Bewitched Baby Names With A Little Magic And Plenty Of Staying Power

Maybe you first became acquainted with "Bewitched" as the beloved sitcom from the 1960s that later aired in syndication on Nick at Nite. Or perhaps you became a fan of the 2005 film version that starred Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell. Whatever brought you into the life of Samantha and Darrin Stephens, it's hard to ignore that their world includes a treasure trove of fun, vintage names.

For anyone unaware, in "Bewitched," a witch marries an ordinary human. Once he finds out about her powers, he asks her to please keep her magic under control. She agrees, but this proves to be easier said than done — especially when her magic happens with a quick twitch of the nose. Along with the show's classic charm, it also boasts a quirky cast of characters, many of whom are also witches and warlocks. This means that quite a few of their names carry a touch of magic and originality that can serve as excellent naming options for your own little enchanted bundle of joy.

As the main character of the show, Samatha is the sweet and charming 400-year-old witch who tries her best to keep her promise not to use witchcraft. As a name, Samantha works as a feminine form of Samuel and means "flower" as well as "name of God." Most notably, while the name has long been popular in the United States, the U.S. Social Security Administration reports it experienced a surge in popularity in 1964 — the year "Bewitched" debuted.

On the show, Tabitha is a headstrong little witch and the daughter of Samantha and her mortal husband. The name has both Aramaic origins and biblical ties, and is said to mean both "gracious" and "gazelle." Much like Samantha, the name's popularity aligns with the show. Tabitha joined the cast in 1966, and that year, the name appeared in the top 1,000 baby names in the U.S., debuting at No. 524. 

As Samantha's theatrical and sassy mother, Endora could always be relied on for a laugh. The name, however, is more soothing and tranquil, meaning "fountain." Unlike the rest of the women in her family, Endora didn't quite inspire the same surge of namesakes. Even now, she has yet to break into the top 1,000 names for baby girls in the U.S., which gives you the chance to make your daughter a possible trendsetter.

Tate isn't the first name of anyone on "Bewitched." It's actually the last name of Darrin's boss, Larry, and his wife, Louise — the latter of whom is also Samantha's best non-magical friend. But as a baby name, Tate is British in origin and means "cheerful," making it a fun and friendly option.

In the series, Samantha and Darrin live across the street from the Kravitzes — Abner and Gladys. While Gladys is meddlesome and dubious, Abner is far more easygoing and somewhat aloof, but that makes him all the more endearing. Fortunately, the name Abner is considerably brighter, as it means "father of light." 

On the show, Samantha's playful and slightly naughty Uncle Arthur was played by the beloved Paul Lynde — and the name Arthur is just as charming. With Celtic and Roman origins, the name means "bear man" and "bear king," and has been consistently popular for over a century. In the year 1900, it ranked 15th on the list of the top baby boy names in the U.S., and it still remains in the top 100 — at No. 87 in 2025. 

As Samantha's free-spirited identical cousin, Serena was a fun and slightly silly recurring character — especially because, like Samantha, she was also played by Elizabeth Montgomery. Given Serena's flamboyant outfits and eccentric ways, it's somewhat ironic that her name means "serene," as well as "peaceful" and "quiet." The name has also been consistently in the top 1,000 baby names for girls in the U.S. for decades.

Clara is the name of Samantha's quirky yet lovable aunt, who brings her own mishaps into the Stephens household. Her name means "clear" and "bright," as well as "shining" and "famous," and is full of additional layers. Along with the connection to Aunt Clara, this name could also be a nod to film icon Clara Bow or the protagonist of "The Nutcracker."