Baby Names From The Golden Girls Worth Bringing Back

When it debuted in 1985, "The Golden Girls" quickly became a beloved TV show, and its popularity continues, thanks to streaming and a bevy of merch. With pictures of Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and Sophia everywhere, it's no surprise prospective parents might consider naming their babies after these four fabulous characters.

Dorothy, which means "gift of God," is a name many of us might find in our own family trees. According to the U.S. Social Security Administration, Dorothy was a top 10 girls' name from 1904 to 1939 (likely due to "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" books and movies). Beyond its associations with Bea Arthur's bold, no-nonsense character, Dorothy also has a bunch of nickname possibilities, like Dot or Dottie, which increases its appeal. In contrast, Rose is short and sweet, and perfect for people who aren't fond of diminutives. The popularity of flower-inspired baby names makes it a winning choice, as well as its association with the comedic talents of Betty White.

Over the last two decades, the name Sophia has been more popular than ever. It means "wisdom," which was fitting for "The Golden Girls" character who was always offering insightful guidance. Then again, parents who prefer an uncommon name might gravitate to Blanche. This French name means "white," and, despite its chic sound, it hasn't made the top 1,000 in the United States for over 60 years. However, as one "Golden Girls" fan noted on Reddit, "As a character, Blanche was confident, loyal, and hilarious," making the name worthy of a comeback.

Fans of "The Golden Girls" can also find some cool baby name options among the sitcom's cast of supporting characters. For instance, Miles, who was Rose's boyfriend on the show, is a great choice for a boy's name. It's been growing in popularity and made the top 100 names in the U.S. for the first time in 2018. Miles means "soldier" as well as "gracious." "Star Trek" fans may also see the charm of this name, since the character Miles O'Brien appears in two shows in the franchise: "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and "Deep Space Nine".

For parents looking for a name connected to nature, Holly, one of Rose's sisters, would be a perfect choice. Holly's peak popularity was during the '70s and '80s, and the name is long overdue for a comeback. Although this name can be a polarizing choice for babies born around the winter holidays, it also conjures up the elegant image of Audrey Hepburn in her tiara and opera gloves as Holly Golightly in "Breakfast at Tiffany's."

Another name worth considering is Virginia, the name of Blanche's sister. Like Dorothy, it's got historic appeal. Virginia was super-popular in the 1910s and 1920s, so this choice could also be a way to honor an ancestor. Ginny has long been a popular shortening of this classic name, adding to the moniker's sweetness.