Did you know that many names from Jane Austen’s novels remain popular today? These classics have stood the test of time. Parents still choose these names for their children, and it’s easy to see why.
The characters in Austen’s books show strong personalities and lasting charm that make their names special. From the smart Elizabeth to the kind-hearted Edward, these names carry a story and history that modern options often lack.
By picking a name from Austen’s works, you give your child a connection to literary tradition without sounding old-fashioned. The right name choice can be both classic and fresh at the same time.
Ready to find out which Austen names still work well today? Let’s take a look.
Who Was Jane Austen? Biography and Achievements
Jane Austen was an English writer born in 1775 in Hampshire, England. She grew up in a close family with six brothers and one sister. Her father, a clergyman, had a good library that helped Jane develop her love for reading and writing at a young age.
Jane started writing as a teen. She wrote short pieces for her family’s enjoyment before moving on to longer works. Though she wrote her major novels in her twenties and thirties, she didn’t put her name on them when they were first published.
What makes Jane’s work stand out is her sharp wit and clear look at society. She used simple language to show the flaws in people and their social customs. Her stories might seem like just love tales, but they offer deep insights into how people act and think.
Jane never married and died in 1817 at age 41. Though her life was short, her books have lasted. They’ve been made into movies and TV shows and have fans all over the world. Jane’s skill at mixing humor with honest views of life is why we still read and enjoy her work today.
Jane wrote about what she knew: the social rules and family life of her time. Her bewitching writings are mentioned below in a table.
| Title | Year Published | Genre | Main Themes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sense and Sensibility | 1811 | Romantic novel | Love, family, social class, and financial insecurity |
| Pride and Prejudice | 1813 | Romantic novel | Marriage, reputation, class, and individuality |
| Mansfield Park | 1814 | Romantic novel / Social satire | Morality, social mobility, and family dynamics |
| Emma | 1815 | Romantic novel | Matchmaking, self-discovery, and class |
| Northanger Abbey | 1817 (posthumous) | Satirical Gothic romance | Imagination vs. reality, coming of age, social manners |
| Persuasion | 1817 (posthumous) | Romantic novel | Second chances, regret, and social mobility |
| Lady Susan | 1871 (posthumous) | Epistolary novella | Manipulation, social ambition, scandal |
Authentic List of Jane Austen Names
Jane Austen filled her novels with characters whose names reflected the naming trends of her time. These names have a classic quality that connects readers to the Regency period.
Let’s look at some of the most notable Jane Austen names from her six major novels that parents might consider for their children today.
1. Anne
Meaning: Grace or favor
Book Referred In: Persuasion
Nickname: Annie
2. Augusta
Meaning: Majestic, venerable
Book Referred In: Emma
Nickname: Gussie
3. Benwick
Meaning: Unique to Austen, surname used as a first name
Book Referred In: Persuasion
Nickname: Ben
4. Brandon
Meaning: Beacon hill
Book Referred In: Sense and Sensibility
Nickname: Bran
5. Caroline
Meaning: Free woman
Book Referred In: Pride and Prejudice
Nickname: Carrie
6. Catherine
Meaning: Pure
Book Referred In: Northanger Abbey
Nickname: Cathy
7. Charles
Meaning: Free man
Book Referred In: Pride and Prejudice
Nickname: Charlie
8. Charlotte
Meaning: Free
Book Referred In: Pride and Prejudice
Nickname: Lottie
9. Edmund
Meaning: Fortunate protector
Book Referred In: Mansfield Park
Nickname: Ed
10. Edward
Meaning: Wealthy guardian
Book Referred In: Sense and Sensibility
Nickname: Ned
11. Eleanor
Meaning: Light
Book Referred In: Northanger Abbey
Nickname: Ellie
12. Elinor
Meaning: Shining light
Book Referred In: Sense and Sensibility
Nickname: Nell
13. Elizabeth
Meaning: God is my oath
Book Referred In: Pride and Prejudice
Nickname: Lizzy
14. Emma
Meaning: Whole or universal
Book Referred In: Emma
Nickname: Em
15. Fanny
Meaning: Free one
Book Referred In: Mansfield Park
Nickname: Fan
16. Fitzwilliam
Meaning: Son of William
Book Referred In: Pride and Prejudice
Nickname: Fitz
17. Frank
Meaning: Free man
Book Referred In: Emma
Nickname: Frankie
18. Frederick
Meaning: Peaceful ruler
Book Referred In: Persuasion
Nickname: Fred
19. George
Meaning: Farmer
Book Referred In: Emma
Nickname: Georgie
20. Georgiana
Meaning: Feminine form of George
Book Referred In: Pride and Prejudice
Nickname: Georgie
21. Harriet
Meaning: Estate ruler
Book Referred In: Emma
Nickname: Hattie
22. Harville
Meaning: Surname used as first name
Book Referred In: Persuasion
Nickname: Harry
23. Henrietta
Meaning: Ruler of the home
Book Referred In: Persuasion
Nickname: Etta
24. Henry
Meaning: Ruler of the estate
Book Referred In: Northanger Abbey
Nickname: Hal
25. Isabella
Meaning: Devoted to God
Book Referred In: Northanger Abbey
Nickname: Bella
26. James
Meaning: Supplanter
Book Referred In: Northanger Abbey
Nickname: Jim
27. Jane
Meaning: God is gracious
Book Referred In: Pride and Prejudice
Nickname: Janie
28. John
Meaning: God is gracious
Book Referred In: Multiple books
Nickname: Jack
29. Julia
Meaning: Youthful
Book Referred In: Mansfield Park
Nickname: Jules
30. Kitty
Meaning: Pure
Book Referred In: Pride and Prejudice
Nickname: Kit
31. Louisa
Meaning: Famous warrior
Book Referred In: Persuasion
Nickname: Lou
32. Lucy
Meaning: Light
Book Referred In: Sense and Sensibility
Nickname: Lu
33. Lydia
Meaning: From Lydia (ancient region)
Book Referred In: Pride and Prejudice
Nickname: Lydie
34. Margaret
Meaning: Pearl
Book Referred In: Sense and Sensibility
Nickname: Maggie
35. Maria
Meaning: Bitter or beloved
Book Referred In: Mansfield Park
Nickname: Ria
36. Marianne
Meaning: Grace
Book Referred In: Sense and Sensibility
Nickname: Mari
37. Mary
Meaning: Beloved or bitter
Book Referred In: Pride and Prejudice
Nickname: Molly
38. Robert
Meaning: Bright fame
Book Referred In: Emma
Nickname: Rob
39. Russell
Meaning: Little red one
Book Referred In: Persuasion
Nickname: Russ
40. Sophia
Meaning: Wisdom
Book Referred In: Persuasion
Nickname: Sophy
41. Susan
Meaning: Lily
Book Referred In: Mansfield Park
Nickname: Sue
42. Thomas
Meaning: Twin
Book Referred In: Mansfield Park
Nickname: Tom
43. Tom
Meaning: Twin (diminutive of Thomas)
Book Referred In: Mansfield Park
Nickname: Tommy
44. Walter
Meaning: Army ruler
Book Referred In: Persuasion
Nickname: Walt
45. William
Meaning: Resolute protector
Book Referred In: Multiple books
Nickname: Will
Popularity of Jane Austen Names in The Last Ten Years
Looking at naming data from the past decade, we can see how Austen’s character names have fared in modern times. Some have remained consistently popular, while others have seen shifts in their usage.
Top-Ranking Austen Names
1. Emma – This name has stayed in the top 25 most popular girls’ names for the past decade. Its peak came around 2017, partly due to its classic sound and famous bearers.
2. William – A consistently high-ranking name, William has remained in the top 10 boys’ names across multiple countries. Its royal connections help maintain its status.
3. Charlotte – After a rise in popularity following royal baby namings, Charlotte jumped into the top 10 and has stayed there in many English-speaking countries.
4. Elizabeth – This classic has never fallen below the top 50 girls’ names, showing its lasting appeal across generations.
Rising Stars
5. Henry – After years outside the top 50, Henry has made a strong comeback, now ranking in the top 20 in several countries.
6. George – Another name with royal connections that has seen renewed interest, climbing steadily in rank each year.
7. Eleanor/Elinor – Both spellings have seen significant increases, with the trend toward longer, traditional names for girls.
Steady Classics
8. James – This name has shown remarkable stability, rarely moving more than a few positions in popularity charts.
9. Jane – While not at the very top of the charts, Jane maintains a steady middle ranking, known for its simplicity and classic feel.
10. Edward – This traditional name holds a consistent place in the top 100, neither trending sharply up nor down.
Less Common Treasures
11. Augusta – Remains relatively rare, ranking outside the top 500 in most regions.
12. Fitzwilliam – Very uncommon as a first name, though it has seen small increases as parents look for distinctive options.
13. Marianne – This name has decreased in popularity since the 1990s but shows signs of a potential comeback with the trend toward vintage names.
The Bottom Line
Jane Austen’s character names continue to offer timeless appeal for today’s parents. From the steady popularity of William and Elizabeth to the rising comeback of names like Henry and Eleanor, these classic choices provide both history and style.
What makes these names special? They connect children to literary greatness while remaining practical for modern life. They’re neither too fancy nor too plain – just right for many families.
So, what should you do with this information?
If you’re considering a name for your baby, an Austen-inspired choice might be perfect. Look through the list again and see which ones feel right to you. You might find that perfect name that honors the past while looking toward the future.
Have you used an Austen name for your child? Share your story in the comments below!
