Life
Let’s take a trip down memory lane, past the smartphones and dating apps, to the greatest decade ever — the 1990s. Visions of Lisa Frank, Lip Smackers, and Lite-Brite probably come to mind. But perhaps the one thing that stood out the most about that glorious decade was it’s movies. From comedies like Clueless to confusing dramas like Pulp Fiction, films played a huge part in shaping the ‘90s. So what better way to keep the most awesome decade alive then by choosing a baby name inspired by ‘90s movie for your own little one?
Don’t laugh the idea off just yet. Yes, the ‘90s had its fair share of cinematic flops (don’t get me started on George Clooney’s pitiful portrayal as the Caped Crusader.) But despite the subpar special effects and continual cheesiness, the ‘90s generated more than enough showstoppers to go around. The decade may have ended years ago, but it is up to us to carry its greatness into the years to come. Here are a few classic heroes and heroines that you should consider if you’re looking for popular names from all of our favorite childhood films that will be sure to pass on the torch.
1
Buffy
Before Twilight and Trueblood entered the world, everyone’s favorite vampire slayer was a young girl named Buffy. Though the name never hit the top 100 lists, naming a baby after the most bad a** vampire slayer around is definitely a valid and unique choice.
2
Forrest
After the release of the 1994 film Forrest Gump, Forest saw a huge spike in popularity, but has since become more unique, ranking in the 700’s in the top 1000 boy names. It is also a great contender for a gender neutral name.
3
Rose
Classy and beautiful, Rose De-Witt Bukater (played by the lovely Kate Winslet) is the female lead in Titanic. If you’re a fan of vintage names with an exciting backstory this could be the one for you.
4
Ethan
The hero of the Mission Impossible series, Ethan Hunt, caused this name to rise in popularity after 1996 when the first film was released, but it has since lost much of its popularity. Why not resurrect this classic name for your little one?
5
Mia
Though this Italian name wasn’t as popular in the ‘90s when Pulp Fiction was released, it has since skyrocketed in popularity, landing in the top ten most popular names for girls this year.
6
Will
Ranked at number 17 this year for popular boy’s names, Will (played by the dreamy Matt Damon in the classic film Good Will Hunting) is a tried and true favorite among parents.
7
Cher
Don’t say as if to this name just yet. The Cher we all know and love (not the singer your parents were obsessed with) was a sassy teenager in the '90s flick Clueless, but the name actually comes from the French word for “beloved” or darling.
8
Kevin
Everyone’s favorite little terror, Kevin from Home Alone is an icon from most of our childhoods. Though it was a popular moniker among our friends, it has since left the spotlight, making it a great contender to bring back.
9
Edward
Played by Johnny Depp, Edward Scissorhands was a troubled young man with scissors for fingers. His name though, is less strange and might be a good choice if you’re searching for something classic.
10
Neo
An average computer programmer by day and a mysterious, reality questioning hacker by night, Keanu Reeves’ Neo isn’t your average guy. His name isn’t either, it turns out. Meaning “new” in Latin, Neo never saw the same rise in popularity as the character’s female counterpart Trinity. But it’s never too late, right?
11
Kat
Ever a realist and skeptic of love, Kat Stratford would be a great namesake for someone looking to harken back to the popularity of the '90s romantic comedy 10 Things I Hate About You.
12
Louise
Played by talented Susan Sarandon, Louise is a waitress fed up with her everyday life. The decision to take a two-day road trip with her best friend Thelma quickly goes awry and the rest is history. Her name though, is not, and would make a beautiful name for any baby girl.
13
Truman
Though Truman was most popular in 1945, with the election of President Harry Truman, Jim Carey’s 1998 sci-fi film brought it back into the spotlight. Don’t you think it’s time for another comeback?
14
Felicia
Though Felicia isn’t everyone’s favorite character in Friday, her name has had a better fate. Meaning “lucky,” this moniker is making a comeback thanks to catchy memes.
15
Ellie
One of the heroines of the original Jurassic Park movie, Dr. Ellie Sattler has brains as well as beauty. Her name, meaning “bright shining one”, is a sweet, shorter version of classic names like Eleanor and Ellen.
Images: Paramount Pictures; Wiffle Gif; Giphy (14)
