Stars Hollow Vibes: Gilmore Girls-Inspired Names for Fall Babies

The arrival of fall always brings out the Gilmore Girls nostalgia – those cozy Stars Hollow scenes with changing leaves, steaming coffee cups, and witty banter. As autumn approaches, expectant parents might find inspiration in the show's memorable characters for their fall babies. From the strong-willed Lorelai to the bookish Rory, from the charming Luke to the eccentric Kirk, these names carry the warmth and character of the beloved series. Even secondary characters offer unique options like Lane, Paris, Sookie, or Logan. Whether you're Team Jess or Team Dean, these Gilmore-inspired names blend timeless appeal with a touch of autumnal magic.

Fall is here, which means the entire internet is starting its annual Gilmore Girls rewatch right about now. There's just something about the sepia-toned opening credits, the "la-la-las," and the red-and-orange Stars Hollow foliage that sets the perfect mood to cuddle up on the couch with some junk food and a massive cup of coffee. As temperatures drop and leaves change, many parents-to-be find inspiration in this cozy autumnal aesthetic for their little ones arriving during this magical season.

Naturally, it's also the perfect time to learn more about favorite characters' names – and to see how this iconic slice of early aughts life has impacted baby names. From the strong-willed Lorelai and intellectual Rory to the charming Luke and eccentric Kirk, Stars Hollow offers a treasure trove of unique names with character. Even supporting characters like Lane, Paris, and Dean provide timeless options that perfectly capture the warm, nostalgic essence of fall.

Lorelai

The Independent Matriarch

Irreplaceable, irresistible, and irrepressible, Lorelai Gilmore is the witty and vibrant protagonist who stands as the heart of Stars Hollow. Named after her grandmother, Lorelai Gilmore the First, this character embodies independence and charm in equal measure.

The family dynamics surrounding her name are fascinating—Richard adores his mother, but Emily and the elder Lorelai share a mutual dislike. Somehow, despite this tension, Richard convinced Emily to pass down this significant Gilmore name to their daughter, creating a legacy that would later be continued with Rory's middle name.

The name Lorelai has roots in Germanic legend, where the Lorelei refers to a treacherous rock formation along the Rhine River. According to folklore, a siren named Lorelei once lived there, enchanting sailors with her mesmerizing songs and luring them to their doom—a fitting metaphor for the character's captivating personality.

Linguistically, the name's meaning remains somewhat mysterious. Some scholars suggest it derives from German words meaning "murmuring rock," referencing how water sounds as it flows against the famous cliff. This musical quality perfectly matches the character's melodious rapid-fire dialogue and charismatic presence.

While the spelling Lorelei has appeared in American name rankings since 1938, the Gilmore-specific spelling with an 'a'—Lorelai—didn't gain popularity until 2006, coinciding with the show's final season. This demonstrates the cultural impact of the beloved series.

Today, the name continues its ascent in popularity, currently ranking at No. 379 among Momcozy parents, making it an increasingly appealing choice for fall babies who might inherit some of the character's signature spunk, intelligence, and coffee addiction.

Rory

The Bookish Prodigy

Rory's full name is Lorelai, named after her mother in a moment of feminist inspiration—or perhaps Demerol-induced creativity, depending on who's telling the story. As Rory herself explains in the pilot: "She was lying in the hospital thinking about how men name boys after themselves all the time, so why couldn't women? She says her feminism just kind of took over. Though personally I think a lot of Demerol also went into that decision."

The origin story of her nickname adds charm to the mother-daughter bond that forms the heart of Gilmore Girls. Though she shares her mother's given name, Rory carves her own identity as the studious, book-loving counterpart to Lorelai's free spirit.

Interestingly, Rory stands as a legitimate name in its own right, originating as the anglicized version of a Scottish name meaning "red king." Traditionally considered masculine, the name carries a strong yet versatile quality perfect for autumn babies.

The character's cultural impact is undeniable—since Gilmore Girls premiered in 2000, Rory has steadily climbed the popularity charts for baby girls. The name entered the top 1,000 girls' names in 2001 and has continued its ascent for two decades.

Currently ranked at No. 256 for girls and No. 294 for boys, Rory offers parents a literary-inspired choice with cross-gender appeal and the warm, cozy feelings of Stars Hollow in fall—perfect for babies born amid pumpkin spice and falling leaves.

Sookie

The Culinary Creative

Sookie St. James, Lorelai's best friend and business partner, captured our hearts with her enthusiasm and culinary genius. As the talented chef at the Independence Inn and later at the Dragonfly Inn, her quirky personality and passion for food made her one of Stars Hollow's most beloved characters.

The name Sookie is a nickname for Susan or Susanna, both deriving from Hebrew origins meaning "lily" or "rose." While popular in the 18th century, it's now exceptionally rare—never ranking in the U.S. top 1,000 girl names and only occasionally chosen by modern parents, last appearing at No. 7,143 in Momcozy's 2023 rankings. Perfect for parents seeking a rare, whimsical name with a touch of autumn warmth and creative spirit.

Lane

The Rebellious Musician

Like many Americans from immigrant families, Lane Kim – Rory's childhood best friend – navigates between two cultural identities, possessing both an American name and a Korean name. Though never officially confirmed by showrunners, Lane's Korean name appears to be Hyun-Kyung, as revealed when her grandmother visits from Korea. The name carries beautiful meanings: Hyun translates to "virtuous," "dazzling," or "worthy," while Kyung means "respect."

Her American name, Lane, breaks gender conventions as it's traditionally used for boys. In fact, it has never ranked within the top 1,000 girl names in popularity charts. Currently, it ranks No. 3,988 for girls while sitting much higher at No. 264 for boys on Momcozy rankings, making it a wonderfully unique choice for baby girls.

With English origins, Lane was originally a surname given to people who lived near or along a lane, giving it a quaint, pastoral connection. This earthy origin makes it particularly fitting for autumn babies, evoking images of tree-lined country paths covered in fallen leaves.

In the show, Lane's character embodied rebellion against strict parental expectations, secretly pursuing her passion for music and eventually becoming a drummer in a rock band. Choosing this name for your fall baby might inspire a similar independent spirit and artistic soul – someone who forges their own path while honoring their roots.

Paris

The Fierce Overachiever

There's no in-show explanation for how Paris Geller, Rory's best frenemy, got her name, but fans have developed interesting theories. Some suggest she's named Paris as a literary parallel, serving as Rory's foil just as Paris is Romeo's foil in Romeo and Juliet. Her full name, Paris Eustace Geller, even shares middle and last names with Ross Eustace Geller from Friends, potentially another pop culture nod.

The name Paris likely derives from the beautiful French capital, which itself was named after a Gaulish tribe that once inhabited the area. As a baby name, Paris has maintained steady popularity since the 1980s, peaking in 2004 at No. 157—right during Gilmore Girls' original run. With its sophisticated European flair and connection to the brilliant, ambitious character from Stars Hollow, Paris makes a perfect fall name for parents seeking something strong and distinctive. Currently ranking at No. 476 among Momcozy parents, it remains a stylish yet uncommon choice.

Luke

The Steadfast Provider

What could be better on a crisp fall morning than a steaming cup of coffee served by Stars Hollow's most reliable diner owner? Luke Danes, the beloved grumpy proprietor of Luke's Diner, embodies dependability with his flannel shirts and unwavering support for the Gilmore girls. His name carries a beautifully ironic meaning: "man of light" – fitting for someone who brightens the town's mornings with caffeine despite his gruff exterior.

While the town's officious mayor Taylor Doose often refers to him as Lucas during their countless disputes, fans debate whether this is his actual name or just Taylor's way of needling him. Regardless, both Luke and Lucas share noble origins, derived from the Greek name referring to a "man from Lucania," a historical region in southern Italy. The name's connection to an ancient word for "light" gives it the poetic interpretation of "light-giving" – something Luke certainly does for Lorelai and Rory.

The name's steady reliability mirrors the character's role as the town's steadfast provider – whether it's endless coffee refills, emergency home repairs, or reluctant participation in Stars Hollow's quirky festivals. Luke represents dependability in a chaotic world, making his name a perfect choice for parents wanting strength and constancy in their child's name.

Luke has maintained impressive popularity since the show's original run, ranking consistently in the top 100 names since the early 1990s. Currently sitting at No. 40, it offers the perfect balance of recognizability without being overly common – just like the character himself, who stands out in Stars Hollow's colorful community. For fall babies born when leaves turn golden and coffee tastes best, Luke provides a warm, comforting name with a touch of Gilmore Girls nostalgia.

Dean

The Reliable First Love

Dean Forester may not be everyone's favorite boyfriend in the Gilmore Girls series, but his place as Rory's tall, dependable, and hunky first love remains an iconic part of the show. His steady presence and unwavering devotion made him a memorable character in Stars Hollow.

The name Dean has rich historical roots as an English surname with dual meanings. It derives from the Middle English word dene, meaning "valley," originally used to describe people who lived in valleys. It was also an occupational surname for someone who worked as a dean or supervisor within a church, carrying connotations of leadership and responsibility.

As a first name, Dean enjoyed its peak popularity in the United States during the 1950s and '60s when it ranked within the top 100 boy names. Though its popularity has somewhat declined since then, currently sitting at No. 167 among Momcozy parents, it remains a timeless choice with its short, strong sound and classic appeal—perfect for autumn babies who might grow up with the same reliability as Stars Hollow's favorite tall boy.

Jess

The Brooding Intellectual

Troubled teen Jess Mariano rocked Stars Hollow – and Rory and Dean's relationship – when his uncle Luke took him in. With his love for literature and rebellious nature, Jess became one of the show's most complex and beloved characters.

As a boy name, Jess is a shortened form of Jesse, a Hebrew name that means "gift." (Fitting, because Jess gave us this gift of a line in a show full of incredible quotes: "No Yale – why did you drop out of Yale?") His character brought intellectual depth and challenging perspectives to the otherwise quaint town.

The name Jess was most popular in the very early 1900s, when it peaked at No. 164 in 1900. It declined throughout the century and dropped out of the top 1,000 boy names in 1997. Interestingly, the name spiked more than 800 spots in 2002, the year after Jess' first appearance on Gilmore Girls – but it remains relatively rare, currently ranking No. 3,164 for boys. Perfect for parents looking for a short, strong name with literary connections and a touch of rebellious charm.

Logan

The Charming Heir

The third and final of Rory's boyfriend trifecta, trust-fund baby Logan Huntzberger introduces her to a different side of her grandparents' upper-class world – joining secret societies, stealing yachts, and living life on the edge. Despite his privileged background, Logan's charm and wit make him an unforgettable character in the Gilmore universe.

Logan was originally a Scottish surname used by people who lived near a place called Logan in Ayrshire. It's thought to come from Gaelic and mean "little hollow." This strong yet approachable name carries both sophistication and warmth – fitting qualities for autumn babies born when the world turns golden and cozy.

The name was most popular in 2017, when it ranked No. 10 – the year after Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life came out on Netflix. It's been in the top 100 boy names since 1991, and currently ranks No. 49 among Momcozy parents. Perfect for fans who appreciate Logan's complex character arc and undeniable chemistry with Rory, this name continues to charm parents looking for something that's both classic and contemporary.

Kirk

The Quirky Townsman

Of all the eccentric personalities populating Stars Hollow, Kirk Gleason might be the most memorable – how could anyone forget his artistic masterpiece, A Film by Kirk? His peculiar charm and unwavering dedication to whatever temporary career he's pursuing make him an endearing character that stands out in the Gilmore universe.

From DSL installer to swan deliverer to temporary diner owner, Kirk's had every job imaginable in Stars Hollow (and then some) – and interestingly, he's even had more than one name. In the show's pilot episode, fans might recall he was actually called Mick, a detail that only the most dedicated viewers remember.

Originally an English and Scottish surname for someone who lived near a church, Kirk is rooted in the Old Norse word kirkja, meaning "church." It's also one of the rarer names in popular culture. It last appeared in the top 1,000 boy names in the U.S. in 2002 – as beloved as he is, even Gilmore Girls' Kirk couldn't keep his name trending in baby name popularity charts. It currently sits well outside the mainstream rankings, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with quirky character and understated charm.

Christopher

The Wandering Father

What is there to say about Christopher Hayden, Rory's mostly absent father? Any time he shows up in the Lorelais' lives, there's bound to be drama – but the girls can't help but love him despite his wandering ways and perpetual inability to fully commit.

Christopher is one of the more enduringly popular names on this list: It's been in the top 100 boy names since the 1940s, and was a top-10 name for more than four decades, peaking at No. 2 in 1972 and '73, and again from '79 to '94. It's been on a gradual decline in recent years, and currently ranks No. 80 on Momcozy's popularity charts.

Rooted in Greek, this classic name means "Christ-bearer" and carries a strong, timeless quality that makes it perfect for autumn babies. Like the character in Gilmore Girls, the name Christopher has an enduring charm that stands the test of time, even when it occasionally disappears from the spotlight.

Emily

The Elegant Matriarch

The Gilmore wit and sharp tongue run through the family's matrilineal line, with the formidable Emily Gilmore setting the standard for clever, biting remarks that clearly influenced both Lorelai and Rory's rapid-fire banter and verbal sparring abilities.

As a name, Emily dominated the early 2000s, maintaining its position in the top 10 girl names throughout Gilmore Girls' entire television run from 2000 to 2007. While it has gradually descended in rankings since then, it remains impressively popular at No. 49 on Momcozy's current charts, showing remarkable staying power across generations.

The name Emily has fascinating origins, stemming from an ancient Roman family name thought to derive from the Latin word 'aemulus,' meaning "rival" or "emulating" - a fitting etymology for the competitive and perfectionist Gilmore family matriarch who demands excellence in all things. This classic name brings timeless elegance while honoring one of Stars Hollow's most formidable yet beloved characters.

Richard

The Distinguished Patriarch

Gilmore patriarch Richard embodies sophistication with his stoic demeanor and refined taste, yet beneath that exterior lies a man not above flipping through teen magazines to discover his seasonal color palette. As revealed at Rory's 16th birthday celebration, he is indeed an autumn—something he seemed quite pleased to learn about himself.

With roots in Old French and Germanic origins, Richard means "strong ruler" or "brave ruler"—a fitting name for the insurance industry titan who commands respect in both business and family circles. Once incredibly popular in America, the name ranked in the top 10 boy names from 1920 until 1970, before beginning a steady decline. Today, it sits at No. 437 among Momcozy parents, making it a distinguished choice that carries traditional gravitas while avoiding overuse—perfect for fall babies who might inherit the elder Gilmore's love of literature, fine scotch, and secretly, those personality quizzes in teen magazines.