The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, right? It’s a time that feels cozy, warm, and essentially happy. Even hopeful. It makes you wish you could instill all of these comforting qualities in your children. Hey, maybe you can—choosing a baby name that’s reminiscent of a classic holiday movie is a great way to spread joy every time you say your child’s name.
Some classic holiday movies are sweet. Others are just plain stupid. But they all made us smile. Collectively, they make up some of the magic of this time of year. So pick a name from your favorite holiday movie, or take inspiration from one of our favorites; either way, watching a classic holiday movie with your child’s name is sure to impress everyone who hears it People add a little joy.
01Zuzu
The first time many Americans heard this unusual name was in It’s a good life. In this classic holiday movie, Zuzu (short for Susanna) is a little girl who famously says, “Whenever a bell rings, an angel spreads its wings.” The name is full of courage and character. Zuzu means “sweet” in Yiddish, “lily” in Czech, and “little pearl” in Chinese. In Brazil, it is also used as a word of endearment. If you prefer something more traditional, you can opt for Susie – still short for Susannah and a nod to another holiday classic, Elf (More on that later).
02marley
exist home aloneMarley is the misunderstood neighbor, wrongly accused of being the South Bend Shovel Killer. By the end of the movie, we learn that Marley is a good guy who isn’t always perfect (#relatable). He saves Kevin from robbers and reminds him that “how you feel about your family is a complicated thing. Deep down, you always love them”—even if they accidentally kill you during Christmas Left behind, he becomes an unlikely hero. It’s a powerful name that evokes unbreakable family bonds and, moreover, brings to mind another classic Christmas movie character: Jacob Marley Christmas carols.
03Jovi
Joive means “joyful” or “merry,” which makes it the perfect name to evoke holiday happiness. It’s also the name of a beautiful department store worker with an angelic singing voice who befriends the bewildered Buddy. Elf. Similar names include Joey, Josie, and Jonny.
04building
Cindy Lou is the braided star of multiple film adaptations of “T”The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. Naming the child “Lou” is an adorable tribute to the little girl who helped us all realize that the holidays are all about spending time with the ones we love, even without any gifts. Lou means “famous warrior” and can also be a nickname for Louis, Louisa, Luna or Lucita.
05calvin
What could be worse than knocking Stata Klaus off the roof on Christmas Eve? exist santa clausWorkaholic Scott Calvin’s approach terrifies his young son. After this accident, Calvin reluctantly dons Santa’s suit and takes over all of Saint Nick’s official duties, eventually learning to embrace his new role of bringing joy to children around the world. So Calvin is a literal kid who can take on very big roles and is open to opportunities in the unlikeliest of places.
06Natalie
exist Miracle on 34th StreetYoung Susan Walker lived a hard life with no room for magic or miracles. She didn’t believe Santa Claus was real…until she saw him in person. Natalie Wood perfectly plays the young girl whose holiday name means “born on Christmas Day.” Walker is another solid choice for sparking holiday magic.
07Clark
The name Clark immediately brings to mind the adorable Clark Griswald National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. No one loves Christmas more than Clark, and he won’t let anything or anyone get in the way of his carefully planned holiday. Clark means “scribe” or “scholar,” making it a great name for a child who won’t let anything interfere with their happiness.
08Dolly
exist Rudolph the red-nosed reindeerA red-released doll named Dolly is trapped in a land of misfit toys. Dolly is a minor character, but her endearing name reminds us that everyone has their place.
09female
The Muppet Christmas Carol is a much-loved film starring Bettina Cratchit and Belinda Cratchit as Tiny Tim’s sisters. They are very similar to Miss Piggy and don’t seem to mind that their mom can’t always tell them apart. Betty is a cute nickname for the more formal Betina, which means “God is my vow.” If that’s not your style, consider Belinda.
10Beauty
Belle may not be the most well-known character a christmas carol, But she plays an important role. In this classic story, Belle breaks off her engagement to Ebenezer Scrooge because he is obsessed with money. Later, Scrooge realizes that he could have had a wonderful life with Belle, but he chose money over love and happiness. Belle aptly means “beautiful,” making it a great name for a child who knows her worth and isn’t willing to settle for anything less.
11pike
The Parker family is at the center of this classic film christmas story. Borrowing from their last name, the unisex choice of Parker (meaning “keeper of the park”) is a great way to recall the antics of this 1940s family. It’s a timeless name that brings to mind a timeless movie.
Which classic Christmas movie title impresses you the most?
