girl's name.
Feyre
Feyre is a French name meaning "fair" and "beautiful," and fantasy-romance fans will know the name from the wildly popular "A Court of Thorns and Roses" series by Sarah J. Maas. In the books, Feyre Archeron's story is one of survival, resourcefulness, and loyalty. Feyre is considered a beautiful and strong girl's name thanks to the series, and will make a fitting name for your little legend-in-the-making.
Brienne
Another "Game of Thrones" nod, but we couldn't resist including Brienne on our list. A variation of Brianna and Brian, it's a strong name of Irish origin meaning "high" or "noble." George R.R. Martin's Brienne of Tarth is among the fiercest, most fearless female characters in the genre, and she was the first woman to be knighted in the Seven Kingdoms in the TV show. Brienne is a name that inspires upstanding moral character, loyalty, and courage.
Alanna
In Tamora Pierce's "The Song of the Lioness" young adult fantasy series, Alanna of Trebond decides to trade places with her twin brother, Thom, so she can train to become a knight. The four-book series follows Alanna's journey in becoming her true self and ultimately, a legend in Trebond. With multiple meanings from various origins, Alanna can mean "attractive," "precious," "peaceful," and "offering," and makes an especially fitting fantasy-inspired name for a twin baby girl.
Luna
While Hermione is a clear choice if you love the "Harry Potter" series, we wanted to give the name Luna the credit it's due as a beautiful fantasy-inspired name. Latin for "moon," Luna reaches far beyond Hogwarts in its significance in the genre. Still, we can't help but love Luna Lovegood's genuine and quirky character. She is comfortable in her own skin and never shies away from hard truths. Luna's kindness, unique perspective, and quiet strength ultimately make her a key member of Dumbledore's Army, and hers is a worthy name to honor the Ravenclaw house.
Guinevere
The name of King Arthur's wife, Guinevere, is a beautiful name for your little princess. Guinevere means "fair one" or "white fairy" in Welsh, and the Queen of Camelot certainly left her mark on Arthurian legend. Her passionate affair with Sir Lancelot is a central plot that ultimately leads to Camelot's demise. Noble, regal, and conflicted, Guinevere is an enduring name in the fantasy genre.