5 Baby Names Inspired by Broadway's Hamilton

We've known for quite a while that Lin-Manuel Miranda's Hamilton is taking over the worlds of theater and music. But according to BabyCenter.com, the show's influence has permeated popular culture even more profoundly than anyone anticipated. The hip-hop musical — based on the life of America's first Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton — has also made a notable impact on the new parents of 2016 (and their "freshly minted" children). In fact, BabyCenter's data suggests that the use of the name Hamilton has gone up nearly 60 percent since the same time last year, with other names from the show increasing in popularity as well.

So if you or someone you know has a Hamil-bun in the oven who's destined for a name inspired by Broadway's most popular offering, you're in good company. And, says BabyCenter Global Editor in Chief Linda Murray, you'll be making a choice that you can continue to celebrate for years: "Your child's name will always remind you of the wonderful experience you had when you saw the show," she suggests. "There may even be a song featuring the name that you can [listen] to as a family."
One of the most important factors in picking a name from a musical, she advises, is making sure you have a good understanding of the character: "You'll likely have to explain your choice over the years, so be ready with your reasons for choosing the name."

So what's your name, man? If you want a little help making your final selection, here are five of the top name options from Hamilton, with Murray's take on why they'd make great choices for your little hip-hopping bundle of joy.

1. Hamilton

"Alexander is an obvious choice, but if you're looking for something more unique and modern, go with Hamilton. He's a flawed hero, but he's energetic, self-educated, a gifted writer and speaker, and a disruptor who invents the U.S. financial system, starts the NY Post, etc."

2. Eliza

"Eliza, the loving, forgiving wife and mother, sees the best side of her husband despite his abrasive personality, boundless ambition, and infidelity. She's the true strength in the household, taking up his causes after he dies, living another fifty years, founding the first orphanage in New York, and raising funds for the Washington monument."

3. George

"George Washington is a compassionate, thoughtful hero and Hamilton's father figure – stern but fair, honorable, visionary, a leader with heart who shows Hamilton that it's possible to be powerful with grace."

4. Angelica

"A mover and shaker, Angelica was a feminist before that was even a concept. She's read Thomas Paine, she's strong and pragmatic, and she doesn't hide her intelligence or kowtow to men."

5. Lafayette

"Lafayette is a high-energy, take-charge guy. He's 'the Lancelot of the revolutionary set,' as he describes himself, and we wouldn't be America without him. It also works as a gender-neutral name, which is another trend we've seen a lot lately."