The Names

A once-in-a-generation debut from a major new talent, The Names is the story of three names, three versions of a life, and the infinite possibilities that a single decision can spark.

THE NUMBER ONE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
WINNER OF THE BRITISH BOOK AWARDS DEBUT NOVEL OF THE YEAR 2026

'I've just been blown away by the best debut novel in years . . . A genius idea for a book'
Sunday Times

'Wildly original and emotionally profound'
Observer

'An unadulterated success: moving, evocative and utterly convincing'
The Times

OVER A MILLION COPIES SOLD WORLDWIDE

It is 1987, and in the wake of a great storm, Cora sets out with her young daughter to register the birth of her son. Her husband expects her to follow tradition and call the baby after him – but is it right for her child to inherit his name from generations of domineering men? Her choice will shape the course of their lives.

Seven years later, her son is Bear, a name chosen by his sister, hoping he will grow up to be brave and big-hearted. Or he is Julian, the name his mother set her heart on, keen for him to become his own person. Or he is Gordon, named after his father and raised in his cruel image – but is there still a chance to break the mould?

Powerfully moving and full of hope, this is the story of three names, three versions of a life, and the infinite possibilities that a single decision can spark.

A BOOK OF THE YEAR IN THE SUNDAY TIMES, GUARDIAN, INDEPENDENT, IRISH MAIL ON SUNDAY, COSMOPOLITAN AND MANY MORE A READ WITH JENNA AND HAPPY PLACE BOOKCLUB PICK

'The viral literary hit'
Grazia

'A beautiful, heartwrenching, utterly original novel'
Miranda Cowley Heller

'One of those rare books that makes you glad to be alive'
Stylist

'Magnificent . . . Read it. It's very special'
Chris Whitaker

'Beautifully written, and wise and tender . . . An utter original'
Jojo Moyes

'Exceptional . . . will stay with me for a very long time'
Anita Rani, Woman's Hour

'Heart-shattering . . . a sucker punch of a novel'
Pandora Sykes

'A modern classic'
Jenna Bush Hager

'Heartbreaking and yet brimful of hope . . . Exceptional'
Mail on Sunday

'Brilliant . . . one of those books that will make you irritable with anyone who interrupts you, but which you'll finish wanting to press into the hands of a friend'
The Times

'Astonishing, unique and incredibly moving, The Names is a beautiful novel about the courage of a mother in the moment she names her child . . . I know it will stay with me for a long time'
Jeanine Cummins