This list includes 21 Literary girl names that start with K, from “Kaori” to “Kya”. They come from novels, poems, and myth, often carrying clear literary meanings. Use them for baby names, character naming, or creative inspiration.
Literary girl names that start with K are female names that originate in literature, poetry, or myth. A notable example is “Kaori,” used in contemporary Japanese fiction to evoke delicate, poetic imagery.
Below you’ll find the table with Name, Origin, Pronunciation, and Meaning.
Name: The name entry gives the literary form of the name, so you can quickly spot familiar or intriguing choices.
Origin: Shows the author, work, and language where the name appears, helping you trace cultural and historical context.
Pronunciation: Provides a simple phonetic respelling so you can say the name confidently and check its sound quickly.
Meaning: Summarizes etymology or literary significance, giving you insight into the name’s original sense or symbolic use.
Literary girl names that start with K
| Name | Pronunciation | Origin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Katniss | KAT-niss | Suzanne Collins (American), The Hunger Games (English, 2008) | plant name; arrowhead (Sagittaria) |
| Kestrel | KES-truhl | Marie Rutkoski (American), The Winner’s Curse (English, 2014) | small falcon; bird name |
| Kya | KYE-uh | Delia Owens (American), Where the Crawdads Sing (English, 2018) | likely author-invented; evokes marsh/nature |
| Klara | KLAH-rah | Kazuo Ishiguro (British), Klara and the Sun (English, 2021) | variant of Clara; “clear, bright” |
| Kate | KAYT | William Shakespeare (English), The Taming of the Shrew (English, c.1593) | diminutive of Katherine; “pure” |
| Katherina | KATH-er-EE-nuh | William Shakespeare (English), The Taming of the Shrew (English, c.1593) | form of Katherine; “pure” |
| Kitty | KIT-ee | Jane Austen (English), Pride and Prejudice (English, 1813) | diminutive of Catherine |
| Kit | KIT | Elizabeth George Speare (American), The Witch of Blackbird Pond (English, 1958) | diminutive of Katherine; “pure” |
| Kira | KEE-rah | Ayn Rand (Russian‑American), We the Living (English, 1936) | variant of Kyra; multiple origins |
| Katsa | KAT-suh | Kristin Cashore (American), Graceling (English, 2008) | author-coined; fierce warrior association |
| Kiki | KEE-kee | Kirsten Miller (American), Kiki Strike (English, 2006) | diminutive/nickname; playful |
| Kassandra | KAS-san-drah | Christa Wolf (German), Kassandra (German, 1983) — retelling of classical myth | variant of Cassandra; “prophetess doomed to be disbelieved” |
| Katrina | KAH-tree-nuh | Washington Irving (American), The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (English, 1820) | variant of Katherine; “pure” |
| Keladry | KEH-luh-dree | Tamora Pierce (American), Protector of the Small series (English, 1999) | author-coined; knightly connotation |
| Kaori | KAH-oh-ree | Haruki Murakami (Japanese), Norwegian Wood (Japanese, 1987) | Japanese: “fragrance” |
| Kizzy | KIZ-ee | Alex Haley (American), Roots (English, 1976) | possibly variant of Keziah |
| Keturah | keh-TOO-rah | Bible (Genesis) (Hebrew, c. ancient) | Hebrew: “incense” or “fragrance” |
| Katerina | KAH-ter-EE-nah | Fyodor Dostoevsky (Russian), The Brothers Karamazov (Russian, 1880) | Russian form of Katherine; “pure” |
| Komako | KOH-mah-koh | Jun’ichirō Tanizaki (Japanese), Some Prefer Nettles (Japanese, 1928) | Japanese feminine name; meanings vary by kanji |
| Kinsey | KIN-see | Sue Grafton (American), Alphabet Mystery series (English, 1982–2017) | surname-used-as-first-name; modern |
| Kriemhild | KREEM-hild | Nibelungenlied (Middle High German epic, c.1200) | Germanic, possibly “famous battle” |
Descriptions
Katniss
Modern, nature-forward heroine name from a bestselling dystopia; strong, distinctive, and instantly recognizable.
Kestrel
Lyrical, avian name borne by a clever fantasy heroine; elegant, adventurous, and uncommon.
Kya
Evocative, spare name of a solitary marsh protagonist; short, memorable, and nature-linked.
Klara
Gentle, luminous name of an empathetic android narrator; modern literary feel with vintage roots.
Kate
Classic, versatile nickname used across centuries; smart, familiar, and approachable.
Katherina
Shakespeare’s fiery heroine; strong-willed, theatrical, and rich with literary pedigree.
Kitty
Playful Austen sister name; quaint, friendly, and sweet as a vintage nickname.
Kit
Tomboyish colonial heroine’s short name; crisp, gender-flexible, and energetic.
Kira
Concise, international-sounding heroine name; modern, resilient, and adaptable across cultures.
Katsa
Edgy fantasy name for a powerful protagonist; bold, uncommon, and distinctly YA-fantasy.
Kiki
Spunky, urban-adventurer name; lively, youthful, and full of personality.
Kassandra
Feminist retelling gives this mythic name modern depth; dramatic and intellectually rich.
Katrina
Genteel, early-American heroine (Katrina Van Tassel); historical charm and genteel elegance.
Keladry
Pioneering female knight’s name; strong, medieval-inspired, ideal for bold parents or writers.
Kaori
Delicate, evocative Japanese name associated with a poignant literary figure; melodic and culturally resonant.
Kizzy
Memorable historical-fiction name; vivid, rooted in powerful storytelling and historical resonance.
Keturah
Biblical matriarch name appearing in many literary retellings; dignified, uncommon, and classical.
Katerina
Complex, dramatic Slavic character (Katerina Ivanovna); literary, intense, and timeless.
Komako
Delicate modern-Japanese heroine; literary, culturally specific, and evocative.
Kinsey
Tough, resourceful private investigator Kinsey Millhone; excellent for feminist and detective associations.
Kriemhild
Legendary tragic heroine of medieval epic; dramatic, historic, and richly mythic.