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HelpAgnieszka and Langston
I'm a huge fan of Naomi Novik's books. My favorite is Uprooted. The main character in the book is Agnieszka. I think it would make a cool middle name but my husband won't even consider it. Opinions?
And thoughts on Langston? I've seen it popping up lately and not just in relation to the poet. I'm not sure how comfortable I'd be using a name so connected to one person without intending to honor Hughes. But then you have the popularity of Emerson. And surnames in general - I met a young Auden the other day whose parents just liked the name. Again, thoughts? I love Langston Hughes and would happily use the name to honor him.
And thoughts on Langston? I've seen it popping up lately and not just in relation to the poet. I'm not sure how comfortable I'd be using a name so connected to one person without intending to honor Hughes. But then you have the popularity of Emerson. And surnames in general - I met a young Auden the other day whose parents just liked the name. Again, thoughts? I love Langston Hughes and would happily use the name to honor him.
This message was edited 5/16/2019, 12:45 PM
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I love Agnieszka due to the sound. I also great admiration for Langston Hughes, and his literary cannon is and has been "part of me"; further, I think it absolutely wonderful that anyone uses him as namesake.
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Agnieszka is lovely but I would only use if it I was Polish (I don't know if you are or not).
I'm not keen on surname names, but if you're using it to honour, why not?
I'm not keen on surname names, but if you're using it to honour, why not?
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Agnieszka is a nice name, but I'd think it strange if it was used by someone who wasn't Polish. Of course, I don't know anything about your roots, but presuming you're not Japanese, you wouldn't name a daughter Aiko, would you? Pronunciation might also be an issue: the closest English transcription is ag-NYEH-shka, but that's not entirely accurate. Listen to the correct pronunciation here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=oRV-KHvCfcQ
I'm not fond of Langston, it's too strongly associated with Langston Hughes and while I enjoy his poetry, it feels like a "one person name" to me. Besides, I think it sounds too surname-y.
I'm not fond of Langston, it's too strongly associated with Langston Hughes and while I enjoy his poetry, it feels like a "one person name" to me. Besides, I think it sounds too surname-y.
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Agnieszka is interesting. I don't know if I like it, or not. I think I'll stick with boring old Agnes.
As a white person, I wouldn't use Langston. I'm not saying it's completely off limits, I just wouldn't feel comfortable using a name that is so tied to African American culture. I wouldn't feel like it was MY name to use. The name itself is handsome, though.
As a white person, I wouldn't use Langston. I'm not saying it's completely off limits, I just wouldn't feel comfortable using a name that is so tied to African American culture. I wouldn't feel like it was MY name to use. The name itself is handsome, though.
This message was edited 5/16/2019, 9:55 PM
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I have the exact same issue with Langston.That's why it's never appeared on my list. I was joking with my husband that we could make it especially awkward by naming our kid Miles Langston. neither Miles Davis nor Langston Hughes was very fond of white people, which is very understandable.
If you ever get the chance I recommend reading Uprooted
If you ever get the chance I recommend reading Uprooted
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I have so much on my reading list, already. Is it a fantasy series/book?
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It is. If I remember correctly you are not a Sci-Fi / Fantasy fan, though.
I'm honestly not sure how appealing the book would be to someone not into fantasy. Novik does such a good job with her female characters, part of the reason I love them so much.
I'm honestly not sure how appealing the book would be to someone not into fantasy. Novik does such a good job with her female characters, part of the reason I love them so much.
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I've also really been enjoying Novik's books and quite liked Agnieszka. As a first name in the US or UK it would be pretty bold; as a middle name it's cool but not nearly as drastic.
If I were to encounter someone named Langston, I'd think he had been named for Langston Hughes and would definitely appreciate that. Same with Auden. It would be a bit disappointing to learn that the parents just liked the sound of the name.
If I were to encounter someone named Langston, I'd think he had been named for Langston Hughes and would definitely appreciate that. Same with Auden. It would be a bit disappointing to learn that the parents just liked the sound of the name.
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