The Book of Lost Names: Cute, Unique & Trending 2026

In Kristin Harmel’s unforgettable historical novel, The Book of Lost Names, a young woman risks everything to forge identity documents for Jewish children fleeing the Nazis—and secretly records their real names in a coded book so their identities are never truly lost. The book’s emotional core—the belief that every name carries a story worth preserving—resonates more powerfully than ever in 2026. As parents seek names with depth, history, and meaning, the spirit of this novel inspires a treasure trove of baby name possibilities.

Whether you’re drawn to vintage names that feel like they belong in a WWII-era French village, romantic literary names with European flair, or names that honor resilience and quiet heroism, this list of 500+ cute, unique, and trending names inspired by The Book of Lost Names will help you find the perfect name for your little one. Inspired by the true-story elements of the novel and 2026’s biggest baby name trends—from romantasy to literary classics—let’s dive in.

The Heart of the Story: What Is The Book of Lost Names?

Eva Traube Abrams, a semi-retired librarian in Florida, is shelving books when her eyes lock on a photograph in the New York Times—an image of a book she hasn’t seen in more than sixty years. The accompanying article discusses the looting of libraries by the Nazis during World War II and a mysterious eighteenth-century religious text, now housed in a Berlin library, that appears to contain a secret code. Only Eva holds the answer, and she must decide whether she has the strength to revisit old memories.

As a graduate student in 1942, Eva was forced to flee Paris after the arrest of her father, a Polish Jew. Finding refuge in a small mountain town in the Free Zone, she began forging identity documents for Jewish children fleeing to neutral Switzerland. Along with a mysterious, handsome forger named Rémy, Eva created an intricate coding system to record the real names of the children whose identities they were changing—so their true identities would never be lost. The novel is “a heart-stopping tale of survival and heroism centered on a female forger who risks everything to help Jewish children escape Nazi-occupied France.”

Why The Book of Lost Names Resonates in 2026

According to baby name experts, 2026 is the year of names influenced by literature, fantasy, and historical fiction. Nameberry’s editor-in-chief Sophie Kihm notes that “escapist media that transports people to worlds historical and imagined” is the biggest influence on baby names this year, with “romantasy names—inspired by the hottest new book genre—characterized by elaborate names with Welsh and Scandinavian roots” leading the trend. The New York Post reports that parents are “paging through fantasy novels, satiating anime, and rewinding reality TV to find baby names that feel like an escape hatch from real life.”

This cultural moment is perfect for parents drawn to the world of The Book of Lost Names. The novel’s themes of heroism, identity, and preserving what matters most—combined with its French Resistance setting and romantic elements—make it a rich source of inspiration for names that feel vintage yet fresh, strong yet soft, and deeply meaningful.

Thematic Names from The Book of Lost Names

Names Directly from the Novel

• Eva – The protagonist. A name of Hebrew origin meaning “life.” It’s classic, elegant, and carries the weight of a woman who saved hundreds of lives through her courage and skill.
• Rémy – The mysterious forger who works alongside Eva. A French name meaning “oarsman” or “remedy.” It has a romantic, artistic feel.
• Traube – Eva’s surname. Of German origin meaning “grape.” An unusual surname choice that feels literary and distinctive.
• Abrams – Eva’s married name. A classic surname with Hebrew roots meaning “father of many.”

Names Inspired by the Setting and Themes

The novel is set in a small mountain town in France’s Free Zone during World War II. French names, vintage European names, and names meaning “light,” “hope,” “courage,” or “strength” all connect to the book’s themes.

500+ Cute, Unique & Trending Names Inspired by The Book of Lost Names

📖 French-Inspired Names for Girls

These names evoke the beauty and romance of France—the setting where Eva finds purpose and love.

• Elodie – French, meaning “foreign riches.” Trending in 2026 due to its musical sound
• Colette – French, meaning “victory of the people.” Rising in popularity
• Marguerite – French form of Margaret, meaning “pearl.” Vintage and elegant
• Camille – French, meaning “attendant.” Classic and unisex
• Juliette – French form of Juliet, meaning “youthful”
• Manon – French diminutive of Marie, meaning “bitter.” Cute and spunky
• Celeste – French, meaning “heavenly.” Ethereal and trending
• Soleil – French, meaning “sun.” Bright and unique
• Genevieve – French, meaning “Crew woman.” Classic and regal
• Odette – French, meaning “wealthy.” The name of a swan in ballet
• Yvonne – French, meaning “yew wood.” Vintage charm
• Anouk – French diminutive of Anne, meaning “grace.” Unique and chic
• Inès – French form of Agnes, meaning “pure.” Simple and elegant
• Vivienne – French, meaning “alive.” Lively and sophisticated
• Mireille – French, meaning “to admire.” Rare and beautiful
• Lucienne – French feminine form of Lucien, meaning “light”
• Sylvie – French, meaning “from the forest.” Nature-inspired
• Cécile – French, meaning “blind.” Vintage and underused
• Amélie – French, meaning “hardworking.” Charming and beloved
• Clémence – French, meaning “mercy.” Soft and elegant
• Noémie – French form of Naomi, meaning “pleasantness”
• Raphaëlle – French feminine form of Raphael, meaning “God has healed”
• Aurore – French, meaning “dawn.” Poetic and rare
• Maud – French form of Matilda, meaning “battle-mighty.” Short and strong
• Simone – French feminine form of Simon, meaning “he has heard”

🇫🇷 French-Inspired Names for Boys

For boys, these French names capture the spirit of Rémy and the Resistance.

• Rémy – French, meaning “oarsman” or “remedy.” The romantic hero’s name
• Henri – French form of Henry, meaning “home ruler.” Classic and strong
• Louis – French, meaning “famous warrior.” Royal and timeless
• Marcel – French, meaning “little warrior.” Vintage charm
• Lucien – French, meaning “light.” Bright and artistic
• Gaspard – French form of Jasper, meaning “treasurer.” Unique
• Baptiste – French, meaning “baptizer.” Uncommon and strong
• Étienne – French form of Stephen, meaning “crown.” Classic
• Théo – Short for Théodore, meaning “gift of God.” Popular
• Olivier – French form of Oliver, meaning “olive tree.” Literary
• Alexandre – French form of Alexander, meaning “defender of men”
• Matthieu – French form of Matthew, meaning “gift of God”
• Laurent – French, meaning “from Laurentum.” Vintage
• Christophe – French form of Christopher, meaning “bearer of Christ”
• Nicolas – French form of Nicholas, meaning “victory of the people”
• Frédéric – French form of Frederick, meaning “peaceful ruler”
• Julien – French form of Julian, meaning “youthful”
• Sébastien – French form of Sebastian, meaning “from Sebastia”
• Maxime – French, meaning “greatest.” Modern and strong
• Emmanuel – French, meaning “God is with us”
• Damien – French, meaning “to tame.” Strong and classic
• Raphaël – French form of Raphael, meaning “God has healed”
• Adrien – French form of Adrian, meaning “from Hadria”
• Cédric – French, of unknown origin but popular in France
• Benoît – French form of Benedict, meaning “blessed”

🕰️ Vintage Names Popular in 1940s Europe

These names feel authentically tied to Eva’s era and have a timeless quality.

• Eva – “Life”
• Irene – “Peace.” Classic 1940s name
• Ruth – “Friend.” Vintage and strong
• Esther – “Star.” Biblical and elegant
• Miriam – “Beloved.” Hebrew classic
• Hannah – “Grace.” Timeless
• Sarah – “Princess.” Always in style
• Rachel – “Ewe.” Biblical beauty
• Leah – “Weary.” Soft and vintage
• Naomi – “Pleasantness.” Rising in popularity
• Martha – “Lady.” Vintage charm
• Mary – “Bitter.” Classic and eternal
• Elizabeth – “God is my oath.” Royal
• Catherine – “Pure.” Classic
• Margaret – “Pearl.” Vintage
• Anne – “Grace.” Simple and elegant
• Rose – “Flower.” Nature-inspired
• Alice – “Noble.” Literary classic
• Helen – “Light.” Timeless
• Dorothy – “Gift of God.” Vintage
• Betty – Diminutive of Elizabeth. Retro charm
• Nancy – Diminutive of Anne. Vintage
• Beverly – “Beaver stream.” Retro
• Connie – Diminutive of Constance. Grandma-chic
• Gloria – “Glory.” Glamorous vintage

🧔 Vintage Names for Boys (1940s Europe)

• David – “Beloved.” Timeless
• Daniel – “God is my judge.” Classic
• Samuel – “Heard by God.” Strong
• Benjamin – “Son of the right hand.” Classic
• Joseph – “He will add.” Biblical
• Jacob – “Supplanter.” Always popular
• Isaac – “He will laugh.” Charming
• Abraham – “Father of many.” Eva’s father’s name
• Moses – “Drawn out.” Strong and historic
• Aaron – “High mountain.” Classic
• Nathan – “He gave.” Timeless
• Simon – “He has heard.” Strong
• Andrew – “Manly.” Classic
• Peter – “Rock.” Timeless
• Paul – “Small.” Classic
• George – “Farmer.” Royal
• Charles – “Free man.” Classic
• Robert – “Bright fame.” Strong
• William – “Resolute protector.” Classic
• Henry – “Home ruler.” Vintage
• Albert – “Noble and bright.” Vintage
• Louis – “Famous warrior.” Royal
• Léon – “Lion.” French vintage
• Arthur – “Bear.” Legendary
• Oscar – “Deer-lover.” Vintage

✨ Names Meaning “Light” or “Hope”

These names connect to the novel’s theme of holding onto hope in dark times.

• Lucienne – “Light”
• Lucien – “Light”
• Lucia – “Light”
• Luciana – “Light”
• Luz – “Light.” Spanish
• Nora – “Light.” Short form of Eleanor
• Eleanor – “Shining light”
• Helen – “Light”
• Elena – “Shining light”
• Elaine – “Shining light”
• Claire – “Clear, bright”
• Clara – “Clear, bright”
• Esther – “Star”
• Stella – “Star”
• Aurora – “Dawn”
• Zora – “Dawn.” Slavic
• Roxana – “Dawn, star”
• Oriana – “Dawn, gold”
• Oriel – “Light of God”
• Beatrice – “She who brings happiness, blessed voyager”
• Evangeline – “Bearer of good news”
• Hope – Direct virtue name
• Faith – Virtue name
• Grace – Virtue name
• Felicity – “Happiness”
• Jubilee – “Joy, celebration”

💪 Names Meaning “Strength” or “Courage”

These names honor the bravery of Eva and the resistance fighters.

• Valérie – “Strength, health”
• Valentine – “Strong, healthy”
• Valentina – “Strong, healthy”
• Matilda – “Battle-mighty”
• Maud – “Battle-mighty”
• Millicent – “Strong worker”
• Bridget – “Strength, power”
• Gabrielle – “God is my strength”
• Andrea – “Manly, strong”
• Audrey – “Noble strength”
• Ebba – “Strength”
• Etheldreda – “Noble strength”
• Isa – “Strong-willed.” German
• Vigdis – “War goddess.” Norse
• Althea – “Healer, with healing power”
• Kara – “Beloved; friend; strong.” Varied origins
• Esmé – “Esteemed, beloved”
• Bernadette – “Brave as a bear”
• Louise – “Famous warrior”
• Wilhelmina – “Resolute protector”
• Geraldine – “Ruler with a spear”
• Bernice – “Bringer of victory”
• Nike – “Victory.” Greek
• Victoria – “Victory”
• Sigourney – “Conqueror.” Rare

🔎 Names Inspired by the Forgery and Code Theme

The novel centers on creating new identities and preserving hidden truths. These names feel mysterious and clever.

• Elara – A moon of Jupiter; mysterious and beautiful. The breakout name of 2025
• Rune – “Secret, mystery.” Romantasy trend
• Mystique – “Mystery”
• Vera – “Truth”
• Verity – “Truth”
• Alethea – “Truth.” Greek
• Honor – Virtue name
• Fidelity – “Faithfulness”
• Constance – “Steadfastness”
• Enigma – “Mystery”
• Saga – “Story, seeing one, goddess of history”
• Story – “Narrative, tale”
• Booker – “Scribe, bookmaker.” Unique
• Library – Word name, quirky
• Page – “Page; herald of good news”
• Penelope – “Weaver.” A clever name
• Paget – “Little page.” Literary
• Blaise – “Lisp; fire.” Intellectual
• Cato – “Wise, all-knowing”
• Sophia – “Wisdom”
• Athena – Goddess of wisdom
• Minerva – Goddess of wisdom
• Sage – “Wise one”
• Aldus – After Aldus Manutius, famous printer
• Gutenberg – After the inventor of the printing press

🏔️ Names Inspired by the Swiss Alps Setting

The children Eva helped escaped to neutral Switzerland. These names evoke the majesty of the Alps.

• Alba – “White, dawn.” Alpine
• Alpine – Word name
• Aurora – “Dawn.” Celestial
• Celia – “Heavenly”
• Celeste – “Heavenly”
• Ciel – “Sky.” French
• Sky – Word name
• Skyler – “Scholar”
• Montana – “Mountain.” Female
• Montgomery – “Mountain”
• Glacier – Word name
• Ice – Word name. Rare
• Eira – “Snow.” Welsh
• Neige – “Snow.” French
• Bianca – “White, pure”
• Blanche – “White.” French
• Gwen – “White, fair, blessed”
• Gwendolyn – “White ring; blessed; fair-browed”
• Avalanche – Word name. Unique
• Edelweiss – A flower of the Alps
• Iris – A flower
• Lily – A flower
• Rose – A flower
• Violet – A flower; trending in 2026
• Daphne – “Laurel tree”

🧙 Romantasy-Inspired Names (Trending in 2026)

These names sound like they belong in a fantasy novel—perfect for the Book of Lost Names aesthetic.

• Bronwen – “White breast.” Romantasy trend
• Cordelia – “Heart or daughter of the sea”
• Elspeth – “Pledged to God.” Romantasy
• Emrys – “Immortal.” Welsh, romantasy
• Esmarie – “Esteemed, beloved.” Romantasy
• Isolde – “Ice ruler; fair lady.” Arthurian
• Leontel – “Lion.” Romantasy
• Magnus – “Great.” Romantasy
• Tamsin – “Twin.” Romantasy
• Thoren – “Thunder.” Romantasy
• Calista – “Most beautiful.” Romantasy
• Cassian – “Empty, hollow.” Romantasy
• Evander – “Good man.” Romantasy
• Alistair – “Defender of men.” Romantasy
• Ambrose – “Immortal.” Romantasy
• Azlan – “Lion.” Romantasy
• Lilivere – “Lily.” Romantasy
• Reverie – “Daydream.” Romantasy/Showgirl-chic
• Azura – “Sky blue.” Romantasy
• Caliana – “Beautiful.” Romantasy
• Elodie – “Foreign riches.” Romantasy/Showgirl-chic
• Navani – Romantasy
• Nomi – “Beautiful, pleasant.” Romantasy/Showgirl-chic
• Ophelia – “Helper.” Romantasy/Taylor Swift trend
• Tallulah – “Leaping water.” Showgirl-chic

📚 Literary Baby Names from Classic Literature

These names come from the books that shaped our world—perfect for a literary-inspired list.

• Atticus – From “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• Scout – From “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• Holden – From “The Catcher in the Rye”
• Dorian – From “The Picture of Dorian Gray”
• Darcy – From “Pride and Prejudice”
• Gatsby – From “The Great Gatsby”
• Rhett – From “Gone with the Wind”
• Orlando – From Shakespeare and Virginia Woolf
• Sebastian – From “Twelfth Night” and others
• Viola – From “Twelfth Night”
• Rosalind – From “As You Like It”
• Beatrice – From “Much Ado About Nothing”
• Benedick – From “Much Ado About Nothing”
• Olivia – From “Twelfth Night.” Mainstream classic
• Cordelia – From “King Lear”
• Juliet – From “Romeo and Juliet”
• Miranda – From “The Tempest”
• Ariel – From “The Tempest”
• Pip – From “Great Expectations”
• Estella – From “Great Expectations”
• Elinor – From “Sense and Sensibility”
• Briony – From “Atonement”
• Bronte – After the literary family
• Kazuo – After Kazuo Ishiguro
• Langston – After Langston Hughes

🎭 Names from Shakespeare (2026 Trend)

Shakespeare’s heroines and heroes are always in style, and 2026’s literary trend makes them even more relevant.

• Olivia – “Olive tree.” “Twelfth Night”
• Viola – “Violet.” “Twelfth Night”
• Celia – “Heavenly.” “As You Like It”
• Rosalind – “Gentle horse.” “As You Like It”
• Beatrice – “Blessed voyager.” “Much Ado”
• Benedick – “Blessed.” “Much Ado”
• Miranda – “Admirable.” “The Tempest”
• Ariel – “Lion of God.” “The Tempest”
• Orlando – “Famous throughout the land.” “As You Like It”
• Sebastian – “From Sebastia.” “Twelfth Night”
• Lysander – “Liberator.” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
• Hermia – “Earthly.” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
• Helena – “Shining light.” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
• Titania – “Great one.” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
• Oberon – “Noble bear.” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
• Juliet – “Youthful.” “Romeo and Juliet”
• Romeo – “Pilgrim to Rome.” “Romeo and Juliet”
• Portia – “Pig; doorway.” “The Merchant of Venice”
• Desdemona – “Unlucky.” “Othello.” (Use with caution)
• Emilia – “Rival.” “Othello”
• Cassius – “Empty, hollow.” “Julius Caesar”
• Brutus – “Heavy.” “Julius Caesar”
• Hamlet – “Home ruler.” “Hamlet”
• Ophelia – “Helper.” “Hamlet.” Trending in 2026
• Perdita – “Lost.” “The Winter’s Tale”

🕊️ Names Inspired by the True Story of Forgery

The novel is inspired by real-life forgers who saved Jewish children. These names honor that legacy.

• Adolfo – After Adolfo Kaminsky, a famous forger
• Kaminsky – Surname of the famous forger
• Jan – After Jan Karski, who reported on the Holocaust
• Karski – Surname
• Oskar – After Oskar Schindler
• Schindler – Surname
• Chiune – After Chiune Sugihara, who issued visas
• Sugihara – Surname
• Irena – After Irena Sendler, who saved children
• Sendler – Surname
• Wallenberg – After Raoul Wallenberg
• Raoul – French form of Ralph, meaning “wolf counsel”
• Miep – After Miep Gies, who hid Anne Frank
• Anne – After Anne Frank
• Margot – Anne Frank’s sister
• Otto – Anne Frank’s father
• Corrie – After Corrie ten Boom, who hid Jews
• Betsie – Corrie ten Boom’s sister
• Dietrich – After Dietrich Bonhoeffer
• Sophie – After Sophie Scholl
• Hans – After Hans Scholl
• White – After the White Rose resistance group
• Rose – Symbol of the White Rose
• Liberty – Symbol of freedom
• Victory – Word name

✡️ Names with Jewish Heritage and Meaning

Honoring the children Eva saved and their heritage.

• Sarah – “Princess”
• Rachel – “Ewe”
• Leah – “Weary”
• Rebecca – “To tie, bind”
• Miriam – “Beloved”
• Esther – “Star”
• Abigail – “My father’s joy”
• Hannah – “Grace”
• Naomi – “Pleasantness”
• Ruth – “Friend”
• Judith – “Woman of Judea”
• Deborah – “Bee”
• Dinah – “Judged”
• Tamar – “Date palm”
• Ariella – “Lioness of God”
• Eliana – “My God has answered”
• Maya – “Water.” (Israeli Hebrew)
• Tal – “Dew.” (Israeli Hebrew)
• Shira – “Song.” (Israeli Hebrew)
• Aviva – “Spring.” (Israeli Hebrew)
• Liora – “My light.” (Israeli Hebrew)
• Noa – “Motion.” (Israeli Hebrew)
• Rom – “High, exalted.” (Israeli Hebrew)
• Yael – “Mountain goat.” (Israeli Hebrew)
• Ziva – “Brightness.” (Israeli Hebrew)

📖 Names from the Bible

Biblical names have timeless appeal and connect to the Jewish heritage of the novel.

• Abraham – “Father of many.” Eva’s father’s name
• Jacob – “Supplanter”
• Isaac – “He will laugh”
• Moses – “Drawn out”
• Aaron – “High mountain”
• David – “Beloved”
• Solomon – “Peace”
• Nathan – “He gave”
• Eli – “Ascended”
• Samuel – “Heard by God”
• Daniel – “God is my judge”
• Joseph – “He will add”
• Benjamin – “Son of the right hand”
• Levi – “Joined, attached”
• Asher – “Happy, blessed”
• Zebulun – “Dwelling”
• Issachar – “He will bring a reward”
• Gad – “Good fortune”
• Naphtali – “My struggle”
• Reuben – “Behold, a son”
• Simeon – “He has heard”
• Judah – “Praise”
• Dan – “Judge”
• Jeremiah – “Yahweh will exalt”
• Isaiah – “Yahweh is salvation”

🧠 Names Meaning “Remember” or “Memory”

The central theme of the book is preserving lost names and memories.

• Zachary – “The Lord has remembered”
• Zachariah – “The Lord has remembered”
• Zechariah – “The Lord has remembered”
• Memento – “Remember.” Latin word
• Mneme – “Memory.” Greek muse
• Anamnesis – “Remembrance.” Greek
• Remember – Word name
• Memory – Word name
• Recall – Word name
• Retro – “Backward.” Trendy
• Nostalgia – Word name
• Chronicle – “Record”
• Archive – “Record”
• Legacy – “Heritage”
• Heritage – Word name
• History – Word name
• Story – “Narrative”
• Saga – “Story”
• Epos – “Word, story.” Greek
• Fable – “Story”
• Tale – “Story”
• Myth – “Story.” Greek
• Legend – “Story”
• Annal – “Yearly record”
• Logan – “Little hollow.” Has a similar sound to “log” (record)

🎨 Art-Inspired Names (For Eva, the Artist)

Eva was an art student who used her skills as a forger. These names celebrate creativity.

• Paloma – “Dove.” Picasso’s daughter
• Pablo – After Picasso
• Picasso – Surname of the artist
• Matisse – After the artist
• Henri – After Matisse
• Frida – After Frida Kahlo
• Kahlo – Surname
• Georgia – After Georgia O’Keeffe
• O’Keeffe – Surname
• Vincent – After Van Gogh
• Van – “From” in Dutch
• Gogh – Surname (pronounced “Goff”)
• Claude – After Monet
• Monet – Surname
• Renoir – Surname
• Pierre – After Pierre-Auguste Renoir
• Auguste – After Renoir
• Degas – Surname
• Edgar – After Degas
• Manet – Surname
• Édouard – After Manet
• Cézanne – Surname
• Paul – After Cézanne
• Gauguin – Surname
• Art – Short, word name

📚 Librarian and Book-Inspired Names

In the present day, Eva is a librarian. These names honor the world of books.

• Libby – Short for “library.” Cute
• Library – Word name
• Book – Word name
• Reader – Word name
• Page – “Page; herald of good news”
• Paget – “Little page.” Literary
• Paper – Word name
• Penn – “Enclosure; hill.” Also means “writer”
• Penny – “Weaver.” Short for Penelope
• Penelope – “Weaver.” A clever name
• Writer – Word name
• Story – “Narrative, tale”
• Saga – “Story”
• Fable – “Story”
• Tale – “Story”
• Myth – “Story”
• Legend – “Story”
• Chronicle – “Record”
• Archive – “Record”
• Dewey – After Dewey Decimal System
• Melvil – After Melvil Dewey
• Biblio – “Book.” Greek
• Litera – “Letter.” Latin
• Vellum – “Parchment”
• Parchment – Word name

🗽 Names Inspired by the Resistance Theme

These names mean “freedom,” “liberty,” or “courage.”

• Liberty – Word name
• Freedom – Word name
• Emanuela – “God is with us.” (Also means “freedom” in Italian)
• Frances – “Free one.” (From French origin)
• Francine – “Free one”
• Francisco – “Free one”
• Frank – “Free one”
• Franklin – “Free landowner”
• Charity – Virtue name
• Clement – “Merciful”
• Clemence – “Mercy”
• Mercy – Virtue name
• Grace – Virtue name
• Valor – “Courage”
• Brave – Word name
• Bold – Word name
• Fearless – Word name
• Tenacity – “Persistence”
• Tru – “Truth.” Short
• Verity – “Truth”
• Honesty – Virtue name
• Justice – Virtue name
• Peace – Virtue name
• Serenity – Virtue name
• Harmony – Virtue name

🌲 Names Inspired by Nature (Alpine Setting)

The book’s setting in a mountain town lends itself to nature names.

• Avalon – “Isle of apples.” Mythical
• Aspen – A tree. Also a Colorado mountain
• Briar – “Thorny plant”
• Brook – “Stream”
• Cedar – A tree
• Clover – A plant
• Dahlia – A flower
• Dove – A bird; symbol of peace
• Fern – A plant
• Forest – “Woodland”
• Hazel – A tree; also a color
• Heather – A plant
• Iris – A flower
• Ivy – A plant. Trending
• Jade – A gemstone
• Jasper – A gemstone
• Laurel – A tree; symbol of victory
• Lily – A flower
• Magnolia – A flower
• Maple – A tree
• Marigold – A flower
• Meadow – A field
• Oak – A tree
• Olive – A tree; symbol of peace
• Willow – A tree; graceful

🌈 Unique Unisex Names

Gender-neutral names are a modern trend that fits the novel’s theme of identity.

• Avery – “Ruler of elves.” Literary
• Blake – “Dark, pale.” Literary
• Darcy – “Dark one; from Arcy”
• Ellis – “The Lord is my God.” Literary
• Emerson – “Son of Emery”
• Emery – “Brave, powerful”
• Finley – “Fair warrior”
• Harper – “Harp player.” Literary vibe
• Jordan – “To flow down”
• Kendall – “Valley of the River Kent”
• Lennon – “Small cloak.” Literary (John Lennon)
• Logan – “Little hollow”
• Marlowe – “Driftwood; remnants from the lake”
• Morgan – “Sea chief”
• Parker – “Park keeper.” Literary vibe
• Quinn – “Wisdom, reason”
• Reese – “Ardor, enthusiasm”
• Rowan – “Little redhead.” Tree name
• Sawyer – “Woodcutter”
• Shiloh – “Peaceful.” Biblical
• Sutton – “From the southern town.” Literary vibe
• Wells – “Spring, stream, water source”
• Wren – A small bird
• Wyatt – “Brave in war”
• Zion – “Highest point”

🔥 2026 Trendy Names (From Nameberry and Pop Culture)

These are the names predicted to be hottest in 2026, many of which fit the literary theme.

• Violet – “Flower.” Onyx Storm protagonist
• Ophelia – “Helper.” Taylor Swift song
• Rhys – “Ardor.” ACOTAR character
• Conrad – “Brave counsel.” “The Summer I Turned Pretty”
• Maysilee – “May.” “Hunger Games” prequel
• Lilo – “Generous one.” “Lilo & Stitch”
• Chloe – “Blooming.” Chloe Kelly
• Rory – “Red king.” Rory McIlroy
• Alex – “Defender of men.” Alex Warren
• Liam – “Resolute protector.” Oasis
• Elara – A moon of Jupiter. Breakout name of 2025
• Aura – “Glowing light.” Anime trend
• Kaya – “Restful place.” Anime trend
• Kota – “Happiness.” Anime trend
• Rumi – “Beautiful.” Anime trend
• Suzu – “Bell.” Anime trend
• Betsy – “Pledged to God.” Grandma-chic
• Bonnie – “Beautiful.” Grandma-chic
• Darla – “Dear.” Grandma-chic
• Ginny – “Virgin.” Grandma-chic
• Lenny – “Lion.” Grandma-chic
• Ronald – “Ruler’s counselor.” Grandma-chic
• Adhara – “Virgin.” Ancient civilization trend
• Vita – “Life.” Ancient civilization trend
• Elio – “Sun.” Ancient civilization trend

🔍 Names Meaning “Lost” or “Found”

A playful take on the book’s title—names with meanings related to being lost or found.

• Perdita – “Lost.” Shakespeare’s “The Winter’s Tale”
• Lost – Word name
• Found – Word name
• Search – Word name
• Seek – Word name
• Find – Word name
• Eureka – “I have found it!” Greek
• Heureka – Variant of Eureka
• Zoe – “Life.” (To find life)
• Phoenix – “Reborn from the ashes.” Rising from loss
• Nova – “New.” A new beginning
• Genesis – “Beginning”
• Alpha – “Beginning”
• Omega – “End”
• Renée – “Reborn”
• Renata – “Reborn”
• Anastasia – “Resurrection”
• Lazarus – “God has helped.” Raised from the dead
• Risen – Word name
• Recovery – Word name
• Revival – Word name
• Renaissance – “Rebirth”
• New – Word name
• Day – “New day”
• Dawn – “New beginning”

🎬 Names from the 1940s Pop Culture

These names were popular in the 1940s and give a vintage feel.

• Barbara – “Foreign woman.” 1940s US top 10
• Patricia – “Noble.” 1940s US top 10
• Linda – “Beautiful.” 1940s US top 10
• Sandra – “Defender of men.” 1940s US top 10
• Sharon – “Plain.” 1940s US top 10
• Carol – “Song.” 1940s US top 10
• Donna – “Lady.” 1940s US top 10
• Janet – “God is gracious.” 1940s US top 10
• Diane – “Divine.” 1940s
• Cynthia – “Moon goddess.” 1940s
• Gloria – “Glory.” 1940s
• Connie – “Steadfast.” 1940s
• Beverly – “Beaver stream.” 1940s
• Richard – “Brave ruler.” 1940s US top 10
• James – “Supplanter.” 1940s US top 10
• Robert – “Bright fame.” 1940s US top 10
• John – “God is gracious.” 1940s US top 10
• David – “Beloved.” 1940s US top 10
• William – “Resolute protector.” 1940s US top 10
• Thomas – “Twin.” 1940s US top 10
• Charles – “Free man.” 1940s US top 10
• Donald – “World ruler.” 1940s US top 10
• Ronald – “Ruler’s counselor.” 1940s
• Jerry – “Spear ruler.” 1940s US top 10
• Albert – “Noble and bright.” 1940s

✍️ Names Inspired by the Author (Kristin Harmel)

A nod to the author who brought this story to life.

• Kristin – “Follower of Christ”
• Kris – “Follower of Christ”
• Christina – “Follower of Christ”
• Christine – “Follower of Christ”
• Krista – “Follower of Christ”
• Karsten – “Follower of Christ.” (Variant)
• Harmel – Surname. Means “hare meadow”
• Harmony – Virtue name. Similar to “Harmel”
• Meadow – Nature name. Similar to “Harmel” (hare meadow)
• Hare – Animal name
• Rabbit – Animal name
• Bunny – Animal name; cute
• Kristoff – “Bearer of Christ.” (Frozen connection)
• Krisztina – Hungarian form
• Kirsten – Scandinavian form
• Kirsty – Scottish form
• Kia – Short form
• Tina – Short form
• Kris – Short form
• Chris – Short form
• Chrissy – Diminutive
• Kit – Short form
• Kitty – Diminutive
• Kiki – Diminutive
• Kristin – Direct

📚 Names from the Book Club Kit (2026 Trend)

Book club kits, like the one for The Book of Lost Names, are popular in libraries. These names are inspired by book clubs.

• Club – Word name
• Reader – Word name
• Booker – “Scribe, bookmaker”
• Page – “Page; herald of good news”
• Novel – Word name
• Story – “Narrative, tale”
• Saga – “Story”
• Fable – “Story”
• Tale – “Story”
• Myth – “Story”
• Legend – “Story”
• Chronicle – “Record”
• Archive – “Record”
• Literary – Word name
• Library – Word name
• Librarian – Word name. Unusual
• Dewey – After Dewey Decimal
• Melvil – After Melvil Dewey
• Biblio – “Book.” Greek
• Litera – “Letter.” Latin
• Vellum – “Parchment”
• Parchment – Word name
• Codex – “Book.” Latin
• Manuscript – Word name
• Folio – “Sheet, leaf.” Latin

🌍 Names of Locations (Paris, Switzerland)

Places from the book that make beautiful names.

• Paris – City of love. Fits the romantic theme
• France – Country name
• Francine – “Free one”
• François – “Free one”
• Geneva – Swiss city
• Genevieve – “Crew woman.” French
• Lausanne – Swiss city
• Annecy – French city near the Alps
• Chamonix – French Alpine town
• Mont – “Mountain.” French
• Alpine – Word name
• Swiss – Word name
• Zermatt – Swiss Alpine town
• Interlaken – Swiss town
• Lucerne – Swiss city
• Bern – Swiss capital
• Zurich – Swiss city
• Basel – Swiss city
• Loire – French region
• Provence – French region
• Normandy – French region
• Brittany – French region
• Aquitaine – French region
• Savoy – French region
• Dauphiné – French region

💖 Names with “Eva” Variations

If you love the protagonist’s name, here are variations and similar names.

• Eva – “Life”
• Eve – “Life”
• Evelyn – “Desired; or life”
• Evangeline – “Bearer of good news”
• Evangelina – “Bearer of good news”
• Evita – “Little Eva”
• Ava – “Life.” Modern variant
• Avery – “Ruler of elves.” Similar sound
• Iva – “Yew wood.” Slavic
• Yvonne – “Yew wood.” French
• Yvette – “Yew wood.” French
• Ivette – “Yew wood.” Spanish
• Evolet – Invented name. Similar to Eva
• Evie – Diminutive of Eva
• Evey – Diminutive
• Evi – Diminutive
• Evane – “Life.” Variant
• Evania – “Life.” Variant
• Evanthia – “Flower.” Greek
• Evdokia – “Goodwill.” Greek
• Eulalia – “Sweetly speaking.” Greek. Trending
• Euphemia – “Good speech.” Greek
• Eunice – “Good victory.” Greek
• Eudora – “Good gift.” Greek
• Eupraxia – “Good conduct.” Greek

Conclusion

Choosing a name for your child is one of the most meaningful decisions you’ll ever make. It’s a gift that carries identity, history, and hope—much like the names Eva and Rémy recorded in their secret code to preserve the true identities of the children they saved. In 2026, as literary and historical names trend, there’s no better time to look to The Book of Lost Names for inspiration. Whether you’re drawn to the strength of Eva, the romance of Rémy, the vintage charm of 1940s favorites, or the ethereal beauty of trending romantasy names, this list of 500+ names offers something for every parent seeking a name with a story.

The novel reminds us that names are never truly lost—they are stories waiting to be told, memories waiting to be honored. By choosing a name inspired by this powerful book, you’re giving your child a legacy of resilience, courage, and love. And in a world that sometimes feels as uncertain as wartime, that may be the most precious gift of all.

FAQs

📖 What is The Book of Lost Names about?

The Book of Lost Names is a historical fiction novel by Kristin Harmel about Eva Traube Abrams, a librarian who, during World War II, forged identity documents for Jewish children fleeing the Nazis. She secretly recorded their real names in a coded book so their identities would not be lost to history.

📜 Is The Book of Lost Names based on a true story?

Yes, it is inspired by an astonishing true story from World War II involving real-life forgers who helped Jewish children escape the Nazis. The novel was based on extensive research into the French Resistance and forgery operations.

🔮 What are the main baby name trends in 2026?

In 2026, parents are turning to literature, fantasy, and history for inspiration. Romantasy names (with Welsh and Scandinavian roots), names from ancient civilizations, and literary classics are all trending. Traditional names like Violet and Ophelia are also predicted to surge.

🧙 What are romantasy names?

Romantasy is a blend of romance and fantasy, popularized by BookTok. These names sound otherworldly and often have Welsh, Scandinavian, or Arthurian roots. Examples include Bronwen, Cordelia, Emrys, and Magnus.

📚 Why are names from The Book of Lost Names relevant in 2026?

The novel’s setting, themes, and characters offer a rich source of vintage, French, and literary names. The 2026 trend toward escapist, historical, and romantasy-inspired names makes the book particularly relevant.

🕰️ What are some vintage names from the 1940s that work today?

Vintage names that are popular again include Eva, Gloria, Betty, Connie, Beverly, Ronald, Lenny, and Darla. From the 1940s top lists, Patricia, Linda, Barbara, Sandra, and Sharon also have vintage charm.

💭 How do I choose a name with a good story behind it?

Look for names with historical significance, literary connections, or meaningful definitions. Think about the values you want to instill—courage, hope, resilience—and find names that reflect those qualities, just like the names in The Book of Lost Names.

💖 What does the name Eva mean?

Eva is a name of Hebrew origin meaning “life.” In the novel, Eva Traube Abrams is the protagonist who saves hundreds of children’s lives and preserves their names for posterity.