Disney Girls' Names

For prospective parents or name fans who also enjoy Disney, there is a unique style of first names just for them. 

Disney names are not necessarily character names from every Disney movie (even though it can happen). Instead, they are a unique set of vintage names that reflect the values of Walt Disney: nostalgic charm mixed with optimism. Stated differently, they sound innocent and evoke images of a bygone era, but they also reflect revolutionary people or events that can inspire the next generation. 

The characteristics of a Disney name are the same that define an ideal Disney movie: child-friendly but mature enough to suit adults. Dolly and Elsie, though perfectly usable, sound too childish to make the cut while Florence and Sylvia sound too mature. Jane and Mary also sound too plain for the Disney style. 

Here are some girls' names that sound as if they could be characters in Disney movies:

Alice

Walt Disney's Alice in Cartoonland series led to greater projects; Alice in Alice in Wonderland learns to crave maturity. Beyond the Disney realm, this classic name has belonged to suffragists such as Alice Paul (1885-1977), writers and poets like Alice Walker (1944-), and even several royals. 


Amelia

This classic girls' name has a nostalgic Victorian feel and especially feels child-friendly thanks to the Amelia Bedelia children's books. It also brings to mind aviator Amelia Earhart (1897-1937) as well as a goose from The Aristocats.


Beatrice

There have been several literary references (including some in children's literature), royals, and namesakes throughout the ages. Social reformer Beatrice Webb (1858-1943) was one example. Beatrice is also mentioned as Mrs. Potts's full name in the live-action Beauty and the Beast.


Belle

This one belongs to a Disney princess, yet the protagonist of Beauty and the Beast was revolutionary; Belle actively pursued her own happily ever after, setting the stage for future female protagonists. There's also outlaw Belle Starr (1848-1889) even though she lacked notable accomplishments. 


Charlotte

Charlotte "Lottie" is Tiana's best friend in The Princess and the Frog. E. B. White's Charlotte's Web adds more nostalgia to the name. Plus, like Beatrice, Charlotte had several royal namesakes throughout the ages; these include today's little princess.


Clara

Clara Stahlbaum is the main character of Disney's own live-action film based on The Nutcracker ballet. Plus, American Red Cross founder Clara Barton injects her name with dreams. 


Dorothy

Dorothy Ann Blank, having designed a title card for Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, was one of the first women to work at the studio. Dorothy Gale of The Wizard of Oz adds innocent charm to her name.  


Ida

This nostalgic Victorian mini name connects to civil rights activist Ida B. Wells along with a side character in Laura Ingalls Wilder's "Little House" books.  


Judith

Judith Sargent Murray (1751-1820) was one of America's earliest feminist advocates. Actor Judy Garland, starring as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, also evokes nostalgia of older Hollywood films. There is also Judy Hopps, a rabbit who fights all odds to become a police officer in Zootopia.


Lucy

Lucy brings to mind the iconic Peanuts character and even the nursery rhyme "Lucy Locket," but also suffragists Lucy Stone and Burns.


Marie

Marie appeared as a kitten in The Aristocats and is briefly mentioned in the opening song of Beauty and the Beast. Notable bearers include Marie Antoinette (1755-1793) and scientist Marie Curie (1867-1934).


Matilda

Matilda has been worn by several early rulers along with instilling childhood nostalgia via the Roald Dahl character. 


Ruby

Ruby is a name full of nostalgia: Dorothy's ruby red slippers, Rosemary Wells's Max and Ruby books, et cetera. Civil rights activist Ruby Bridges, the first black child to attend an all-whites school, also makes her name one full of dreams.


Willa

Willa Cather wrote a few noteworthy novels about Midwestern settlement, including O Pioneers! and My Antonia. These associations are enough to give the name nostalgia even though Willa also appeared as a side character in Beverly Cleary's Ramona Quimby books. 

What Disney girls' names are your favorite? What names would you add?

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