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Help[Opinions] Etymology Post- your opinion on name meanings
Some of you may have noticed I made some etymology polls the other day on what meanings appeal or mean the most to you so I wanted to make a post about it too for more in depth responses. As for myself: I consider etymology a garnish, a fun extra bonus occasionally but it isn't the whole meal. Mostly I appreciate the sounds, feelings and associations I have with a name more than a root meaning. Why? 3 fold. Because sometimes names have no meanings to be found and just are. Sometimes meanings have been altered with time and translations or misinterpreted, or simply incorrect altogether. Third, most people just don't KNOW a names meaning going about their day to day lives so it has less significance to everyday people unless it is more obvious like a word name. (I forgot 4: some meanings are nonsensically, moot, boring etc.) In short, I can take it or leave it with a few exceptions such as unfortunate, unattractive or harmful meanings or implications. What about you?
1.) What is your opinion on name etymology and where do you stand on the issue and meaning significance?
2.) As far as etymologies ARE concerned: what meanings do you find the most attractive or appealing? Were there any major ones I missed in the polls that you feel are note-worthy? What categories or themes do you like in a name?
Meanings I like the most: clarity, truth, brightness, heart, Joy, happiness, strength, bravery, love, beloved, gift
Please rate my "Names I would Use" list & "Backup Favorites" list. Feel free to rate some of my other lists too if you have the time.
https://www.behindthename.com/pnl/223226/138473
1.) What is your opinion on name etymology and where do you stand on the issue and meaning significance?
2.) As far as etymologies ARE concerned: what meanings do you find the most attractive or appealing? Were there any major ones I missed in the polls that you feel are note-worthy? What categories or themes do you like in a name?
Meanings I like the most: clarity, truth, brightness, heart, Joy, happiness, strength, bravery, love, beloved, gift
Please rate my "Names I would Use" list & "Backup Favorites" list. Feel free to rate some of my other lists too if you have the time.
https://www.behindthename.com/pnl/223226/138473
This message was edited 7/19/2022, 12:00 PM
Archived Thread - replies disabled
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Replies
1.) What is your opinion on name etymology and where do you stand on the issue and meaning significance?
I don't mind names with unappealing etymologies - for example, I'm very fond of Cecilia ("blind") and Julia ("downy-beared", if thats the etymology you subscribe to). I mind associations more - I don't think Danica would appeal to me because I find the sound unattractive anyway, despite its great meaning ("morning star"), but the fact it was a concentration camp in Croatia matters much more to me.
2.) As far as etymologies ARE concerned: what meanings do you find the most attractive or appealing? Were there any major ones I missed in the polls that you feel are note-worthy? What categories or themes do you like in a name?
I don't care about meanings like "beautiful" or "strong" because they're incredibly dull. They wouldn't stop me from using a name, but they wouldn't draw me to one either. I like names with ultra-specific meanings: think "drinking companion" (Nadim) or "companion in evening talk" (Samir).
I don't mind names with unappealing etymologies - for example, I'm very fond of Cecilia ("blind") and Julia ("downy-beared", if thats the etymology you subscribe to). I mind associations more - I don't think Danica would appeal to me because I find the sound unattractive anyway, despite its great meaning ("morning star"), but the fact it was a concentration camp in Croatia matters much more to me.
2.) As far as etymologies ARE concerned: what meanings do you find the most attractive or appealing? Were there any major ones I missed in the polls that you feel are note-worthy? What categories or themes do you like in a name?
I don't care about meanings like "beautiful" or "strong" because they're incredibly dull. They wouldn't stop me from using a name, but they wouldn't draw me to one either. I like names with ultra-specific meanings: think "drinking companion" (Nadim) or "companion in evening talk" (Samir).
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It's important to me that the name has some sort of etymology or history. It doesn't have to be long, though. I love Eilonwy and Twyla.
I prefer good or neutral meanings. I would take a name off my list if it had a really awful one.
Attractive: nature related things (rainbow, summer,ocean), love, friendship, luck or happiness, beauty, intelligence, animals, skills, health.
Neutral: anything else except for the ones below
Bad: bad, evil, sad, unlucky etc.
I prefer good or neutral meanings. I would take a name off my list if it had a really awful one.
Attractive: nature related things (rainbow, summer,ocean), love, friendship, luck or happiness, beauty, intelligence, animals, skills, health.
Neutral: anything else except for the ones below
Bad: bad, evil, sad, unlucky etc.
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Can't forget misshapen head lol
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I pretty much agree. It’s fun to look at and know, but there are far more important factors and unless it’s a word name, most people don’t know the meanings. I’d rather it be important to me, like honoring or something I really like the sound of. Most names with fun meanings are old or very foreign names that I would consider unusable. The only time I think I would really consider the meaning is if I could not decide between two names and one had a much better meaning than the other.
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1. Opinion on name etymology / meaning
Because I have such a long list of names I just love the sound of, when thinking to name a human (maybe even a future pet?), this is a useful way to rule out names whose meaning I don’t like. I think more important than meaning is association, however. Examples: Adolf and Lucifer have cool or lovely meanings…. But never would I give those names to a child. (Not taking into account gender), I would pick Delilah (delicate, weak, languishing) over Adolf (wolf) because most people don’t know the meaning of the name (or may not know the not necessarily flattering biblical story)… but most everyone knows about Hitler. That being said, I personally still wouldn’t use a meaning I don’t like unless it was absolutely the only name my husband and I could agree on. Names with a neutral meaning, I’ve kept on my list but to be honest some disappointed me with lack of exciting meaning.
2. Appealing meanings:
Anything celestial, nature oriented, dreams, kindness, happiness, or intelligence.
Because I have such a long list of names I just love the sound of, when thinking to name a human (maybe even a future pet?), this is a useful way to rule out names whose meaning I don’t like. I think more important than meaning is association, however. Examples: Adolf and Lucifer have cool or lovely meanings…. But never would I give those names to a child. (Not taking into account gender), I would pick Delilah (delicate, weak, languishing) over Adolf (wolf) because most people don’t know the meaning of the name (or may not know the not necessarily flattering biblical story)… but most everyone knows about Hitler. That being said, I personally still wouldn’t use a meaning I don’t like unless it was absolutely the only name my husband and I could agree on. Names with a neutral meaning, I’ve kept on my list but to be honest some disappointed me with lack of exciting meaning.
2. Appealing meanings:
Anything celestial, nature oriented, dreams, kindness, happiness, or intelligence.
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I have to agree with you, kind of. I personally don’t feel the meaning matters as much. It’s really nice to know the history and entomology of the name, but…if you like the way it sounds, why turn away? That is, unless it’s an atrocity like “Phelony”. However, when a name has an enjoyable meaning, it does help me like it more. It’s a give or take for me; they’re not the end of the world.
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personally, I hate names that have no meaning at all more than names with bad meanings. For example, my name, Ohad, is biblical, but of uncertain etymology, and that honestly kinda bothers me. The meaning I usually say it has is that it derives from "Hod", meaning glory. I have seen that interpretation on a few scientific bibles, so I stick with it.
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It would be very hypocritical if I said meanings mattered. My favorite girl name atm is Cecilia, which means blind.
But to be honest, there’s a few different ways to interpret it. For one thing, it’s the name of the patron saint of music, and the meaning can also be interpreted as “heavenly lily” or “blindingly beautiful”
I don’t think meaning matters as much as people like to think. For example, Claudia means “crippled”, but it’s a perfectly normal name.
Tristan means “sad”, but is it still a good name? Yeah
Courtney means “crooked nose”, but nobody knows or cares.
Really, my only concern is little kids looking up the meaning of their name and being shocked, but they’ll get over that eventually.
I draw the line when the name is reminiscent or the same as a vulgar or taboo word, like Lucifer (Lucy or Luca is okay) or Phelony. I gave up on Ophelia because of this. Someone said it sounded like a bad word and I cannot unsee it. I feel the same way about Scarlet and Violet, but to a lesser degree. I love their meanings, but they sound like “scar” and “violent” which makes me hesitant towards using them. Presentation trumps meaning for me. For example, Isla means “island”, but I hate the sound of it. With that said, meanings do turn me completely off on some occasions. I think Bronwyn is cool but it means “white breasted” which is really weird.
Personally I like when the meaning is right there. Word names are beautiful to me. I also like when the meaning is a noun or color, rather than just “beautiful” or “warrior” or something. It gives it more flair. Names like Ruby, Jasper, Summer, and Lance (“spear” may not mean much to some, but it makes it sound intricate to me). Here’s a few more hidden meanings I found cool.
But to be honest, there’s a few different ways to interpret it. For one thing, it’s the name of the patron saint of music, and the meaning can also be interpreted as “heavenly lily” or “blindingly beautiful”
I don’t think meaning matters as much as people like to think. For example, Claudia means “crippled”, but it’s a perfectly normal name.
Tristan means “sad”, but is it still a good name? Yeah
Courtney means “crooked nose”, but nobody knows or cares.
Really, my only concern is little kids looking up the meaning of their name and being shocked, but they’ll get over that eventually.
I draw the line when the name is reminiscent or the same as a vulgar or taboo word, like Lucifer (Lucy or Luca is okay) or Phelony. I gave up on Ophelia because of this. Someone said it sounded like a bad word and I cannot unsee it. I feel the same way about Scarlet and Violet, but to a lesser degree. I love their meanings, but they sound like “scar” and “violent” which makes me hesitant towards using them. Presentation trumps meaning for me. For example, Isla means “island”, but I hate the sound of it. With that said, meanings do turn me completely off on some occasions. I think Bronwyn is cool but it means “white breasted” which is really weird.
Personally I like when the meaning is right there. Word names are beautiful to me. I also like when the meaning is a noun or color, rather than just “beautiful” or “warrior” or something. It gives it more flair. Names like Ruby, Jasper, Summer, and Lance (“spear” may not mean much to some, but it makes it sound intricate to me). Here’s a few more hidden meanings I found cool.
This message was edited 7/20/2022, 3:32 PM
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Neither Damian nor Damien means anything like 'demon'. Etymology matters!
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I believe it is a pop culture connection. There is a classic horror movie in which the "bad or possessed" kid is named Damian and the characters draw that connection to it's similarities to demon. Thus because of the pop culture association that is how the false etymology took root.
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I believe it is a pop culture connection. There is a classic horror movie in which the "bad or possessed" kid is named Damian and the characters draw that connection to it's similarities to demon. Thus because of the pop culture association that is how the false etymology took root.
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I read that somewhere. It must’ve been untrue. Thanks for telling me.
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Etymology ranks the highest. I find people who choose a name solely for its aesthetic very vapid. That's how we wound up with atrocities like "Zayden" "Jaylin" etc. Names have history and meanings and if I'm going to name my child something, I want it to actually have something to draw on.
Not just because it looks or sounds "kool".
Associations are also important as well, famous or infamous bearers of a name contribute to my opinion of it.
Not just because it looks or sounds "kool".
Associations are also important as well, famous or infamous bearers of a name contribute to my opinion of it.
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Couldn't say it any better rhan this.
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also this is going to sound terrible and it is in no way a reflection of your character but every time I see your username I read it first as "Captain Drunkard" and imagine a pirate lmao
This message was edited 7/19/2022, 3:15 PM
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interesting, hot take
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I should rephrase what I mean by that: there are several historical names with historical significance but do not have a known meaning.
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no I am usually not into modern names. I favor classics I just found your opinion interesting since several names are nice that have no particular meaning at all.
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I disagree; meaning of historical or old names being lost to time is very different from them having "no meaning" at all. There are names preserved from extinct cultures or languages. Simply because the native speakers aren't around to translate doesn't mean they are meaningless in the way "made up" names today are. I once saw a comment on the name "Jayden" that said it meant "Fire bird" because it was a conjoining of "Jay" after the jay bird, and the Irish "Aiden" which means "fiery"???
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you might not favor them, and that is valid. My point is just to say they don't exist at all is nonsensical. It's just a false statement.
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What about the historical names that were made up, such as the classic literature names that an author concocted? You can't doubt the existence of historical names with "no meaning" because I see them time and again whenever I read the name pages. No known meaning can likewise just as well mean there was no meaning to begin with the details just aren't clear. Made up names with no meaning have existed across the history of naming it isn't a new phenomenon of recent decades. Many of them gained traction because of fictional works itself and that is the origin point. No meaning does not correlate to no history by any stretch.
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If that's your stance then I'm waiting for an"Jaylynn" to pop up in a great work of literature.
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I feel about the same way you do. I don't prefer a name or dislike it solely because of meaning.
With a few exceptions, but those exceptions also *seem* notorious to me (it's not only the literal meaning that I dislike). Ex. Desdemona
I took your polls, and chose the kinds of meanings I am most pleased to find attached to my favorites (but I don't give any preference to names that have these meanings):
beauty, pleasant, bright, charming, strong, brave.
virtues (not all of them though), mercy, love, loved/wanted, heart, gift, blessing, truth, liberty, faith, wisdom, miracle, gift; religious meanings that make any sense to me.
The Sun.
I like botanical names, but they're not as gratifying to me as meanings that are more abstract.
I think maybe you left out occupation names - since there are a lot of surnames transferred to first name use. I might have just overlooked it since I was choosing ones I like, though. I don't remember seeing liberty/free among the choices either.
With a few exceptions, but those exceptions also *seem* notorious to me (it's not only the literal meaning that I dislike). Ex. Desdemona
I took your polls, and chose the kinds of meanings I am most pleased to find attached to my favorites (but I don't give any preference to names that have these meanings):
beauty, pleasant, bright, charming, strong, brave.
virtues (not all of them though), mercy, love, loved/wanted, heart, gift, blessing, truth, liberty, faith, wisdom, miracle, gift; religious meanings that make any sense to me.
The Sun.
I like botanical names, but they're not as gratifying to me as meanings that are more abstract.
I think maybe you left out occupation names - since there are a lot of surnames transferred to first name use. I might have just overlooked it since I was choosing ones I like, though. I don't remember seeing liberty/free among the choices either.
This message was edited 7/19/2022, 2:46 PM
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I like the botanical names because you can stretch out significance a bit more in order to add meaning. Such as my favorite female middle name idea being Violet and attributing that significance to violets being one of the symbols of everlasting love. Plants in general can have other cultural significant meanings too beyond the etymology so that is in part why I like that category as it is "flexible" in interpretation. The same can be extended to other nature names as well like gemstones.
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That is a good point I think I did leave out occupational and Liberty/Freedom, the latter is a good one as well. It had been my intention to include truth or true as well but I forgot it.
This message was edited 7/19/2022, 3:04 PM
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Sometimes a meaning can enhance my enjoyment of a name, but only if I already like the sound. (Sophia and Irene, for instance.) Aesthetic is what drives my preferences first and foremost. A bad meaning doesn't really tarnish my opinion either - I like Cecilia and that isn't lessened knowing it means "blind." This doesn't apply to word names of course. I do find name meanings interesting and fun to look up. As I enjoy virtue names I also appreciate names with virtue meanings. And I appreciate meanings that are a little complex, they're just fun.
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good point
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For me, etymology and history are what give names spice. A name stripped of meaning is still a serviceable baked potato that fills its purpose, but etymology and history are the toppings (cheese, jalapeno, bacon bits, etc..) that provides zest and makes something utilitarian fun and an experience.
I started using this site because I'm interested in the etymology and history of names. If names didn't mean anything in particular, I would never have bothered to look them up.
When it comes to naming characters, I occasionally like inserting a small Easter egg or a bit of irony into their names. When it comes to naming a person, I like looking at the whole package: how it sounds, how it makes me feel/associations, history, and meaning. If there is a name that I like overall but it has a boring meaning, then I would be extra sure to use a middle name that has more meaning to me.
2. I find weird and fanciful meanings fun. I also like meanings full of well-wishes. Since a lot of the names in my PNL are for characters or because they struck my interest, they aren't necessarily things I would use on a child. Here are just a few in my PNL largely due to their meanings:
Alvis - all wise - I'm not crazy about the sound, but the meaning and mythology are intriguing.
Andraste - invincible
Bahadur - brave, hero
Barzillai - Man of iron - the meaning fits a character
Casimir - to destroy world peace - It is so bizarrely villainish that I need an excuse to use it. Maybe for a cat?
Charani - Phoenix
Dîyar - clear, visible
Gouyen - wise
Hegemone - female leader, queen, commander, guide
Kahina - diviner
Kallikrates - Beautiful power
Onuphrius - he who is good, he who is happy
Paramonos - Endurance , constancy
Peitho - to persuade - for another character
Satu - Fairy tale, fable
Taika - Magic, spell
Tamrat - miracle
Tariku - his history, his story
Zoraida - enchanting
Amaia - The End
I started using this site because I'm interested in the etymology and history of names. If names didn't mean anything in particular, I would never have bothered to look them up.
When it comes to naming characters, I occasionally like inserting a small Easter egg or a bit of irony into their names. When it comes to naming a person, I like looking at the whole package: how it sounds, how it makes me feel/associations, history, and meaning. If there is a name that I like overall but it has a boring meaning, then I would be extra sure to use a middle name that has more meaning to me.
2. I find weird and fanciful meanings fun. I also like meanings full of well-wishes. Since a lot of the names in my PNL are for characters or because they struck my interest, they aren't necessarily things I would use on a child. Here are just a few in my PNL largely due to their meanings:
Alvis - all wise - I'm not crazy about the sound, but the meaning and mythology are intriguing.
Andraste - invincible
Bahadur - brave, hero
Barzillai - Man of iron - the meaning fits a character
Casimir - to destroy world peace - It is so bizarrely villainish that I need an excuse to use it. Maybe for a cat?
Charani - Phoenix
Dîyar - clear, visible
Gouyen - wise
Hegemone - female leader, queen, commander, guide
Kahina - diviner
Kallikrates - Beautiful power
Onuphrius - he who is good, he who is happy
Paramonos - Endurance , constancy
Peitho - to persuade - for another character
Satu - Fairy tale, fable
Taika - Magic, spell
Tamrat - miracle
Tariku - his history, his story
Zoraida - enchanting
Amaia - The End
This message was edited 7/19/2022, 1:02 PM
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I love your choices here I added a couple to my own list.
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My opinion is pretty much the same as you. I can appreciate the etymological aspect of a name, but the sound and the look with many other things are 10x more important. Sentiment too, if there is any. As far as “unfortunate meanings” go, there are definitely some meanings that aren’t exactly desirable or cute, but that’s okay. Names like Cecily, and Claudia I actually like; and would happily use if a partner loved it so much. I’d probably just tell them “Hey, did you know Claudia means “crippled”?” and just see what they have to say about that. If they don’t care, well I guess we just agreed on a name. Kennedy, on the other hand, I don’t like the sound of, meaning, or anything associated with it. Charlotte, Caroline and others mean “man” but that doesn’t stop anybody from using those names.
1. I think it’s cool actually! I like looking into how names came to be and looking up what they mean. Some are pretty boring, but others are pretty cool and quite interesting. I do like unusual name meanings a little bit. At the end of the day, a name is a name and as long as it’s good I’ll use it. When I was looking into my name because I thought it was boring and ugly, I found out some stuff and it actually made me like my name a lot more. And for some reason almost whenever I introduce myself, people feel the need to educate me on my name. I also find it shocking when my friends who have made up names and are insecure about it actually wish they had my name, when I always thought their names were pretty and cool.
2. I don’t really have any name meanings I like the most, but I do find names that mean love, wisdom, bravery, traveling, or something that denotes power pretty cool.
1. I think it’s cool actually! I like looking into how names came to be and looking up what they mean. Some are pretty boring, but others are pretty cool and quite interesting. I do like unusual name meanings a little bit. At the end of the day, a name is a name and as long as it’s good I’ll use it. When I was looking into my name because I thought it was boring and ugly, I found out some stuff and it actually made me like my name a lot more. And for some reason almost whenever I introduce myself, people feel the need to educate me on my name. I also find it shocking when my friends who have made up names and are insecure about it actually wish they had my name, when I always thought their names were pretty and cool.
2. I don’t really have any name meanings I like the most, but I do find names that mean love, wisdom, bravery, traveling, or something that denotes power pretty cool.
This message was edited 7/19/2022, 12:13 PM
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yes same for the types of categories I like
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1.) What is your opinion on name etymology and where do you stand on the issue and meaning significance?
Zero concern for etymology/meaning. Sound and history and popularity are way more important. A lot of etymologies are unclear anyway. This said I do enjoy find out etymologies.
2.) As far as etymologies ARE concerned: what meanings do you find the most attractive or appealing? Were there any major ones I missed in the polls that you feel are note-worthy? What categories or themes do you like in an name?
I don’t use the polls but I enjoy etymologies that are poetic and unexpected.
Zero concern for etymology/meaning. Sound and history and popularity are way more important. A lot of etymologies are unclear anyway. This said I do enjoy find out etymologies.
2.) As far as etymologies ARE concerned: what meanings do you find the most attractive or appealing? Were there any major ones I missed in the polls that you feel are note-worthy? What categories or themes do you like in an name?
I don’t use the polls but I enjoy etymologies that are poetic and unexpected.
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I enjoy poetic associations as well, or phrase association in general instead of a simple word or translation.
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