Entertainment
During my childhood, I'd see many actresses portray badass characters in shows and think,"I really wish I could be her." Seeing women who were tough and made things happen made everything seem possible. I always wanted to be them and I told myself that when I had a child, she would be as tough as them. Since then, I've stored baby girl names inspired by '90s movie heroines to have when that time comes.
I've always been a fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Even now as a grown-ass woman, I get the urge to binge-watch the entire series at least once a year. Seeing how tough Sarah Michelle Gellar's character was, the unconditional love she had for those close to her, and her ability to save all those people (and still go to school) was so cool to me. Almost 20 years later, I can still say that her '90s heroine character made a lasting impression on me. Though I've always felt the name Buffy was kind of odd, I honestly would consider naming my baby girl that just because of the greatness the character exuded.
Whether you're just a fan of the '90s and all the greatness the young women gave it, or if you're just looking for a fearless name to give your baby girl, these 15 characters will give you a little inspiration.
1
Buffy
In all honesty, there probably was no better heroine in the '90s for me other than Buffy Summers. Kicking butt to the max, she saved Sunnydale too many times to count. Buffy is a diminutive of the name Elizabeth, which has a Hebrew meaning of "pledged to God."
2
Harriet
When Michelle Trachtenberg starred in Harriet The Spy, she was everything we wanted to be in the '90s: strong, fearless, and determined. The name is an English variation of the French name Henriette and means "estate ruler."
3
Matilda
Though Matilda's story was a little sad to begin with, you have to admire the fact that she found a way to fight through the pain and stand up for all that is right. Fitting for the character, the name Matilda means "battle-mighty" and originated from the German language.
4
Belle
Belle's character in Beauty and the Beast taught me what sacrifice, love, and fight really meant in the '90s. Originating from the French language, the name Belle is a short form of Isabelle and means "beautiful."
5
Cher
Alicia Silverstone's character in the cult classic Clueless may have been a little ditzy at times. But her fashion, friendship, and fierceness had her in true heroine mode in the '90s. Meaning "beloved," the name Cher derives from the French language.
6
Lisa
Lisa Simpson has been the coolest, toughest, and most carefree kid for a few decades now, and I don't see her losing the title any time soon. Lisa is a diminutive of Elizabeth and, like the name Buffy, means "pledged to God."
7
Sidney
When Neve Campbell played the role of Sidney Prescott in the initial Scream film, I knw her portrayal of the tough and heartfelt high schooler would nab her a spot in scream queen history. Sidney means "Saint Denis" and originated from the French language.
8
Julie
Much like Neve Campbell in Scream, when Jennifer Love Hewitt played the role of Julie in the '90s slasher I Know What You Did Last Summer she stood up and literally fought for her life. The name Julie is a French variation of Julia and means "youthful."
9
Sarah
Though Sarah Bailey, played by Robin Tunney, was a part of the troubled quartet that used magic for payback, she stood up and gave them a fight to remember. The name Sarah means "princess," and is of Hebrew origin.
10
Alex
Nickelodeon's popular '90s show The Secret World of Alex Mack starred a young and feisty girl by the name of Alexandra "Alex" Mack. Giving us laughs and almost heart attacks with her too close to call incidents, Alex gave many '90s girls wishes to save the world. The name Alex, which of course is short for Alexandra, means "defending men." How badass is that?
11
Patty
Patty Mayonnaise, from the '90s show Doug, proved that girls could do any and everything without any help. Patty is short for the name Patricia and means "patrician."
12
Susie
Susie Carmichael was one of the coolest little kids ever in history because she stood up and fought for the little people. A diminutive of Susan, Susie means "lily."
13
Kimberly
No pink ranger will ever be as great as Amy Jo Johnson playing the role of Kimberly. The name is an English-place name, coming from the South-African diamond town.
14
Elisa
Aside from the fact that she fell in love with a statue that came to life at night, Elisa was a young, cutthroat cop who didn't take smack from anyone. The name Elisa is both a Spanish and Italian diminutive of the name Elizabeth and means "pledged to God."
15
Willow
Though it took some time for Willow to shed her scary personality in the show Buffy the Vampire Slayer, that never stopped her from saving a few lives every now and again. The name means "willow tree," and comes from the English language.
