With the long-awaited arrival of Practical Magic 2 hitting the big screen just ahead of the spooky season, pop culture enthusiasts and expectant parents alike are casting their gazes backward toward Alice Hoffman’s beloved literary universe. While trend-driven pop culture baby names do not always stand the test of time—as anyone watching the rise and fall of names like Daenerys can attest—opting for selections rooted in enduring cult classics offers a safer path for parents seeking both uniqueness and historical depth. Hoffman’s sprawling saga about the love-cursed Owens women spans four distinct books, offering a rich trove of nomenclature that feels simultaneously fresh and rooted in tradition. Rather than leaning into overly stereotyped or flashy modern monikers, the names found within the Practical Magic universe lean heavily into a classic, "granny-chic" aesthetic that is proving irresistible to a new generation of parents.
The origins of this cultural phenomenon stretch back to Alice Hoffman’s bestselling 1995 novel and the subsequent iconic film adaptation starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman. With the cinematic universe expanding via the sequel, interest in the intricate lineage of the Owens family has surged, prompting a closer look at the thirteen standout names that anchor the narrative across generations. These names capture the essence of the resilient, eccentric, and fiercely independent women who populate the coven, providing a diverse palette for modern families looking to bestow a touch of literary magic upon their newborns.
Sally
Sandra Bullock’s portrayal of Sally Owens introduced audiences to a character who is fiercely protective and somewhat magic-averse until circumstances force her to embrace her heritage. The name itself, originally a diminutive for Sarah, carries the regal meaning of "princess," making it a fitting choice for a little girl. From a statistical standpoint, Sally is currently experiencing a quiet resurgence, slowly climbing back up the Social Security Administration’s list of popular baby names. This positioning allows parents to adopt a familiar yet underutilized classic before the spell of uniqueness is broken by widespread mainstream overuse.
Gillian
As Sally’s free-spirited, impulsive, and beautiful younger sister, Gillian brings an undeniable spark to the narrative. While her character in the original story famously suffers from a streak of unfortunate taste in men, her name remains an undeniably vibrant choice. Spelling variations like Gillian or Jillian carry the definition of "youthful," offering an energetic and approachable option for a newborn. Much like her sister’s namesake, Gillian hits the sweet spot of being widely recognized while remaining delightfully uncommon in contemporary nurseries.
Bridget
Representing the older generation of the family, Bridget is the proper name of the beloved Aunt Jet, and she serves as one of the primary protagonists in The Rules of Magic, the second book published in the chronological sequence of the series. Sharing a moniker with other literary favorites like Bridget Jones, this traditional Irish name conjures up images of pluckiness, resilience, and inner strength, carrying a direct translation that means "power."
Jet
For parents willing to lean into a more unconventional route, Aunt Bridget’s enduring nickname stands out as a bold and memorable choice for a baby girl. As brought to life by screen legend Dianne Wiest, Aunt Jet embodies immense power in both love and magic. By extension, the name draws a striking connection to the dynamic imagery of a jet, pairing a sleek, modern sound with deep roots in the literary coven’s rich history.
Frances
Frances, frequently accompanied by the nostalgic nickname Franny, exemplifies the "granny-chic" trend where vintage names feel entirely modern once again. Currently sitting comfortably within the Social Security Administration’s registry rankings, the name’s stock may continue to rise following Stockard Channing’s return to the role in the cinematic continuation. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the name is forever linked to wise and eccentric Aunt Frances, whose memorable observations about nonconformity continue to resonate with readers and viewers alike.
Antonia
Practical, dutiful, and studious, Sally’s oldest daughter Antonia grows up to pursue a career in medicine, though her character’s journey in the sequel adds fresh layers to her legacy. As a given name, Antonia possesses a flowy, delicate, and ethereal quality that sets it apart from more common modern trends. Sitting outside the top one thousand names on official registries, it represents a vintage choice that is exceptionally well-positioned for a contemporary comeback among parents seeking distinction.
Kylie
In the broader scope of the Practical Magic series, Kylie Owens is introduced as Sally’s youngest daughter—though her birth order shifts in the sequel—sharing her Aunt Gillian’s fiery red hair and rebellious disposition. While the name achieved widespread modern fame through other pop culture figures, its roots in the Owens family tree give it a literary pedigree. It remains a popular selection on national naming charts, appealing to those who appreciate a spirited, contemporary sound.
Maria
As the original witch and foundational matriarch of the Owens family, Maria’s mysterious arrival in America around 1680—coinciding directly with the era of the Salem witch trials—establishes the legendary curse that binds the lineage. Her legacy of powerful magical gifts and complex romantic tragedies forms the bedrock of the entire saga. As a given name, Maria boasts enduring global popularity and carries multiple cherished meanings, prominently including "beloved."
Faith
Faith Owens appears in Magic Lessons, the chronologically first book in the series, serving as Maria’s headstrong daughter who ultimately embraces blood magic after being separated from her mother. While the name has enjoyed steady popularity across generations for its virtue-based meaning, its connection to the foundational era of the Owens family adds an intriguing layer of historical depth for those drawn to historical witchcraft lore.
Hannah
Also featured in Magic Lessons, Hannah Owens plays a crucial role by discovering baby Maria, raising her as her own, and imparting the foundational knowledge of the "nameless arts," including the creation of the leather-bound Grimoire. Translating to "grace" or "favor," Hannah offers a gentle, timeless alternative that connects deeply with the nurturing and protective figures within the broader family history.
Regina
Regina is introduced in the original story as the deceased mother of Sally and Gillian, representing a tragic chapter in the family’s romantic history. Despite the sorrow surrounding her narrative, the name itself projects regal elegance, carrying meanings associated with queens and nobility. It remains a striking and distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with weight and historical resonance.
Susanna
As the mother of the formidable Aunts Frances and Jet, Susanna takes center stage in the prequel novel The Rules of Magic. Notably absent from the upper tiers of contemporary naming registries, Susanna offers an ideal solution for families searching for a name that bridges the gap between classic tradition and rare distinction.
April
Rounding out the lineage, April Owens is Regina’s mother and the grandmother to Sally and Gillian, appearing prominently in The Rules of Magic. Deriving from Latin roots with a meaning centered on opening or blossoming, the name captures a popular yet measured appeal, maintaining a steady presence on national registry lists without feeling overly common.