Fairy tales are a cornerstone of every culture, offering timeless stories of love, adventure, and magic. Consequently, it’s no surprise that many parents turn to these enchanting tales for inspiration when choosing a name for their little one. From the sweetness of Cinderella to the whimsy of Puss n’ Boots, the world of fairy tales provides a treasure trove of magical baby names.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most charming and unique fairy tale names inspired by these beloved stories. So, grab a notebook and let the magic of fairy tales guide you to the perfect baby name!
See the full list of names here.
Names That Mean ‘Fairy Tale’
Let’s start with two captivating names that perfectly encapsulate the essence of fairy tales:
- Fable – This darling name works beautifully for both boys and girls. For a girl, the nickname “Fay” (which also means “fairy”) adds an extra layer of charm. A fable is a mythical short story with a moral lesson, often associated with the wonder and whimsy of fairy tales.
- Satu – A Finnish girl’s name meaning “fairy tale” or “fable.” Pronounced SAH-too (AH as in caught), this adorable name is both unique and perfectly on-theme for any fairy tale lover.
Names from Classic Fairy Tales
Interestingly, many traditional fairy tales don’t assign names to their characters, opting instead for generic titles like “princess,” or “witch.” On the rare occasions when names are given, they’re often better suited for pets than babies—think Rapunzel, Cinderella, or Rumpelstiltskin. (Perhaps you’ll save those for your next furry friend!)
That said, with a bit of digging, I’ve uncovered some absolute gems that deserve a second look. Here are a few enchanting names that you might fall in love with:
- Gretel – From the beloved fairy tale Hansel and Gretel. Gretel is a brave and resourceful character who saves her brother by outwitting a child-eating witch. This name is especially meaningful for a baby girl with an older brother. Gretel originates from the name Margaret, which means “pearl” in Greek. If “Gretel” doesn’t resonate with you, consider one of the many other names derived from Margaret or even opt for “Pearl.” For more ideas, check out this comprehensive list.
- Hansel – From the classic fairy tale Hansel and Gretel, Hansel is Gretel’s clever and resourceful brother who relies on his quick thinking to protect himself and his sister from danger. This name exudes vintage charm, making it a distinctive choice for a baby boy. Hansel is derived from the German diminutive Hans, which is short for Johannes (the German form of John), meaning “God is gracious.” Like Margaret, John has countless variations to explore if Hansel isn’t your first pick. If you’re expecting boy-and-girl twins, you could give a subtle nod to this fairy tale by naming them Jack and Maggie—or another pair of variations inspired by these timeless names.
- Kai (or Kay) – Pronounced KYE, this charming name comes from The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen. In this tale, Kai is a boy who is kidnapped by the Snow Queen, prompting his best friend, Gerda, to embark on an epic and perilous journey to rescue him. Historically, Kai originated as a nickname for names like Gerhard, Nicolaas, and Gaius. Since Gerda’s name is derived from Gerhard, it’s fun to imagine that this Kai might also be a Gerhard (meaning ‘brave spear’). If you love the story but want a slightly different name, you could honor it with variations like Gerard, Garrett, or Hart. (Fun fact: Kai is also the name of one of King Arthur’s knights, though I’ll save Arthurian names for another post!)
- Jack – A classic fairy tale hero featured in several stories, including Jack and the Beanstalk and Jack the Giant Killer. Jack embodies resourcefulness, courage, and determination, making the name an enduring choice for a baby boy. Its simplicity and universal appeal have made it a timeless favorite.
- Talia – Pronounced TAH-lee-uh, this name comes from the fairy tale Sun, Moon, and Talia (1636) by Giambattista Basile, which served as the inspiration for Charles Perrault’s The Sleeping Beauty. In Hebrew, Talia means “dew from God,” making it a beautiful and meaningful choice.
- Zellandine – The name of an even older Sleeping Beauty character from Histoire de Troylus et de Zellandine, a chapter in the 14th-century Perceforest. Although this name may feel a bit elaborate to some, it has a striking beauty that’s hard to ignore. Plus, it offers endless nickname possibilities: Zelle, Zella, Dina, Andi, Zina—the list goes on!
- Juniper – A significant symbol in The Juniper Tree by the Brothers Grimm, Juniper embodies themes of transformation, renewal, and a mother’s enduring love. This fairy tale, a darker counterpart to Hansel and Gretel, features a juniper tree as a supernatural force that grants a mother her deeply desired child. After the mother’s passing, the juniper tree plays a pivotal role in bringing that child back to life. Additionally, this name is particularly poignant for a rainbow baby, symbolizing hope and new beginnings. With sweet nickname options like June, Juni, or Juno, Juniper offers versatility and charm. The name itself derives from the Latin juniperus, meaning “young berry.”
Names with Fairy Tale Symbolism
Fairy tales are rich with symbolism and motifs, often tied to magical objects, mythical creatures, or vivid imagery. For instance, when we think of Snow White, the image of a shiny red apple might come to mind.
Across these timeless stories, recurring themes like princesses, knights, and dragons spark our imagination.Since fairy tales can sometimes be grim (pun intended), choosing a name directly from a specific tale may not always feel like the right fit. That’s why I’ve compiled this list of fairy tale-adjacent names that capture the magic and symbolism of these beloved stories while offering unique and meaningful choices for your little one.
- Aurelia – A stunning name meaning “golden” or “gilded.” This regal and princess-worthy name fits perfectly with tales like Rumplestiltskin that revolve around gold and transformation. Nickname options include Aura, Ray, Raylie, Ria, and Lia.
- Ebony – A type of tree with rich black wood. Symbolically, this sweet name connects to Snow White, whose mother wished for a child with “hair as black as ebony.”
- Eirlys – Pronounced AYR-lis, this Irish name means “snowdrop,” a delicate flower associated with January and reminiscent of softly falling snow. For a direct nod to Snow White, consider Eirwen, which literally translates to “snow white.” Nickname options include Era and Lissy.
- Marigold – A beautiful flower known for its golden hue. This name is a lovely tribute to stories like Rumplestiltskin that feature gold as a central motif.
- Drake – A bold and powerful name meaning “dragon.” Perfect for fans of fairy tales featuring knights, dragons, and epic adventures.
- Ember – A unique and modern choice tied to Cinderella. An ember is a glowing remnant of fire, symbolizing warmth and resilience.
- Lumi – Meaning “snow” in Finnish. This short and sweet name is perfect for a tribute to Snow White or The Snow Queen. It’s simple, charming, and absolutely adorable.
- Scarlet – A vibrant shade of red, this name pays homage to Little Red Riding Hood. The color red is a common motif in many different fairy tales including, Snow White and Rose Red, The Red Shoes, and many more.
- Arman – A handsome Persian name meaning “wish” or “hope,” perfect for a baby who is truly a dream come true.
- Eala (Éala) – Pronounced AH-luh or EH-luh (with the accent), this lovely Irish name means “swan.” It’s a beautiful nod to tales like The Six Swans or Swan Lake. Pronouncing it EH-luh could even tie it to Cinderella.
- Belle – A sweet and simple name, meaning ‘beautiful’ that would work beautifully as a first or middle name for a girl.
- Rose – A common motif in fairy tales, a beautiful flower, and a lovely color, Rose would make an excellent tribute to fairy tales as either a first or middle name. There are also many extensions of this name such as Rosalie, Roseanne, and Rosalind.
- Faolán – Pronounced FEE-lan, this Old Irish name means “little wolf,” making it a strong and earthy choice with a subtle connection to Little Red Riding Hood or The Three Little Pigs (Both of which have retellings where the wolf is not the bad guy).
Names Referencing Royalty
- Astriel – A name with Tolkien heritage, it means “princess of ash” in Sindarin, an Elvish language. This name beautifully ties into Cinderella and is a perfect pick for fantasy lovers.
- Emyr – Pronounced EH-mir, this Welsh name means “king” or “lord,” perfect for a princely baby boy.
- Henry – A classic name meaning “home ruler,” with charming nicknames like Hank and Harry. It also has some lovely variants like Amery, or Emeric, which mean “great ruler.”
- Kingsley – A stately name that means “king’s meadow”. (Watch for my upcoming post on Harry Potter-inspired names!)
- Frederick – A strong and princely name meaning “peaceful ruler.” Variations with the suffix “-ric,” meaning “ruler,” offer even more options for your little prince.
- Brendan – Derived from an old Welsh name meaning “king” or “prince.”
- Sara – A timeless and elegant name meaning “princess” in Hebrew. This name also honors literary fans, as Sara Crewe is the beloved main character in A Little Princess.
- Gina – A sweet and simple name meaning “princess” in Urdu or “silver” in Japanese. It can also be short for Regina, which means “queen” in Latin.
- Reina – Based on the French word reine, meaning “queen,” this beautiful and regal name would be perfect for your little princess.
- Basil – Pronounced BAZ-il, and derived from the Greek word for “king,” this name is also connected to Giambattista Basile, a famous collector of fairy tales.
- Faris – A sleek and modern name meaning “knight” in Arabic.
Names Referencing Fairies
- Aubrey – A gender-neutral gem originally used as a boy’s name, Aubrey stems from Oberon, the fairy king in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. For a bolder choice, consider Oberon itself.
- Maeva – Pronounced MAY-Vuh, this beautiful name is inspired by Queen Mab, a fairy queen referenced by the character, Mercutio, in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Mab was most likely derived from the Irish name Medb (pronounced MAYV), meaning ‘intoxicating’, which was later anglicized into Maeve.
- Nixie – A whimsical name inspired by water sprites. Reminiscent of Dixie or Trixie, Nixie also works as a nickname for Nicole or Veronica.
- Aelfric – Pronounced ELF-rik, A rare but enchanting Anglo-Saxon name meaning “elf ruler.”
- Erina – Derived from the flower erinus alpinus, also known as “fairy foxglove.” This delicate purple flower often decorates stone walls and gardens, making it an enchanting and whimsical choice.
- Faye – A sweet and simple name, meaning ‘fairy’ that would work beautifully as a first or middle name for a girl.
Inspiration can also be gathered from fairy tale collectors, without whom, many of these beloved tales might have been lost.
Here are a few that I know of:
Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, Charles Perrault, Hans Christian Andersen, Andrew Lang, Giovanni Francesco Straparola, Giambattista Basile, Italo Calvino, Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont, Marie-Catherine Le Jumel de Barneville, Baroness d’Aulnoy (Madame d’Aulnoy), Peter Christian Asbjørnsen, Jørgen Moe, Joseph Jacobs
These names capture the magic, beauty, and timeless symbolism of fairy tales while offering modern, meaningful choices for your little prince or princess.
Fairy tales are brimming with inspiration for baby names, from timeless classics to hidden treasures. Whether you’re drawn to the simplicity of “Jack,” the elegance of “Talia,” or the uniqueness of “Astriel,” there’s a fairy tale name out there that’s just right for your little prince or princess.
Which of these names is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below! Plus, stay tuned for more posts exploring names from Arthurian legends, Disney adaptations, and so much more!
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