“What’s in a Name?”: Giving Your Starter the Name She Deserves

There comes a moment in every sourdough baker’s life when you realize… this isn’t just flour and water anymore. No, no. This is your bubbly, tangy, ever-hungry companion who’s been with you through early-morning feedings, late-night bakes, and the occasional kitchen meltdown (yours, not hers).

And at some point, she needs a name. Not just any name — one with soul. One with a backstory that sounds like it could either be a 19th-century spinster or a retired librarian from Vermont… or both.

So, if you’ve been letting your starter go nameless like some forgotten Victorian orphan, I’m here to stage an intervention with humor, heart, and a list of name ideas to spark your imagination.

Why Name Your Starter?

Because it’s fun. Because you’re probably talking to her anyway. And because this tiny jar of wild yeast is now officially part of the family (right next to the dog, the toddler, and that pile of laundry you keep promising to fold).

Naming her makes the whole sourdough journey feel a little more personal, and let’s be honest, it adds a bit of charm to those “she’s alive!” starter updates you’ll inevitably post on Instagram.

Starter Name Inspiration

Need help naming your microbial muse? Let’s do it…

The Literary Ladies

Ideal for the brooding heroines of the sourdough world.

• Hester

• Beatrix

• Willa

• Scout

• Charlotte

The Spunky Grandmas

You know she’s got sass and strong opinions on margarine.

• Ethel

• Mavis

• Doris

• Bernice

• Gladys

The Kitchen Queens

Names fit for a baking legend or Food Network matriarch.

• Julia

• Ina

• Martha

• Mary Betty (yes, both names)

• Betty (Crocker, obviously)

The Rustic Romantics

For the starters that ferment under twinkle lights.

• Clover

• Fern

• Juniper

• Maple

• Hazel

The Just-For-Fun Ones

Because sometimes, your starter’s just a little unhinged (much like this blog post).

• Crumbelina

• Yeast Witherspoon

• Jane Dough

• Dough-reen

• Miss Bubbles

What Did I Name Mine?

Thanks for asking! My own starter’s named Maude. She’s vintage and sturdy, like cast-iron — reliable in a way that calms you, even when the rest of the kitchen is chaos. She bubbles on quietly in the corner like she’s seen it all before (and probably has). She’s timeless, no nonsense, and a little magical — like a gramma who never measures but always gets it right.

It’s Me, Hi, I’m the Starter, It’s Me

If you’re just entering your sourdough era, don’t worry. Naming her is just the first step in a beautiful, flour-dusted relationship.