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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.

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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.

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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.

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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