Rowan
Popularity rank in the US: #295
Meaning: Descendant of Ruadhan
Featured in Emily Rodda's novel "Rowan of Rin," this name is suitable for a boy or girl. The Gaelic-derived name could also refer to a rowan tree.
Anne
Popularity rank in the US: #519
Meaning: Full of grace
This classic Hebrew name for girls is always in style thanks to Lucy Maud Montgomery's famous 1908 novel, "Anne of Green Gables." Anne and its derivatives remain evergreen, evoking the image of a charming girl with bright red hair.
Max
Popularity rank in the US: #111
Meaning: Greatest; Great spring
Sometimes used as the shortened version of the Latin-originated name Maxmillian, this bold title stands easily on its own. The name Max remains a tame choice for wild things everywhere, thanks to Maurice Sendak's children's classic, "Where the Wild Things Are."
Emma
Popularity rank in the US: #2
Meaning: Whole or universal
Jane Austen's headstrong character named Emma stars in the 1815 novel of the same name, and has been popular since the 19th century. Emma is of German origin.
Hugo
Popularity rank in the US: #438
Meaning: Bright in mind and spirit
A derivative of the German name Hugh, Hugo can be found in Brian Selznick's 2007 novel "The Invention of Hugo Cabret," which won a Caldecott Medal the next year.
Elizabeth
Popularity rank in the US: #10
Meaning: Consecrated to God; My God is bountiful
Although many characters of the same Hebrew name sprinkle the pages of famous novels, it is the charming and independent Elizabeth Bennett Darcy of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" who leaves a lasting impression on the book-fueled imagination.
William
Popularity rank in the US: #5
Meaning: Strong-willed warrior
This German name for boys gained popularity in England after the Norman conquest in 1066, says BabyCenter.com, and it has never lost its charm. As though this kingly name weren't dignified enough already, it is wielded by the intelligent and wealthy Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Austen's novel "Pride and Prejudice."
Daisy
Popularity rank in the US: #198
Meaning: Day's eye
Immortalized in fiction by F. Scott Fitzgerald in his timeless novel "The Great Gatsby," the British name Daisy is full of charm, sweetness and can simply refer to the flower.
Dorian
Popularity rank in the US: #544
Meaning: Gift
Oscar Wilde's controversial novel "The Portrait of Dorian Gray" is the source of this unusual yet intriguing moniker, as Greek-derived Dorian remains a charming choice for baby boys.
Bella
Popularity rank in the US: #58
Meaning: Beauty
The popularity of the Latin-derived name Bella has increased significantly since 2000, perhaps due in part to the worldwide success of Stephanie Meyer's "Twilight" series, and is a lovely choice for the new little beauty in your house.
