Entertainment
Raising a baby in today's society is a daunting task. As a parent, you usually have a set of values you hope to model and impart to your children. Luckily, you can start before your baby is even born by choosing a name with meaning or history that you value. If feminism and gender equality are important issues to you, you're probably intent on passing the passion on to your child— regardless of whether you have a girl or a boy. Choosing a baby name inspired by celebrity feminists is a great place to start.
Growing up, I remember wanting to know all about the famous women who shared my name. I felt it somehow connected me to them and made me want to be like them (Olivia De Havilland and Olivia Newton John were my favorite, of course.) The same is true for most children. They'll look up to their namesakes and — hopefully — adopt some of the qualities of those you choose to inspire them.
In today's society, women are stepping up like never before, making their voices heard and using their platform to encourage equality and fair pay. Namesakes don't just have to be from the red carpet, though. There are some amazing feminists from history and modern day that deserve recognition and, maybe, a spot on your list of potential baby names.
1
Emma
Emma Watson is making a name for herself as a modern day advocate for women. As the UN Ambassador for HeforShe, Emma is taking a stand for women everywhere in very public ways.
2
Lena
Arguably one of the most talked about and controversial feminists of our time, Lena Dunham, actress and author of Not That Kind Of Girl is making waves in the feminist community to say the least. Her name is unique and though typically a nickname for names like Helena, or Alana, it stands just fine on it's own.
3
Joseph
As one of the most outspoken male feminists in Hollywood, Joseph Gordon-Levitt is an inspiring namesake. He has made movies about feminism, and frequently identifies himself as a feminist. His name is Hebrew for "Jehovah increases."
4
Amy
Amy Poehler is much more than a jokester; she frequently speaks up for women's rights and is far from silent on the issue of equality. Her name means "beloved" and is a great name to bring back from the top charts of the '90s.
5
Taylor
Taylor Swift has been stepping out for women and girls for years without even knowing it— in a 2014 interview with Guardian she said, "as a teenager, I didn’t understand that saying you’re a feminist is just saying that you hope women and men will have equal rights and equal opportunities." Nowadays though, she's very up front with her beliefs and it shows in her song lyrics.
6
Nicki
Nicki Minaj shuts down sexism regularly, both in her lyrics and in interviews. Her name is equally empowering and means "people of victory."
7
Kiera
Irish for "little dark one," Keira has a mysterious and exotic feel. Keira Knightley is making headlines for her "feminist truth bombs" lately, particularly in regards to photoshop and equality for roles in Hollywood.
8
John
John Legend is another inspirational and highly talented man speaking up for women's rights. In 2013 he explained that he believes, "all men should be feminists. If men care about women's rights the world will be a better place."
9
Clair
While she admits that women have made mores strides recently than ever before, she knows we still aren't always treated as equals. "I am a feminist," She told Glamour. "And I’m so glad that [Girls creator and star] Lena Dunham exists, because she is one too, and she’s quite vocal about it. Yes, women have more freedom and more influence than ever, but it’s hardly equal. It’s just not." Her name, like Clara, means "bright and clear" and is a gorgeous, under-appreciated name.
10
Zooey
Zooey Deschanel is another one of America's most loved feminists. Her name means "life" and has been used for both baby boys and girls.
11
Dustin
After his roll in Tootsie, Dustin Hoffman fully embraced the feminist label. His name is Norse for "Thor's stone" and has been used for both girls and boys.
12
Beyoncé
Despite controversy and applause alike, there' no denying the powerful Feminist force that is Beyoncé. Although her name is basically trademarked to herself, she definitely deserves a spot on the list.
