The Harry Potter books and films are magical—and not just for the most obvious reason. Its characters feel like old friends as soon as you’re introduced to them, going on adventures that are inherently fantastical yet somehow relatable. Have I ever been entered into a dangerous series of challenges by an evil wizard, much to the chagrin of an entire school that thought I was a cheater? No, but I certainly felt for Harry during the Triwizard Tournament, when he felt like a black sheep way out of his league.
For some (including me!), curling up to read a Harry Potter book or watch a Harry Potter film is the ultimate indulgence of their inner child. So if a Harry Potter fan finds themselves welcoming a new baby, looking to character names within the books could inspire a magical choice. As you scroll through this list, you’ll find baby names you know well, like Hermione and Neville, and others you probably don’t know at all, like Garrick and Wilhemina. I’ve chosen 70 Harry Potter-inspired names with meanings and their ties to the books. And just a note for those who haven’t read the books, many plot spoilers ahead.
Baby girl names inspired by Harry Potter
Classic, unusual, floral—there are baby girl name ideas inspired by Harry Potter for every style.
Alice
Origin: German | Meaning: Noble
Harry Potter Tie: Once a revered Auror and a member of the Order of the Phoenix, Alice and her husband—darling Neville Longbottom’s parents—were tortured with the Cruciatus Curse by Death Eaters until they went permanently insane.
Angelina
Origin: Greek | Meaning: Messenger of the gods
Harry Potter Tie: A bona fide badass with bravery and drive, this member of the Gryffindor Quidditch team was also a part of Dumbledore’s Army and came back to Hogwarts after graduating to fight in the Battle of Hogwarts. Later, she married George Weasley and had two kids named Fred II and Roxanne.
Apolline
Origin: Greek, French | Meaning: Belonging to Apollo
Harry Potter Tie: Apolline Delacour is a half-Veela witch from France, as well as the mother of Fleur and Gabrielle Delacour. She passed on her irresistible Veela beauty and silvery blonde hair to them.
Arabella
Origin: Latin | Meaning: Yielding to prayer, beautiful
Harry Potter Tie: Also known as Mrs. Figg, Arabella is deeply underestimated in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Harry viewed her only as his dull babysitter, but later found out that she’s actually a Squib living amongst Muggles to protect him while undercover for the Order of the Phoenix. (Talk about leading a double life!)
Ariana
Origin: Greek | Meaning: Most holy
Harry Potter Tie: The sister of Albus and Aberforth Dumbledore, Ariana’s story is a complex and sad one.
Augusta
Origin: Latin | Meaning: Great, exalted
Harry Potter Tie: After her son and daughter-in-law were tortured to insanity by Death Eaters, Augusta became her grandson Neville Longbottom’s guardian. A highly capable and no-nonsense witch, she was initially disappointed by Nevillie’s inadequate magical abilities, but grew to be proud of his strengths.
Bonnie
Origin: Scottish | Meaning: Beautiful
Harry Potter Tie: An ode to Bonnie Wright, the actress who played Ginny Weasley, the tough and independent youngest child and only daughter in her pure-blood family.
Emma
Origin: German | Meaning: Whole, universal
Harry Potter Tie: We all know Emma Watson, the actress responsible for bringing the incomparable Hermione Granger to life. This timeless name has always been popular, and for good reason.
Evanna
Origin: Welsh, Hebrew | Meaning: God is gracious
Harry Potter Tie: One more subtle nod to the Harry Potter franchise, Evanna Lynch’s performance as quirky and candid Luna Lovegood is nothing short of iconic.
Fleur
Origin: French | Meaning: Flower
Harry Potter Tie: We’re first introduced to Fleur Delacour, a quarter-Veela witch from France, when she competes against Harry in the Triwizard Tournament on behalf of Beauxbatons Academy of Magic.
Gabrielle
Origin: French, Hebrew | Meaning: God is my strength, woman of God
Harry Potter Tie: When Gabrielle Delacour’s sister, Fleur, is in the Triwizard Tournament, she’s saved in the second task by the heroic Harry. Like Fleur, she’s also a quarter-Veela witch from France.
Ginevra
Origin: Italian, Welsh | Meaning: White, fair one
Harry Potter Tie: As the last of seven kids and the only daughter, Ginevra Weasley, more commonly known as Ginny, is fierce and full of wit. In adulthood, she becomes a professional Quidditch player for the Holyhead Harpies, and upon retirement, joins the Daily Prophet as the senior Quidditch correspondent. She eventually marries Harry and has three children named James, Albus, and Lily.
Helena
Origin: Greek | Meaning: Shining light
Harry Potter Tie: Just as unconventional—but nowhere near as evil—as her character, we can all agree that Helena Bonham Carter’s performance as Bellatrix Lestrange was absolutely legendary.
Helga
Origin: Old Norse | Meaning: Holy, blessed
Harry Potter Tie: Helga Hufflepuff is one of the four founders of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Her superpower was her compassion—she accepted all in her house, including Muggle-borns. Helga also provided peace and safety to house-elves by inviting them to work in the Hogwarts kitchen.
Hermione
Origin: Greek | Meaning: Messenger, earthly
Harry Potter Tie: With unmatched brilliance and a strong moral compass, Hermione Granger was proof to all that Muggle-born students belonged at Hogwarts and in the wizarding world at large.
Katie
Origin: Greek, British | Meaning: Pure
Harry Potter Tie: Katie Bell was a Chaser when Harry was a Seeker on the Gryffindor Quidditch team. In her sixth year, she joined Dumbledore’s Army, and in her seventh, she was cursed by Draco Malfoy and spent six months in the hospital recovering.
Kendra
Origin: British | Meaning: Knowing
Harry Potter Tie: The matriarch of the Dumbledore family, Muggle-born witch Kendra was the wife of Percival and mother of Albus, Aberforth, and Ariana.
Lavender
Origin: British | Meaning: Lavender flower
Harry Potter Tie: Though pure-blooded Gryffindor, Lavender Brown certainly showed off her clingy side while she was dating Ron, she redeemed herself 10 times over. Not only was she a member of Dumbledore’s Army, but she also fought in the Battle of Hogwarts.
Leta
Origin: Latin | Meaning: Gladly
Harry Potter Tie: A character from the Harry Potter prequel series, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Leta Lestrange (yes, that Lestrange) was a close friend of Newt Scamander and engaged to his older brother, Theseus.
Lily
Origin: Latin | Meaning: Lily flower
Harry Potter Tie: Lily (Evans) Potter is most well-known for being Harry’s mother, who died at the hands of Voldemort trying to protect her son. She was, like Hermione, a brilliant Muggle-born witch in Gryffindor who was part of the Slug Club.
Luna
Origin: Latin | Meaning: Moon
Harry Potter Tie: It’s hard not to love Luna Lovegood, a Ravenclaw who’s eccentric in all the best ways. She was raised exclusively by her father, editor of The Quibbler, after her mother died from a spell gone wrong when she was 9.
Maggie
Origin: Greek | Meaning: Pearl
Harry Potter Tie: Though the late Dame Maggie Smith’s credits are seemingly endless, Potterheads loved her best for her role as Professor McGonagall.
Minerva
Origin: Latin | Meaning: Wisdom, mind, intellect
Harry Potter Tie: Loyal, tough but fair, and absolutely beloved, Professor Minerva McGonagall was eventually named the Headmistress of Hogwarts for a reason.
Molly
Origin: British | Meaning: Beloved, star of the sea, bitter
Harry Potter Tie: Molly, wife to Arthur Weasley, was a mother to all—especially Harry—not just her seven children. Though she had many memorable moments, her most iconic was killing Bellatrix Lestrange during the Battle of Hogwarts.
Padma
Origin: Persian | Meaning: Lotus
Harry Potter Tie: The identical sister of Parvati Patil, Padma is a Ravenclaw whom we meet in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
Pandora
Origin: Greek | Meaning: All gifts
Harry Potter Tie: Pandora Lovegood, the wife of Xenophilius and mother of Luna, died in front of Luna, when one of her spells backfired.
Parvati
Origin: Sanskrit | Meaning: Daughter of the mountains
Harry Potter Tie: Identical twin sister to Padma Patil, Parvati was a Gryffindor who considered Lavender Brown her best friend, sharing a passion for Divination and a good gossip session.
Penelope
Origin: Greek | Meaning: Weaver, duck
Harry Potter Tie: This Ravenclaw was one of the unlucky to be petrified by the Basilisk when the Chamber of Secrets was opened. She dated Percy Weasley during their sixth and seventh years at Hogwarts, and they became Prefects together.
Petunia
Origin: French | Meaning: Petunia flower
Harry Potter Tie: Before Petunia Dursley was ever Harry’s hostile aunt, she was Petunia Evans, older sister of Lily Evans (eventually Potter).
Pomona
Origin: Latin | Meaning: Fruit tree
Harry Potter Tie: Pomona Sprout was the Head of Hufflepuff and the Head of Herbology when she was working at Hogwarts. The professor was sunshine and joy personified, and during the Battle of Hogwarts, she and a group of students threw dangerous plants like Devil’s Snare at Death Eaters as they entered the castle.
Poppy
Origin: Latin | Meaning: Poppy flower
Harry Potter Tie: Madam Poppy Pomfrey was a skilled Healer and the Matron at Hogwarts. With kindness and a no-nonsense attitude, she cared deeply for and was protective of her patients.
Queenie
Origin: British | Meaning: Queen
Harry Potter Tie: In Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Queenie Goldstein is a half-blood witch from America and the younger sister of Tina Goldstein.
Rose
Origin: Latin | Meaning: Rose flower
Harry Potter Tie: Rose Granger-Weasley is, of course, the half-blood daughter of Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. A fellow Gryffindor, she shares her father’s red hair and her mother’s brilliant brain.
Rosmerta
Origin: Gaulish | Meaning: Great provider
Harry Potter Tie: Madam Rosmerta is the owner of the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade, known for being quite attractive and being crushed on by many.
Rowena
Origin: German, British, Welsh | Meaning: Famous friend, fair-haired
Harry Potter Tie: One of the four founders of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Rowena Ravenclaw was, of course, Head of Ravenclaw.
Roxanne
Origin: Persian, Greek | Meaning: Shining, radiant
Harry Potter Tie: Roxanne is the daughter of George Weasley and Angelina Johnson, and has an older brother, Fred II, named after her father’s late twin.
Seraphina
Origin: Hebrew | Meaning: Burning ones
Harry Potter Tie: In the Harry Potter prequel series, Seraphina Picquery is the President of the Magical Congress of the United States of America. This role matches her blunt and authoritative personality perfectly, and after an eight-year presidency, she was honored with a Chocolate Frog card.
Sybill
Origin: Greek | Meaning: Prophetess, oracle
Harry Potter Tie: Professor Sybill Trelawney, the great-great-granddaughter of Seer Casandra Trelawney, was the Divination professor at Hogwarts.
Victoire
Origin: French | Meaning: Victory
Harry Potter Tie: The oldest child of Bill Weasley and Fleur Delacour, Victoire is an eighth Veela and the girlfriend of Teddy Lupin.
Wilhelmina
Origin: German | Meaning: Protection, helmet
Harry Potter Tie: Also known as Professor Grubbly-Plank, Wilhelmina substituted as the Care of Magical Creatures teacher at Hogwarts whenever Hagrid was unable to perform his duties.
Baby boy names inspired by Harry Potter
When it comes to baby boy name inspiration, Harry Potter offers up everything from the traditional to the unexpected.
Aberforth
Origin: Gaelic | Meaning: From the river
Harry Potter Tie: The estranged brother of Albus Dumbledore, Aberforth owned the Hog’s Head Inn in Hogsmeade (and had a strange obsession with goats). During the Second Wizarding War, he was a quiet supporter to Harry, Ron, and Hermione, sending Dobby to help them escape Malfoy Manor.
Alan
Origin: Celtic | Meaning: Deer, little rock, handsome
Harry Potter Tie: Though many Potterheads aren’t fans of Severus Snape, it’s hard to deny the appeal of the late actor Alan Rickman. He’s known for other iconic roles such as Hans Gruber in Die Hard and Harry in Love Actually.
Alastor
Origin: Greek | Meaning: Avenger, wandering
Harry Potter Tie: It’s fair to assume that without Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody, the wizarding world would be a very different place. He was one of the best Aurors of all time.
Albus
Origin: Latin | Meaning: White, bright
Harry Potter Tie: Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore is considered the greatest wizard and Hogwarts headmaster to ever live. In fact, he was so powerful and intelligent that he was the only person Lord Voldemort ever feared.
Amos
Origin: Hebrew | Meaning: Borne by God, to carry
Harry Potter Tie: No one was prouder of Cedric Diggory than his father, who never quite recovered from Cedric’s murder by Peter Pettigrew during the Triwizard Tournament. He worked for the Ministry of Magic in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures.
Arnold
Origin: German | Meaning: Eagle power
Harry Potter Tie: The name of Ginny Weasley’s adorable purple Pygmy Puff, she purchased him from Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, her brothers Fred and George’s joke shop.
Arthur
Origin: Celtic | Meaning: Bear
Harry Potter Tie: Muggle-obsessed most endearingly, pure-blood Arthur Weasley is the husband of Molly and father of Bill, Charlie, Percy, Fred, George, Ron, and Ginny.
Cedric
Origin: British | Meaning: Kind, loved
Harry Potter Tie: A Prefect, the Seeker and captain of the Hufflepuff Quidditch team, and a Hogwarts Triwizard Champion, Cedric Diggory was the definition of a golden boy.
Charles
Origin: German | Meaning: Free man
Harry Potter Tie: Charles is the full name of Charlie, the second-oldest son of Arthur and Molly Weasley.
Colin
Origin: Gaelic | Meaning: Whelp, cub, young hound
Harry Potter Tie: Sure, Harry and his friends found Muggle-born Colin Creevey a bit annoying when he was younger. However, he showed bravery as a member of Dumbledore’s Army in his fourth year and died a hero after being murdered by Death Eaters during the Battle of Hogwarts.
Daniel
Origin: Hebrew | Meaning: God is my judge
Harry Potter Tie: No one could have played the courageous and selfless Harry Potter better than Daniel Radcliffe, who started in the career-defining role at just 11 years old.
Dean
Origin: British | Meaning: Valley, church official
Harry Potter Tie: Passionate, loyal, open-minded, and always willing to lend a hand, Dean Thomas is an underrated character. He’s a Gryffindor in the same year as Harry, who was a Chaser on their Quidditch team, a member of Dumbledore’s Army, and fought in the Battle of Hogwarts.
Draco
Origin: Greek | Meaning: Dragon, serpent
Harry Potter Tie: Growing up, Slytherin Draco Malfoy was very much a byproduct of his hateful parents, Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy. He was a bully who believed strongly in blood purity, which instantly made him an enemy of Harry. Draco developed a great respect for Harry and eventually considered him a friend.
Edward
Origin: British | Meaning: Wealthy guard
Harry Potter Tie: Edward Remus “Teddy” Lupin is the orphaned son of Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks, who were killed during the Battle of Hogwarts.
Ernest
Origin: German | Meaning: Serious, determined
Harry Potter Tie: Ernest “Ernie” Macmillan was born into one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight pure-blood families and was a Hufflepuff in the same year as Harry.
Felix
Origin: Latin | Meaning: Fortunate, happy
Harry Potter Tie: Also known as Liquid Luck, Harry wins a small vial of Felix Felicis from Professor Slughorn in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. It’s used twice: once to retrieve a memory from Professor Slughorn requested by Professor Dumbledore, and then again, split between Harry, Ron, and Hermione, during the Battle of the Astronomy Tower.
Frank
Origin: German | Meaning: Frenchman, free
Harry Potter Tie: Frank Longbottom is the father of Neville Longbottom, and was once a respected Auror and a member of the Order of the Phoenix. He and his wife, Alice, were tortured to the point of permanent insanity by Death Eaters with the Cruciatus Curse.
Fred
Origin: German | Meaning: Peace
Harry Potter Tie: The fourth of seven Weasley children, Fred was his identical twin George’s carbon copy in every way—popular, inventive, clever, and always down for a good prank. During their seventh year, they joined Dumbledore’s Army and the Order of the Phoenix, and then quit school shortly before graduation to open their joke shop, Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes. His death during the Battle of Hogwarts devastated his family, most especially George.
Garrick
Origin: British | Meaning: Ruler with a spear
Harry Potter Tie: Known simply by his last name, Ollivander, Garrick is the owner of Ollivander’s Wand Shop in Diagon Alley. He’s largely considered to be the best wandmaker in the world.
George
Origin: Greek | Meaning: Farmer
Harry Potter Tie: George is the fifth of seven Weasley children and the younger twin of Fred, who died during the Battle of Hogwarts. They were the best of friends and always up to something. Together, they were Beaters for the Gryffindor Quidditch team, members of Dumbledore’s Army and the Order of the Phoenix, and co-owners of their joke shop, Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes. During the Battle of the Seven Potters, his ear was permanently cursed off, which he found a lot of humor in. George married Angelina Johnson and had two kids, Fred II and Roxanne.
Godric
Origin: British | Meaning: God’s ruler
Harry Potter Tie: One of the four founders of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Godric Gryffindor valued strength, courage, and resilience in his students. He’s responsible for enchanting the Sorting Hat so students could be assigned their proper houses after the founders’ deaths.
Harry
Origin: German | Meaning: Home ruler
Harry Potter Tie: What kind of list would this be without our protagonist, the loyal and courageous Harry Potter? The only child of the late James and Lily Potter, he was known as The Boy Who Lived after surviving the Killing Curse performed by Lord Voldemort.
Hugo
Origin: German | Meaning: Mind, intellect
Harry Potter Tie: The son of Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, Hugo is two years younger than his sister Rose.
Justin
Origin: Latin | Meaning: Just, righteous
Harry Potter Tie: Justin Finch Fletchley was a stereotypical Hufflepuff—friendly, moral, and just a little bit naive. Though he was quick to believe certain rumors about Harry, he showed growth when he became a member of Dumbledore’s Army in their fifth year.
Kingsley
Origin: British | Meaning: King’s meadow
Harry Potter Tie: Both an Auror at the corrupt Ministry of Magic and a member of the Order of the Phoenix during the Second Wizarding War, Kingsley Shacklebolt was a spy for the Order. After the Battle of Hogwarts, he was named Acting Minister of Magic, and was eventually offered the position permanently. Later, he was succeeded by the one and only Hermione.
Louis
Origin: German | Meaning: Famous warrior
Harry Potter Tie: The only son of Bill Weasley and Fleur Delacour, Louis Weasley had two older sisters, Victoire and Dominique.
Matthew
Origin: Hebrew | Meaning: Gift of God
Harry Potter Tie: Matthew Lewis played Neville Longbottom in the films, portraying his growth from a timid, forgetful boy to a courageous, confident man.
Neville
Origin: French | Meaning: New village
Harry Potter Tie: Everyone loves an underdog, and Neville Longbottom is the most endearing of them all. His parents, respected Aurors Frank and Alice, were tortured to the point of insanity by Death Eaters, leaving him in the care of his gran, Augusta Longbottom. Neville started at Hogwarts as clumsy, introverted, and insecure. Through the years, he gained incredible confidence and was integral to defeating Lord Voldemort.
Newton
Origin: British | Meaning: New town
Harry Potter Tie: Newton Artemis Fido “Newt” Scamander is one of the most famous Magizoologists in the wizarding world and the author of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, required reading for students at Hogwarts. (This is ironic, considering he was unfairly expelled from the school.) He played a large role in the Global Wizarding War, and later married Porpentina (“Tina”) Goldstein.
Nicholas
Origin: Greek | Meaning: People of victory
Harry Potter Tie: There are two characters named Nicholas in the Harry Potter franchise, the first being Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington, the Gryffindor Tower ghost known as Nearly Headless Nick due to his incomplete decapitation back in 1492. The second is Nicholas Flamel, the alchemist responsible for the Sorcerer’s Stone, which turned metal into gold and created the Elixir of Life.
Oliver
Origin: Latin | Meaning: Olive tree, olive tree planter
Harry Potter Tie: Oliver Wood spent at least three years as captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team, where he was also the Keeper. He was known for his comically long lectures and overzealous competitive spirit. In his seventh year, Oliver accomplished his dream of Gryffindor winning the Quidditch Cup, and after he graduated, he became a reserve player for Puddlemere United.
Percy
Origin: French | Meaning: One who pierces the valley
Harry Potter Tie: Out of all the Weasley children, none were as uptight as Percy. He was a Prefect and Head Boy for Gryffindor, and even as a child, dreamed of becoming Minister of Magic.
Remus
Origin: Latin | Meaning: Twin, rower
Harry Potter Tie: Remus Lupin, known as Moony by his fellow Marauders, was attacked by Fenrir Greyback as a child and ended up becoming a werewolf. Considering this affliction, it makes sense that he possessed so much compassion, kindness, and tolerance. He was a member of the Order of the Phoenix and taught Defense Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts for a year. Later, he married Nymphadora Tonks, and they had a son named Teddy Lupin. He and Tonks were killed during the Battle of Hogwarts, leaving Teddy an orphan.
Rolf
Origin: Scandinavian | Meaning: Fame and glory for the wolf
Harry Potter Tie: The grandson of famed Magizoologist Newt Scamander, Rolf is a Magizoologist himself, which is how he met Luna Lovegood, also a Magizoologist. After they married, they had two sons named Lorcan and Lysander.
Ronald
Origin: Norse | Meaning: Ruler’s counselor
Harry Potter Tie: As the youngest son of Molly and Arthur Weasley, Ronald “Ron” Weasley often felt insecure about how poor his family was and compared himself to his accomplished older brothers. Despite his jealous and argumentative side, he was also funny and loyal, especially to his best friends Harry and Hermione.
Rubeus
Origin: Latin | Meaning: Red
Harry Potter Tie: Kind and loyal, Rubeus Hagrid is the definition of a gentle (half-)giant. He attended Hogwarts as a child for three years, and ended up being framed for the opening of the Chamber of Secrets by Tom Riddle—aka Lord Voldemort. There was no one Hagrid was more loyal to than Professor Dumbledore, who allowed him to live at the school as gamekeeper after his expulsion and eventually elected him Care of Magical Creatures teacher. He was Harry’s first point of contact with the wizarding world after he turned 11, and became a dear, lifelong friend.
Rupert
Origin: German | Meaning: Fame bright
Harry Potter Tie: Before Rupert Grint was ever cast as Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter films, he was already a major fan of the books—so much so that he made a video audition rapping about the role of Harry.
Seamus
Origin: Irish | Meaning: Supplanter, holder of the heel
Harry Potter Tie: Seamus Finnigan, a Gryffindor from Ireland, didn’t always agree with Harry, even though they were in the same year. In general, Seamus was pretty easy-going, but also believed unfounded rumors about him.
Sirius
Origin: Greek | Meaning: Glowing, dog star
Harry Potter Tie: Despite his family’s tradition of being sorted into Slytherin at Hogwarts, Sirius Black III joined Gryffindor. From then on, he was an outsider who found a new, (sometimes delightfully) reckless family in the Marauders: James Potter, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew. Sirius was an amazing godfather to Harry, brave and selfless.
Stanley
Origin: British | Meaning: Stony meadow
Harry Potter Tie: Stanley “Stan” Shunpike was the conductor of the Knight Bus—that is, until he bragged about having insider knowledge about Death Eaters (which he didn’t) and was sent to Azkaban.
Tom
Origin: Aramaic | Meaning: Twin
Harry Potter Tie: No, we’re not talking about Tom Riddle (Lord Voldemort’s real name)—we’re talking about Tom Felton, the actor who played spoiled, elitist Draco Malfoy.
Trevor
Origin: Welsh, Irish | Meaning: Large settlement, descendant of Treabhar
Harry Potter Tie: After Neville Longbottom finally showed his first sign of magical ability, his Great Uncle Algie bought him Trevor, a pet toad he lost constantly. Eventually, he stayed lost, choosing instead to join his fellow frogs at Black Lake.
Vernon
Origin: English, French | Meaning: Alder tree
Harry Potter Tie: The definition of an ignorant bully, Vernon Dursley, is the husband of Petunia and father of Dudley Dursley. He was all about keeping up appearances, proud to be a director at the Grunnings drill manufacturing company, which explains why he was so bitter and abusive as the legal guardian to Petunia’s nephew, Harry.
Viktor
Origin: Latin | Meaning: Victor, conqueror
Harry Potter Tie: Just before Viktor Krum’s final year at the Durmstrang Institute, he competed in the Quidditch World Cup as the Seeker for the Bulgarian National Quidditch Team. Afterwards, he was Durmstrang’s Triwizard Champion in the Triwizard Tournament at Hogwarts, developing a crush on Hermione at the same time.
William
Origin: German | Meaning: Resolute protector
Harry Potter Tie: William “Bill” Weasley is the first of the Weasley children, and to many, the coolest. After leaving Hogwarts, where he was a Prefect and Head Boy for Gryffindor, he worked in Egypt as a Curse-Breaker for Gringotts Wizarding Bank. During the Second Wizarding War, he moved back to England and joined the Order of the Phoenix. During the Battle of the Astronomy Tower, he was viciously attacked by werewolf Fenrir Greyback, and a month later, he married quarter-Veela Fleur Delacour. They eventually had three children: Victoire, Dominique, and Louis Weasley.
Gender-neutral baby names inspired by Harry Potter
Prefer names that works for either sex? J.K. Rowling has a few ideas for that, too.
Cho
Origin: Chinese | Meaning: Eminent, outstanding
Harry Potter Tie: The sweetest Seeker the Ravenclaw Quidditch team has ever seen, Cho Chang’s storyline begins in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Harry is one of the many boys with a crush on her, but she begins dating Cedric Diggory during the Triwizard Tournament. His murder devastates her, and in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, she joins Dumbledore’s Army to help fight Lord Voldemort. Cho also comes back to fight in the Battle of Hogwarts, and eventually marries a Muggle.
Dominique
Origin: French | Meaning: Of the Lord
Harry Potter Tie: The eighth-Veela, second daughter of Bill Weasley and Fleur Delacour, Dominique has a sister named Victoire and a brother named Louis.
James
Origin: Hebrew | Meaning: Supplanter, holder of the heel
Harry Potter Tie: Equal parts arrogant, mischievous, and talented, James Potter—known by his friends as Prongs—was a Chaser for the Gryffindor Quidditch team and Head Boy while at Hogwarts.
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Quincy Bulin, Contributing Writer
Quincy is a mom and freelance writer based in Austin, Texas, balancing her time between journalism, marketing, and ghostwriting. In addition to The Everymom she’s written for publications such as The Everygirl, Better Homes & Gardens, Southern Living, Apartment Therapy, and Parents.
