10 classic baby names from gone with the wind

Classic Baby Names inspired by Gone With the Wind.

Table of Contents

With so many babies in our household Mike and I have talked about a lot of names over the years. We don’t share our children’s names on social media. However, I can tell you that we lean towards more classic sounding names that aren’t super trendy. Today I wanted to share some of my favorite classic baby names from one of my favorite books–Gone With the Wind.

Justine Young, mom of five and lifestyle blogger at Little Dove, shares 10 classic baby names from Gone with the Wind.

classic baby names from a classic novel

girl names

Scarlett

Scarlett is definitely one of my favorite girl names. I have always wanted to add it to our list of girl names, but sadly it’s always been too popular for our liking. It was #61 on the SSA name list the year we had our first daughter and it’s currently sitting at #20. Scarlett’s character in the book might not always be the most likeable, but when push comes to shove she’s a strong woman who tries her best to figure out how to help her family and help herself.

Melanie

This simple and classic choice reached it’s popularity peak in the 1970’s. Since then has ranked in the 80-130 range. I love that her character in the book and movie is more complex than you would originally think, and you realize that despite her being ill, she’s a lot stronger than you would think.

Belle

Considering the profession her character holds in Gone with the Wind you probably wouldn’t want to admit that you named your child after Belle Watling. However, she is ultimately a good person who is loyal to those she admires. Although its longer version, Isabelle, is pretty popular right now, the short and sweet Belle only ranks #1000.

Carreen

Aww, Carreen, what’s not to love about her character? She loves her family, loves her home, and knows how to work hard. I love her optimistic attitude despite the hardships she’s dealt. It’s also a uncommon spelling you’re unlikely to come across. The downside is people may struggle with the pronunciation.

Emmy

True, Emmy Slattery is a minor character and is not the most likeable. However, with a cute and classic name like Emmy how could you go wrong? It’s currently ranked #539 so for those of you looking for a classic that hasn’t turned super trendy, this could be it.

Classic Baby Names inspired by Gone With the Wind.

boy names

Beau

As far as classic baby names go, Beau ranks right up there. I think Beau is a beautiful, classic name choice for a boy. The name really speaks for itself since it literally means “beautiful or handsome”. At #187 it might be time for a comeback. Just ignore the fact that the birth of his character makes his mother even more ill..

Rhett

Oh Rhett Butler, what are we going to do with you? Probably best known for his, “frankly my dear, I don’t give a…” line from the movie, his character is actually much more complex than just a philandering rogue who is up to no good. Rhett is actually an English name that means “council or advice”. So if you’re hoping for you little one to be a wise, old soul, Rhett could be a great choice.

Ashley

Honestly, I have never known quite what to make of Ashley’s character. Do we like him or not? Is he truly a good guy or not? Knowing that Ashley originated as a boy’s name it has always been one of my favorites for a boy. Currently it’s only ranked #958 for boys and #172 for girls in popularity, so I think it’s about time for the trend to shift again.

Kennedy

Technically this is the last name of a character in the movie, but it’s still a great choice. You just can’t help but feel sorry for Frank and his lot in life. I also love that the name is Irish in origin, we’re big fans of those names in our household. Kennedy is another classic name choice that is more trendy right now for girls than it is for boys (#70 and #996, respectively).

Brent

Oh Brent, you and your brother Stuart were so naïve that we just can’t help but love you. I think that Brent is a classic and strong name choice for the little man in your life. It was most common in the 1970’s and it’s about time it made a comeback too.

Have you seen Gone with the Wind? Who is your favorite character?

17 Responses to 10 classic baby names from gone with the wind

  1. Danielle @ A Sprinkle of Joy March 26, 2018 at 9:59 am #

    I have never seen or read Gone with the Wind! There are lots of good names though!

  2. Melanie March 26, 2018 at 6:00 pm #

    I’ve never seen or read gone with the wind, I had no idea that my name would be considered a great name from it! How cool!

  3. Katie H. March 26, 2018 at 6:53 pm #

    Oh man, you picked my favorite movie! It’s such a great movie to find baby names. My name is Katie because of Katie Scarlett. I love Rhett too for a boy!

  4. michaela daisy March 26, 2018 at 7:11 pm #

    I love all these names! I think Kennedy and Beau sound so cool! Also, thank you for the good girl name suggestions 😉

  5. Sarah March 27, 2018 at 3:52 am #

    Great list of names! I love older names, and both of my boys have more “classic” and less modern names. They also reflect my husband’s Irish and my Welsh heritage.
    It has been such a long time since I saw Gone With the Wind. wow.

  6. Dara March 27, 2018 at 5:43 am #

    I love names so I had to read this post with quickness! My sister in law’s name is Melanie!

  7. Lindsey March 28, 2018 at 1:03 pm #

    These are just such precious names!! I’m always drawn to classics!!

  8. Christine March 29, 2018 at 11:07 am #

    What a great list! I love classic names. Now I want to re-read Gone With the Wind!

  9. Brittney Hjelseth April 2, 2018 at 2:35 pm #

    give me all the baby names right now!! we’re finding out what baby is this week and once we know boy or girl we’re gonna be on the name hunt!

  10. Ashley Newell April 2, 2018 at 9:06 pm #

    I always got a kick out of the Ashley character because well, his name is Ashley like me.

  11. Sarah November 26, 2020 at 8:23 pm #

    Came across your blog… Our 2.5yo girls name is Scarlett Emilee…. And while we did not choose her name based on Gone with the Wind… Her brothers name (due on March 8, 2021) is going to be Jackson Rhett …

    I am so excited!!

  12. Diane Pitman August 30, 2021 at 6:13 am #

    I named my goats from characters in Gone with the Wind.

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