30+ Baby Names Inspired By Iconic Real-Life Romances

Philip and Elizabeth

Philip is derived from the Greek name Philippos, meaning “friend of horses,” while Elizabeth comes from the Greek form of the Hebrew name Elisheva, meaning “God is an oath.”

Theirs is a love story that spanned more than 70 years, and it began in 1939, at Britannia Royal Naval College, when the paths of 18-year-old cadet Philip and the 13-year-old Princess Elizabeth crossed during her visit. The young princess was captivated from that moment forward. They wrote letters to each other throughout the war, and upon Philip’s return from the Pacific in 1946, their romance flourished. In a letter to his darling “Lilibet” — his pet name for Elizabeth — he wrote, “To have been spared in the war and seen victory, to have been given the chance to rest and to re-adjust myself, to have fallen in love completely and unreservedly, makes all one’s personal and even the world’s troubles seem small and petty.”

In a speech on the couple’s 50th wedding anniversary, Queen Elizabeth praised her husband, saying, “He is someone who doesn’t take easily to compliments but he has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years, and I, and his whole family, and this and many other countries, owe him a debt greater than he would ever claim, or we shall ever know.” 

John and Abigail

John is the English form of the Hebrew name Yochanan, and means “God is gracious.” Abigail also has its roots in a Hebrew name, Aviḡayil, meaning “my father’s joy.”

It wasn’t exactly love at first sight for John and Abigail Adams when the pair met in 1762. John had dinner at Abigail’s house, accompanying a friend who was romantically interested in Abigail’s sister — a visit which he would later describe in his diary as “a waste of time.”

But as his friend courted, then married, Abigail’s sister Mary, and business matters in town led John and Abigail to cross paths again, the two became more fond of one another. They would go on to have a 50-year marriage encompassing five children, revolution, war, scandal, diplomatic crises, and the birth of a new nation. Long separations marked their relationship, and during that time they wrote each other more than 1,000 letters. 

Twenty years after their first meeting, Abigail wrote in a letter to John, “Should I draw you the picture of my Heart, it would be what I hope you still would Love; tho it contained nothing new; the early possession you obtained there; and the absolute power you have ever maintained over it; leaves not the smallest space unoccupied. I look back to the early days of our acquaintance; and Friendship, as to the days of Love and Innocence; and with an indescribable pleasure I have seen near a score of years roll over our Heads, with an affection heightened and improved by time — nor have the dreary years of absence in the smallest degree effaced from my mind the Image of the dear untitled man to whom I gave my Heart.”

Lucy and Desi

The name Lucy is derived from the Latin word lux, meaning “light.” Desi can be short for any number of things — but in the case of Desi Arnaz, it was short for Desiderio, which comes from the Latin desiderium, meaning “desire.”

The relationship between Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz was admittedly a turbulent one, but it was passionate — and when it was good, they adored each other. I Love Lucy director William Asher once told PEOPLE, “When they were having the baby and we did the show about the birth of Little Ricky, Desi was terribly emotional about her. He really was crazy about her. You could feel how they felt.”

Though the union ended in divorce after 20 years, friends say neither ever truly got over being apart, and remained close despite both marrying other people. “They spoke so lovingly of each other, you almost forgot they weren’t together anymore,” said actress Carol Channing, one of Lucy’s dearest friends. The marriage may not have lasted, but it cemented Lucy and Desi’s roles as one of the most iconic couples of the 20th century.

Sarah and Sullivan

Sarah comes from a very similar Hebrew name — Sara without the “h” at the end, meaning “princess.” Sullivan comes from the Irish name Súileabhán, and means “dark eyes.”

Sullivan Ballou — a lawyer, politician, and Union officer — penned an eloquent (and eerily prophetic) letter to his wife Sarah just a week before succumbing to a fatal battle wound in the Civil War. Sarah didn’t receive the letter until months later, and grief-stricken at just 24, she never remarried. The letter has become renowned for its poignant expression of Ballou’s romantic love for Sarah, as well as his patriotism and strong sense of justice in fighting for Lincoln, driven by what he described as “pure love of my country.”

“Sarah, my love for you is deathless. It seems to bind me with mighty cables, that nothing but Omnipotence can break … my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, nor that, when my last breath escapes me on the battle-field, it will whisper your name … O Sarah, if the dead can come back to this earth, and flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near you in the garish day, and the darkest night amidst your happiest scenes and gloomiest hours always, always, and, if the soft breeze fans your cheek, it shall be my breath; or the cool air cools your throbbing temples, it shall be my spirit passing by. Sarah, do not mourn me dear; think I am gone, and wait for me, for we shall meet again.”

Vita and Virginia

The name Vita is a Latin word name; it comes from vita, meaning “life.” Virginia comes from the Roman male name Virginius, and the exact meaning is unclear, although it’s often associated with — you guessed it — the Latin virgo, which means “virgin.”

Vita Sackville-West met Virginia Woolf at a costume party in 1922, and the two authors hit it off; Vita was more famous than Virginia at the time, though she felt her writing was inferior to Virginia’s (“I contrast my illiterate writing with your scholarly one, and am ashamed,” she once said). Though both women were married, they began a fairly open affair that lasted for over ten years.

In a heartfelt 1927 letter to Virginia, Vita wrote, “I am reduced to a thing that wants Virginia … I composed a beautiful letter to you in the sleepless nightmare hours of the night, and it has all gone: I just miss you, in a quite simple desperate human way. You, with all your undumb letters, would never write so elementary a phrase as that; perhaps you wouldn’t even feel it. And yet I believe you’ll be sensible of a little gap. But you’d clothe it in so exquisite a phrase that it should lose a little of its reality … I suppose you are accustomed to people saying these things. Damn you, spoilt creature; I shan’t make you love me any more by giving myself away like this — But oh my dear, I can’t be clever and stand-offish with you: I love you too much for that. Too truly. You have no idea how stand-offish I can be with people I don’t love. I have brought it to a fine art. But you have broken down my defenses. And I don’t really resent it.”

Johnny and June

Johnny, of course, is the nickname for John — the English form of the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning “God is gracious.” June comes from the Roman goddess Juno, who was the protector of woman and marriage and was also the goddess of finance.

The love story of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash is a timeless country ballad in itself. Though they first met backstage at the Grand Ole Opry in 1956, their paths were tangled with separate marriages and individual struggles. A spark ignited, but societal expectations and their own personal demons kept them apart for over a decade. Through shared music, laughter, and unwavering support, their bond deepened. As Johnny battled addiction, June became his anchor, inspiring him and believing in him even when he faltered. Finally, in 1968, they defied odds and married, becoming not just husband and wife, but musical collaborators and soulmates.

When asked how he’d define paradise, Johnny famously said, “This morning, with her, having coffee.”

They were together for the rest of their lives, dying only four months apart.

Martin and Coretta

Another name derived from a Roman deity, Martin comes from the Roman god Mars — the god of war. Coretta has a decidedly gentler meaning; it comes from the Greek word kore, which means “maiden.”

A mutual friend orchestrated a blind date between Martin Luther King, Jr., a doctoral student, and Coretta Scott, a gifted vocalist. Though initially hesitant, Coretta was soon captivated by Martin’s wit, intellect, and shared passion for justice. Their love blossomed amidst philosophical discussions, stolen moments at concerts, and the burgeoning Civil Rights Movement. Despite societal pressures and dangers, the couple was married in 1953. Coretta, not just a devoted wife, became a pillar of strength and a partner in the movement, standing by Martin’s side through marches, arrests, threats, and hate crimes. Their love story transcended mere romance; it was a partnership formed from courage, sacrifice, and a shared dream of equality that continues to inspire generations.

Edward and Wallis

The name Edward is of Old English origin and means “rich guard.” Wallis is a variant spelling of Wallace — a Scottish surname derived from the Germanic word waleis, meaning “Celt, Welshman.”

Theirs was a love that defied an empire. In the 1930s, Prince Edward, heir to the British throne, found himself captivated by Wallis Simpson: a twice-married American socialite. Their passionate connection ignited a scandal, since Wallis’s status made her unacceptable as queen. Undeterred, Edward chose love over crown, famously abdicating the throne in 1936 to marry Wallis. Exiled and ostracized, they faced public scorn and financial woes — yet their bond endured. 

Gertrude and Alice

The name Gertrude is of Germanic origin and means “spear of strength.” Alice’s origins are also Germanic, coming from the name Adalheidis, meaning “nobility.”

Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas’ love story unfolded in Paris on September 8th, 1907, when their chance encounter sparked an instant connection. While never legally married — because it wasn’t an option then — they built a life partnership that lasted nearly four decades. Alice, initially drawn to Gertrude’s artistic genius, became her muse, confidante, and dedicated life partner. Their love flourished through shared passions: Gertrude’s writing, which Alice tirelessly typed and championed, and their vibrant social life in Paris, hosting renowned artists and writers. Though they faced strong societal disapproval for their unconventional relationship, their bond remained strong, nurtured by everyday routines, playful nicknames like “Lovey” and “Baby,” and unwavering support for each other’s aspirations. Their love story transcended traditional definitions, leaving an enduring mark on both literary history and the fight for LGBTQ+ acceptance.

Paul and Joanne

Derived from the Roman family name Paulus, Paul means “small” or “humble.” Joanne is the feminine form of the Greek name Ioannes — the same root name as John — which means “God is gracious.”

When they met in 1953, Joanne Woodward, a rising star, found Paul Newman, then already married, “dull.” Yet, while working on Broadway’s Picnic, a spark ignited. They reconnected years later, and the passionate intensity captured on screen in The Long, Hot Summer mirrored their real-life romance. Despite initial hesitation, Joanne’s respect for Paul’s honesty and talent blossomed into love, and they married in 1958. Their Hollywood partnership wasn’t just on-screen; they co-founded a theatre, championed social causes, and raised three children. Though not without challenges, the love story of this Hollywood golden couple endured for 50 years, marked by mutual respect, shared passions, and an unwavering commitment to family. 

Of her mother, the couple’s daughter Melissa Newman said, “She could rest assured that of all the women in the world, there were none that my father found so endlessly fascinating. … [S]he never ceased to be his comfort and his inspiration. In the end, they were absolutely each other’s island.”

Marie and Pierre

Marie is the French form of Mary, and the meaning isn’t 100% certain; while some sources say it’s from a Hebrew word meaning “bitter,” other sources vary, saying it means “beloved” or “rebellious.” Pierre is also a French version of a name — in this case, Peter — which means “rock.”

The love story of Pierre and Marie Curie is as groundbreaking as the discoveries it fueled. In 1894, tenacious Polish immigrant Marie (whose maiden name was Sklodowska) found kinship with Pierre Curie, a brilliant physicist. Drawn together by a shared passion for science, their initial collaboration quickly blossomed into a deep affection. The two married within a year in a simple civil ceremony — in lieu of a traditional bridal gown, Marie chose a dark blue dress, explaining, “I have no dress except the one I wear every day. If you are going to be kind enough to give me one, please let it be practical and dark so that I can put it on afterwards to go to the laboratory.”

These scientific soulmates worked tirelessly in their makeshift laboratory, delving into the mysteries of radioactivity, coining the term itself. This shared journey led to the discovery of polonium and radium, forever etching their names in scientific history. Their love story culminated in a shared Nobel Prize in 1903, a testament to their unwavering collaboration (initially, Marie’s name was not on the prize, but Pierre complained until it was — making her the first woman to ever win a Nobel prize). Though tragically cut short by Pierre’s untimely death three years later, Marie carried their torch, going on to win another Nobel prize, solidifying their legacy as a couple who revolutionized science — and redefined love. 

Albert and Victoria

With Germanic roots, Albert comes from the name Adalbert and means “noble and bright.” Victoria comes from the Latin word meaning — you guessed it! — “victory.”

A youthful spark ignited in 1836 when 17-year-old Victoria, heir to the British throne, met her cousin, Prince Albert. An arranged introduction blossomed into genuine affection, with Victoria enthralled by Albert’s intelligence and charm. Though sometimes arranged marriages aren’t exactly blissful, Albert and Victoria developed a deep and genuine bond. This is evident in love letters the couple wrote throughout the years any time they were separated; one letter, from Albert, says, “I need not tell you that since we left, all my thoughts have been with you at Windsor, and that your image fills my whole soul. Even in my dreams I never imagined that I should find so much love on earth. How that moment shines for me still when I was close to you, with your hand in mine.”

Upon ascending the throne in 1837, Victoria, defying tradition, proposed to Albert, marking a unique start to their partnership. Their love thrived. He became her confidante, advisor, and partner in modernizing the monarchy. For two decades, they were a symbol of devotion, raising nine children and navigating political storms together. Albert’s untimely death in 1861 plunged Victoria into mourning, her grief echoing the nation’s; it’s said she wore black clothing to symbolize her loss for over 40 years. Though she eventually remarried, Albert remained the love of her life, his memory forever cherished. 

Diego and Frida

Diego is sometimes used as a diminutive of Santiago, meaning “Saint James” — but it may also be derived from the Greek word didache, meaning “teaching.” Frida comes from the Old German word fridu, meaning “peace.”

When Frida Kahlo, a fiery young artist, encountered the renowned muralist Diego Rivera, it was an artistic and personal awakening. Despite a 20-year age gap and Diego’s existing marriage, their connection was undeniable. They married in 1929, a union fueled by mutual admiration and creative inspiration. However, their love was far from conventional — some might even call it “messy.” Diego’s infidelities inflicted deep wounds on Frida, reflected in her powerful self-portraits. Their volatile relationship led to a divorce in 1939, only to be reignited (and remarried!) a year later. Though never truly smooth, their bond endured, documented in their art — the evidence of shared passions and pain. In her diary, Frida wrote, “Diego = my husband / Diego = my friend / Diego = my mother / Diego = my father / Diego = my son / Diego = me / Diego = Universe.” They remained together until Frida’s death in 1954, leaving behind a legacy of a love story as complex and unforgettable as their art.

Mildred and Richard

Mildred is comprised of two Old English elements meaning “gentle strength.” Richard is also comprised of two elements, but from Old German; it means “brave ruler.”

Mildred Jeter and Richard Loving were young and deeply in love — but as an interracial couple, they found their path to happiness blocked by prejudice. Growing up in segregated Virginia, they crossed racial lines when they married in 1958, unaware that it violated the state’s anti-miscegenation laws. Raided by police in their home, they faced jail time but instead chose exile, leaving behind family and community. Determined to live together, they embarked on a nine-year legal battle, their love story intertwined with the fight for equality. With the help of the ACLU, they challenged the law, culminating in the landmark Supreme Court case Loving v. Virginia (1967) that struck down anti-miscegenation laws across the nation. “It wasn’t to make a political statement or start a fight,” Mildred said of their union. “We were in love, and we wanted to be married.”

Though victory brought vindication, it couldn’t erase the sacrifices and hardships the Lovings endured. Their quiet love story became a symbol of courage, resistance, and the fight for racial justice in America.

Oscar and Alfred

The name Oscar is derived from the Old Irish elements oss, meaning “deer,” and carae, meaning “friend.” Alfred’s meaning is also a little on the quirky side; it comes from the Old English Ælfræd, meaning “elf counsel.”

Theirs was a love cloaked in secrecy and fraught with peril. Oscar Wilde, the celebrated wit and playwright, met the young, captivating Lord Alfred Douglas (“Bosie”) in 1891. A passionate, turbulent affair ensued, fueled by mutual adoration and artistic inspiration. Wilde showered Bosie with gifts and poems, seeing him as both a muse and a lover. “It is a marvel that those red rose-leaf lips of yours should be made no less for the madness of music and song than for the madness of kissing,” he once wrote in a letter.

However, their happiness was overshadowed by the societal condemnation of homosexuality. Bosie’s father was not happy with the union to say the least, since being gay was considered criminal behavior at the time; he publicly denounced Wilde and had him arrested for “gross indecency.” The ensuing trials and imprisonment shattered Wilde’s life, leaving their love story forever marked by tragedy and the devastating cost of defying societal norms. While their romance ended tragically, it’s a potent symbol of forbidden love and the pursuit of passion in the face of adversity.

Goldie and Kurt

The name Goldie means, well, exactly what you think it does: “gold.” But believe it or not, Kurt’s meaning is not so obvious — it’s actually a contracted form of Conrad (who knew?!), meaning “brave counsel.”

A chance encounter in 1966 on a Disney set sparked a connection for Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell, but they were young and vowed not to date actors. Fate intervened 17 years later when they co-starred in Swing Shift. This time, sparks flew. They fell in love, bonding over shared humor and their love for Hawn’s children from a previous marriage. Choosing not to marry, they prioritized building a strong, supportive partnership. They welcomed a son together and became a beloved blended family, navigating Hollywood pressures while keeping their private life private. After four decades, their unconventional love story continues to inspire, proving that true connection and commitment can flourish outside traditional bounds — which is especially impressive in Hollywood.

Dante and Beatrice

Beatrice is derived from the Late Latin name Viatrix, meaning “voyager” or “traveller.” The name Dante comes from the Latin durans, meaning “enduring” — definitely a fitting meaning for the story you’re about to hear.

13th-century poet Dante Alighieri’s love for Beatrice was a complex and enduring one, born in childhood and immortalized in literature — even though they were never actually a couple. They first met at a May Day celebration when both were children, and Dante was instantly smitten with her beauty and grace. Though they only met a few more times throughout their lives, Beatrice became his muse, inspiring him to write poetry and prose filled with adoration. Despite marrying others, Dante’s love for Beatrice remained unrequited, fueled by her brief encounters and her untimely death at the young age of 24. This loss plunged him into despair, but also became a springboard for his greatest work, “The Divine Comedy.” In this epic poem, Beatrice transcends her earthly form, becoming a divine guide who leads Dante through Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise. While their physical relationship was literally nonexistent, Dante’s love for Beatrice remained a powerful force throughout his life, shaping his art and leaving an indelible mark on literary history.

Napoleon and Josephine

Though it’s highly unlikely that parents will choose the name Napoleon these days (especially after Napoleon Dynamite), but we’ll give you its meaning anyway: “sons of mist.” Josephine, however, might be a more viable choice for a modern-day baby thanks to the popularity of vintage names. It is the feminine form of Joseph, which means “he will add.”

Theirs was a love story etched in passion, turbulence, and ultimately, heartbreak. Napoleon Bonaparte, a young, ambitious general, fell head over heels for the charming and sophisticated Josephine, a captivating widow. Their whirlwind romance led to a quick marriage, fueled by passionate letters and stolen moments. Napoleon’s conquests across Europe were interwoven with declarations of love and yearning for Josephine. “My happiness is to be near you,” he wrote. “Incessantly I live over in my memory your caresses, your tears, your affectionate solicitude. The charms of the incomparable Josephine kindle continually a burning and a glowing flame in my heart.”

However, shadows soon crept in. Infidelity gnawed at their union, with both indulging in affairs. Despite reconciliations, the lack of an heir, crucial for securing Napoleon’s dynasty, became a heavy burden. Duty ultimately trumped love, leading to a heart-wrenching divorce in 1810. Though Napoleon remarried for political gain, Josephine remained his “true wife” in his heart, as evidenced by his emotional visits to her until his very last days. 

Grace and Rainier

Derived from the Latin word gratia, Grace means … “grace.” Rainier stems from the Germanic name Raginheri, meaning “army counsel.” 

On the French Riviera in 1955, a chance encounter arranged by Hollywood star Olivia de Havilland brought together Grace Kelly, the epitome of Hollywood elegance, and Prince Rainier III, the ruler of Monaco looking to revitalize his principality. What began as a staged photoshoot blossomed into a year-long courtship, fueled by passionate letters exchanged across the ocean. “My Darling, This is to tell you in a very mild way how terribly much I love you, miss you, need you and want you near me always,” Prince Rainier wrote in one letter to Grace. “Safe trip my love. Rest, relax and think of me burning myself out with this terrible longing for you. I love you so.”

Despite her flourishing film career, Grace found herself drawn to Rainier’s intelligence and charm, yearning for a life beyond the silver screen. In 1956, their fairy tale unfolded in a lavish, televised wedding, transforming Grace into Princess Grace and bringing glamour and prosperity to Monaco. Their union, though tested by public scrutiny and internal pressures, was one of mutual respect and devotion, producing three children and solidifying Monaco’s place on the world stage. Though tragically cut short by Grace’s untimely death at age 52, their royal romance continues to captivate.

Clark and Carole

Clark is a surname derived from the Old English clerec, meaning “priest.” Carole comes from Carolus, a Latin name meaning either “man” or “army” (sources are conflicting). 

This couple’s interest in each other was first piqued during the “White Mayfair” ball of 1936, a glamorous Beverly Hills night hosted by effervescent actress Carole Lombard. Among the A-listers was Hollywood’s reigning king, Clark Gable. Though they’d co-starred in a film four years prior, their on-set dynamic — according to some accounts — had been more oil and water than champagne bubbles. Carole’s vivaciousness reportedly clashed with Clark’s stoicism. But the night of the White Mayfair ball ignited an undeniable spark that set the stage for their whirlwind romance. They were both married to other people at the time, but found themselves falling in love. (Though Clark would eventually be married five times in total, it was always accepted that Carole was “the one” regardless of their separation — a fact which led to the two being buried next to each other when he died in 1960.) They eloped in 1939.

The duo purchased a ranch, referring to one another as “Ma” and “Pa” and relishing in quiet married life for a while. But by 1940, the world was engulfed in the flames of World War II. Carole, driven by an unwavering passion, refused to sit idly by. She paused her film career and joined the Red Cross, eager to contribute, embarking on a war-bond promotion tour — a mission to leverage her status for a critical cause. Accompanied by her mother and Clark Gable’s press officer, Otto Winkler, she set off, leaving Clark behind due to filming commitments.

The tour culminated in a triumphant rally in Indianapolis, where Carole tirelessly signed bonds, amassing a staggering two million dollars. Though the plan was to return via train, fueled by a longing for Clark and their home, Carole impulsively opted for a plane — despite concerns from her studio and, reportedly, even her mother and Otto. 

Tragically, on the dawn of January 16th, 1942, the aircraft, carrying them alongside military personnel, diverted to refuel in Las Vegas before crashing into a mountain. Carole’s passing left an irreparable void in Clark’s life. Friends, family, and even the press painted a portrait of a man shattered. He walked the halls of their home like a ghost, haunted by her absence, for weeks on end. Despite plans to sell the house before her death, Clark clung to it — believing her spirit still lingered within its walls.

Eventually, he joined the Army — something the deeply-patriotic Carole had wanted him to do — eventually moving up to the rank of Captain. After getting out, he remarried, but by all accounts he was never the same after Carole’s tragic death.

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