Baby girl names inspired by "The Queen's Gambit"

Much like chess, searching for the perfect baby name requires strategy, patience, and foresight. If you are one of the millions of viewers captivated by Netflix's stunning hit series The Queen's Gambit, and you happen to be expecting a baby girl, you'll be delighted to discover the rich history of brilliant female chess players whose names could provide beautiful inspiration. While fictional prodigy Beth Harmon may have captured our hearts, real-world chess queens like Judit Polgar, Alexandra Kosteniuk, and Vera Menchik have been making remarkable moves across the board for generations. These pioneering women possess not only extraordinary analytical minds but also carry names with depth, elegance, and originality. From classic choices like Elizabeth (Beth's full name) to more distinctive options like Nona (after Georgian grandmaster Nona Gaprindashvili), chess history offers a treasure trove of meaningful name inspirations. Whether you're an avid chess enthusiast or simply fell in love with the compelling story of a young woman's brilliant strategic mind, this collection of names might inspire you to make your most important opening move yet—naming your daughter.

Here are 12 potential baby girl names inspired by 'The Queen's Gambit' and drawn from the impressive legacy of female chess champions throughout history, as well as select characters and actors from the show. These names carry special significance as they represent trailblazing women who excelled in traditionally male-dominated fields. Choosing one of these names for your daughter could bestow her with the spirit of determination, intelligence, and strategic thinking exemplified by these remarkable women. From legendary grandmasters like Judit and Alexandra to the fictional yet inspiring Beth Harmon, these names combine elegance with strength of character and historical significance.

Beth

In "The Queen's Gambit," Beth Harmon is the prodigious chess player and central character played by Anya Taylor-Joy. Beth is traditionally a nickname for Elizabeth, derived from Hebrew origins meaning "house of God" or "oath of God." The character's full name is Elizabeth, though she goes by Beth throughout the series, embodying determination, brilliance, and resilience. The name conveys a perfect balance of classic elegance and modern strength, making it an excellent choice for parents inspired by the show's compelling protagonist. Beth can stand beautifully on its own rather than as a diminutive, offering a short, sweet, yet substantial name for a daughter. The name currently enjoys moderate popularity, appealing to parents who appreciate names with both historical depth and contemporary appeal.

Alma

Alma is a significant character in The Queen's Gambit, being the surname of Beth's adoptive mother, Alma Wheatley, who becomes an unexpected source of support in Beth's chess journey. The name Alma has Latin origins meaning "nourishing" or "soul," which aptly reflects the nurturing relationship that develops between the characters. In Spanish, Alma directly translates to "soul," adding another layer of depth to this meaningful name. With its vintage charm and profound significance, Alma has been experiencing a renaissance in popularity among parents seeking a name with both substance and style. The name currently ranks in the top 500 baby names in the United States, showing its timeless appeal despite its classic roots.

Cleo

Derived from the Greek name Kleopatra, Cleo means "glory" or "pride." This strong and feminine name evokes the confidence and strategic thinking showcased throughout "The Queen's Gambit." While the show's protagonist Beth Harmon demonstrates remarkable chess prowess, the name Cleo similarly carries an air of distinction and elegance. With its short, powerful sound and classical roots, Cleo offers a modern alternative to longer names while maintaining historical significance. Currently ranking outside the top 500 names in popularity, Cleo provides a distinctive choice that balances uniqueness with recognizability.

Harmon

The surname Harmon derives from the Old French 'harmon' and Germanic 'harm,' meaning soldier or warrior. As the last name of Beth in 'The Queen's Gambit,' Harmon represents strength and resilience in the chess world. While traditionally used as a surname, Harmon has gained appeal as a distinctive first name option for baby girls, conveying qualities of determination and strategic thinking. The name carries a modern feel while maintaining a connection to classical roots, much like the series itself blends vintage aesthetics with timeless themes of perseverance and triumph.

Elizabeth

A timeless and regal name meaning "pledged to God" or "God is my oath," Elizabeth has been carried by queens and notable women throughout history. In "The Queen's Gambit," the protagonist's full name is Elizabeth Harmon, though she's commonly called Beth. The name has Hebrew origins and has remained consistently popular across generations. Elizabeth Vicary is a well-known chess teacher and advocate for women in chess. The name Elizabeth continues to be a popular choice, consistently ranking in the top 25 baby names in many countries.

Margaret

The classic name Margaret has royal and literary significance, derived from Greek meaning "pearl." In "The Queen's Gambit," it appears as the full name of the protagonist's mother, who was a mathematician with a brilliant mind. Throughout history, many notable Margarets have made their mark in various fields, including chess - such as Margaret Zatonskih, a four-time U.S. Women's Chess Champion. The name has remained timelessly elegant, offering versatile nickname options like Maggie, Meg, and Greta. Currently ranked within the top 200 baby names, Margaret offers both tradition and strength for a modern girl.

Borgov

A compelling surname with Russian heritage, Borgov makes for a unique and powerful first name option. In 'The Queen's Gambit,' Vasily Borgov represents the formidable Russian world champion who serves as Beth's ultimate chess opponent. The name carries connotations of strength, intellect, and strategic mastery. While unconventional for a baby girl, Borgov offers a bold choice that stands out while connecting to the show's chess legacy. Similar names with Russian origins include Vasilisa and Bogdana, both carrying their own distinguished meanings.

Beltik

Beltik is a unique name that gained attention through the character Harry Beltik in the popular miniseries. As a given name, Beltik carries a strong, distinctive quality that sets a child apart. While uncommon as a first name, its association with a determined chess player who became one of Beth Harmon's competitors and later her supporter makes it appealing for parents seeking something truly distinctive. The name has Slavic undertones, fitting with the Cold War chess themes of the show. Parents drawn to Beltik might appreciate its connotations of intelligence, strategy, and quiet determination.

Shaibel

Shaibel is a distinctive name inspired by the character Mr. Shaibel from the acclaimed series "The Queen's Gambit." As the janitor who introduces young Beth to chess, Mr. Shaibel serves as her first mentor and chess teacher, playing a pivotal role in her journey to becoming a chess prodigy. Though uncommon as a first name, Shaibel offers a meaningful connection to themes of mentorship, patience, and hidden genius. Parents drawn to unique names with literary connections might find Shaibel an intriguing choice for a baby girl, honoring the character who recognized and nurtured raw talent. While not currently ranked in popularity charts, unique names with significant character associations have been trending upward in recent years.

Vasily

The name Vasily is of Slavic and Russian origin, meaning "royal" or "kingly." In "The Queen's Gambit," Vasily Borgov is the formidable Russian Grandmaster and world champion whom Beth Harmon ultimately faces in a climactic match. His character represents the pinnacle of chess excellence and the Cold War-era Soviet chess dominance. With his calm demeanor and strategic brilliance, Borgov embodies the disciplined approach to chess that contrasts with Beth's more intuitive style. The name Vasily carries an air of strength, intelligence, and classic dignity, making it a distinguished choice for parents inspired by the character's commanding presence in the series.

Townes

In "The Queen's Gambit," Townes is one of Beth Harmon's chess competitors who later becomes a journalist and an important figure in her life. The character, portrayed by Jacob Fortune-Lloyd, represents both intellectual challenge and emotional connection in Beth's journey. As a baby name, Townes carries a sophisticated, literary quality with its connection to legendary singer-songwriter Townes Van Zandt. The name has a gentle strength and uniqueness that makes it perfect for parents seeking something distinctive yet approachable. Though traditionally more common as a surname, Townes has begun gaining traction as a first name with its refined, scholarly associations. Current rank for this name: #1206.

Judit

Judit means "praised Jew or Jewish woman" in Hebrew. The anglicized version is Judith. This distinguished name appears in the Old Testament, where Judith uses her beauty and charm strategically. The name gained chess relevance through Judit Polgár, widely considered the greatest female chess player of all time. Her remarkable career includes victories over 11 former or current world champions, breaking gender barriers in competitive chess. After retiring from active play, Polgár continued her chess legacy as coach of the Hungarian National Men's Chess Team. For parents inspired by both biblical strength and chess brilliance, Judit represents intelligence, strategy, and determination. This distinctive name remains relatively uncommon, ranked #14,907 in popularity.