The New Twilight Names?

Photo courtesy of The Book Diaries

It often feels like 'Twilight' made a huge impact on the naming scene. Isabella and Jacob may have been top ten names before the first book was published, but the series possibly enabled them to hold onto their top positions longer than they may have otherwise. And while Edward seems to be the one anomaly that didn't benefit from the resurgence in attention, the secondary characters in the series certainly did.

As soon as the final movie had been released, critics have been theorising on what will be the next big sensation. And name enthusiasts have been wondering what will replace 'Twilight' for naming inspiration.

One promising contender is the Veronica Roth written 'Divergent' trilogy - 'Divergent', 'Insurgent' and 'Allegiant'. The first movie is due for release in March, starring Shailene Woodley (of George Clooneys' Oscar winner 'The Descendants') and Kate Winslet. But perhaps more importantly, it feels that in many ways the author has managed to tap into a naming style that may prove to be just as inspiring as Stephanie Meyers'.

Beatrice “Tris”

The books are told in the voice of Beatrice “Tris” Prior. As the series is very much about how the characters identify themselves, it's a poignant moment when Beatrice leaves one life behind her and chooses to “remake” her identity with the new name Tris.

There are several ways in which this name and character are reminiscent of Isabella.

1 – The name is a classic beauty

2 – It comes with more than one great nickname option

3 – It's already rising in popularity

4 – She's a strong girl yet quietly reserved girl with a “unique” mind

5 - And it is this that captures the romantic attention of a an aloof but attractive, seemingly unattainable older guy.

Could Beatrice be the next Isabella? I'm sure a lot of Beatrice lovers are hoping it won't, but it has real potential.

Tobias

Tobias is another fantastic classic choice with a familiar nickname, however has been hovering on the charts around the low 500's for a few years now. Exposure from this series may be just the boost this name needs to gain some upward momentum.

Tobias is Beatrice's love interest, and like Beatrice Tobias has turned his back on his old life and is better known by the nickname Four (for reasons unrelated to his name). In fact, very few people in his life know his original name, and revealing his “real” name to Tris signifies the depth of his feelings for her. In many ways, this is a strong character that will likely appeal to many.

Other Worthy Mentions:

Alice, Esme, Rosalie, Emmett, Jasper and Cullen – and even invented name Renesmee – have all experienced a surge in popularity in recent years thanks to 'Twilight'. Luckily, the 'Divergent' supporting characters are also rich with options for parents looking for underused classics begging to be rediscovered.

Albert (Al)

Amity (faction name)

Caleb

Cara

Christina

Eric

Evelyn

Hector

Jeanine

Johanna

Marcus

Marlene

Max

Molly

Myra

Natalie

Peter

Susan

Tori

Uriah

Will

Zeke

**This is an update to the post that originally appeared on Nameberry in August 2013**