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
Shakespearian baby names
1 of 301) 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'.
2 of 302) 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.'
3 of 303) 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.
4 of 304) Lennox
From the famous Macbeth, Lennox was a nobleman with Scottish origin. The name itself means "elm grove."
5 of 305) 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."
6 of 306) William
William is a timeless name that means "resolute protection" and there is no name closer to Shakespeare than his first name, right?
7 of 307) 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.'
9 of 309) 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.
10 of 3010) Puck
Puck originated from Shakespearian literature and was a mischievous pixie. It makes a great boys name and is also fun-sounding.
11 of 3011) 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.
12 of 3012) 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."
13 of 3013) 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.
14 of 3014) 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.
15 of 3015) 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.
16 of 3016) Caius
Several Shakespearian characters were given this name as its classic name has a joyful meaning, "rejoice." It's also of Latin origin.
17 of 3017) 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.
18 of 3018) 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.
19 of 3019) 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.
20 of 3020) 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.
21 of 3021) 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.
22 of 3022) 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.
23 of 3023) Ceres
The goddess of the harvest from The Tempest. Ceres is of Roman origin and is a beautiful baby girls name.
24 of 3024) 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.
25 of 3025) 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."
26 of 3026) 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.
27 of 3027) 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?
28 of 3028) 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."
29 of 3029) Emilia
Meaning "rival" the name Emilia is the feminine variation of Emil, which is of Latin origin.
30 of 3030) 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."