James Bond at 50: the best Bond Girl names

Evergreen Bond girls Britt Ekland, Eunice Gayson and Tania Mallet were out in force last week to mark the 50th anniversary of 'Dr. No' (and help plug a new Blu-ray box set).

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The presence of press, paps and the 'This Morning' crew shows the enduring allure of the Bond girl… and why not? They were sexy, strong, independent women (for the most part) and best of all, had incredible names. Some were surprisingly clever, others were basically sex puns. A few of our favourites include…

Dr Holly Goodhead - 'Moonraker'

Played by: Lois Chiles

The world's most glamourous CIA agent/astronaut had a smutty name, possibly because she was the only woman to bed Bond in space. This intergalactic encounter prompted Q's immortal one-liner: "I think he's attempting re-entry!"

Plenty O'Toole - 'Diamonds are forever'

Played by: Lana Wood

A classic here for Lana Wood's casino hustler. Accidently killed when goons mistake her for another silly-named Bond Babe, the aptly named…

Tiffany Case - 'Diamonds are Forever'

Played by: Jill St. John

Yes, she's a diamond smuggler and got her name because she was born in Tiffany & Co. while her parents were looking for wedding rings. "Lucky for you it wasn't Van Cleef and Arpels…" quips Bond.

Kissy Suzuki - 'You only Live Twice'

Played by: Mie Hama

Her silly name bellies a tragic back story in the book - she ends up abandoned by Bond after having his child, then eventually dies of cancer. She enjoys a more conventional happy ending in the Sean Connery film, which features a bonkers wedding sequence with Bond disguised as a Japanese fisherman.

Xenia Onatopp - 'Goldeneye'

Played by: Famke Janssen

The Brosnan era marked the high (low?) point for slightly-too-obvious pun names. Here's exhibit a): Janssen's ex-USSR pilot-turned henchman whose time consuming way of bumping off enemies is luring them into bed, before crushing them to death with her thighs.

Miranda Frost - 'Die Another Day'

Played by: Rosamund Pike

Another example from the Brosnan years. She's got a cold personality and sleeps with Bond in an Ice Palace, hence… Frost. We get it.

Dr. Christmas Jones - 'The World Is Not Enough'

Played by: Denise Richards

Poor Denise was voted the 'Worst Bond Girl Ever' in a 2008 poll for her less-than-convincing turn as a nuclear physicist. The name was invented, seemingly, so Bond could quip: "I thought Christmas only comes once a year."

Octopussy - 'Octopussy'

Played by: Maud Adams

This Bond girl moniker was so good, they named the film after her! It actually comes from Fleming's last Bond book 'Octopussy and the Living Daylights', which has little to do with Maud Adams' character.

Honey Ryder - 'Dr. No'

Played by: Ursula Andress

In the books it was 'Honeychile Rider'. Apparently the name was changed because 'Rider' was a bit too suggestive.

Pam Bouvier - 'Licence to Kill'

Played by: Carey Lowell

Ass-kicking Pam got her surname from Jackie Kennedy/Onassis, whose maiden name was also Bouvier. At one point, Dalton's Bond introduces her as his 'executive secretary… Miss Kennedy'.

Strawberry Fields - 'Quantum of Solace'

Played by: Gemma Arterton

We're not sure what the Beatles reference is all about here, but 'strawberry' references the red hair. You only find out her first name in the end credits.

Pussy Galore - 'Goldfinger'

Played by: Honor Blackman

The most famous Bond Girl name, and also the rudest - apparently US censors almost cut it from 'Goldfinger'. Spawned dozens of imitators, including Austin Powers' 'Alotta Fagina'.

Which is your favourite? And what have we missed out? Let us know below…