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Philomena
This name sprang into my head today as a representation of the next phase of my life.I find BTN's entry for its meaning very evocative and beautiful.From Greek φιλος (philos) "friend, lover" and μενος (menos) "mind, strength, force". This was the name of an obscure early saint and martyr. The name came to public attention in the 19th century after a tomb seemingly marked with the name Filumena was found in Rome, supposedly belonging to another martyr named Philomena. This may have in fact been a representation of the Greek word φιλομηνη (philomene) meaning "loved".That mistranslation of the epitaph...! So gothic and romantic.What do y'all think of this name? Images, colors, associations? I find it flutey, woodsy, dusky, and serious.
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I like it, and I'm happy to see most others do as well! *adds to PNL*
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I think of flowy pastel dresses, like maybe she's a brassy Cordelia's soft-spoken sister. I could see flutey...but reedy? Blowin' in the wind, wishy-washy, high-strung...Also, I visualize a cashier called Phil, because someone mentioned seeing it on a cashier name tag once. It seems more sassy retro that way, like sisters Phil and Ronnie...Cordelia, Philomena, VeronicaFrom my POV, it sounds kinda like a compromise between Philomela (more whimsical) and Wilhelmina (seems gustier), because I prefer those slightly.
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In the spelling Filomena it’s very old woman-ish and very working class in my part of the world.
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I really love this name. One of my g-g-something grandmothers was named this (or maybe Philomène). I associate it with an anchor symbol, although I'm not sure why. It's got power to it, Philomena does. It's a silvery-blue colour for me. Flutey, yes. It's got a metallic ring to it. Like a bell.
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I think I prefer Philomène, actually.
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Wow. That's actually, uh, that's a pretty good song.
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It's the name of one of my husband's aunts. Tante Philomena. So that's what I think of, though I never knew her. Actually, now that I think of it, she may have been a great-aunt.It's beautiful name, isn't it!
I wouldn't use it , just because it's too long, given our 4-syllable last name, but otherwise, people should use it.
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It does have a very lovely meaning. To me it sounds very elegant, full and dark.
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I love your love for the BtN description and onomastic mistranslation. The name is quite reedy and lush for me. I also love Philomela, which deserves as much recognition as Philomena!
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Absolutely love it!
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I agree that it's woodsy.She could be Phil. She could be Mina. Very different girls!Philomena wears long skirts.Philomena Zoe, for your new phase of 'life'.
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The only Philomena I've ever known was a child I taught as an entry-level teacher, and she was approaching the end of her high-school career (in Grade 9, and older than the others): a very limited child, pleasant enough and quiet but so incapable of succeeding at anything work-related that she found it easier to be lazy and passive. I didn't have a clue what to do with her, so I pretty much let her goof off. She was pleasant and polite, so the first element of the meaning was fine, but not exactly known for her strength of mind!
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