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HelpWhat do you think of these existing, but *very* obscure names?
I was walking through a street in a neighbouring city the other day, when I saw a very interesting name on the name plaque of one of the houses there. (I don't know about your country, but in my country, it's rather common to see name plaques near the doorbell, where one can see the names of the family that lives in that particular house). The name in question was Symphorina, and it appeared to be the name of a grown woman, since I could deduce from the name plaque that she was married (or living together) with a Guido and had no children (yet).
My first thought at seeing the name was: "Wow! Unique it may certainly be, but that's quite a mouthful!" But after I got a little bit used to it, I thought it was interesting and later decided to see on Google whether it was a valid name with more existing bearers, or whether it was a name invented by her parents. It turns out that there were indeed more people with that name, but very few.
After some more googling, I found similar names that are equally interesting and sometimes more common. There is Symphora, which is borne by a French sportswoman. Others are Symphoria and Sinforina (mainly in the Spanish-speaking countries).
I thought the real interesting gem was Symphorian (masculine), which was apparently borne by a saint from the 2nd century AD. It seems to be the most common in the Spanish-speaking countries, where it is Sinforiano for men and Sinforiana for women.
But well, to make a long story short: what do my fellow name nerds think of these names? Too long-winded and pompous, or really unique and fresh names? Would any of the names work well as a first name in the world of today, or would you rather see them as a middle name? Also, can you think of any usuable nicknames for the names mentioned (apart from the obvious Sym)?
I myself would actually consider Symphorian for a boy (I also love the French equivalent Symphorien, but I think that one might be a bit too complicated too pronounce), but I would probably reserve it for the middle name spot. I don't think I would use any of the aforementioned feminine names, as I don't really like them on a woman (interesting though the names themselves may be) - certainly not as a first name. It just seems too long-winded and pompous on a woman, but well, that's just me. :)
My first thought at seeing the name was: "Wow! Unique it may certainly be, but that's quite a mouthful!" But after I got a little bit used to it, I thought it was interesting and later decided to see on Google whether it was a valid name with more existing bearers, or whether it was a name invented by her parents. It turns out that there were indeed more people with that name, but very few.
After some more googling, I found similar names that are equally interesting and sometimes more common. There is Symphora, which is borne by a French sportswoman. Others are Symphoria and Sinforina (mainly in the Spanish-speaking countries).
I thought the real interesting gem was Symphorian (masculine), which was apparently borne by a saint from the 2nd century AD. It seems to be the most common in the Spanish-speaking countries, where it is Sinforiano for men and Sinforiana for women.
But well, to make a long story short: what do my fellow name nerds think of these names? Too long-winded and pompous, or really unique and fresh names? Would any of the names work well as a first name in the world of today, or would you rather see them as a middle name? Also, can you think of any usuable nicknames for the names mentioned (apart from the obvious Sym)?
I myself would actually consider Symphorian for a boy (I also love the French equivalent Symphorien, but I think that one might be a bit too complicated too pronounce), but I would probably reserve it for the middle name spot. I don't think I would use any of the aforementioned feminine names, as I don't really like them on a woman (interesting though the names themselves may be) - certainly not as a first name. It just seems too long-winded and pompous on a woman, but well, that's just me. :)
This message was edited 4/12/2010, 3:58 PM
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