What's in a Name?For this week's edition of Weekly Geeks, we're going to take a closer look at character names. What are some of your favorite character names?
Go to Google or a baby name site like this one or this one, and look up a favorite character's name. What does their name mean? Do you think the meaning fits the character? Why or why not?
If you'd like, look up your own name as well and share the meaning.
I think this week's Weekly Geeks topic sounded interesting, and I knew right away which character's name I would look up! My favorite book is TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD; and I, of course, love Atticus Finch. I think he's such a strong man who stood up for what he believed in even when it wasn't popular or easy.
When I clicked on the first name link, his name wasn't found. Fortunately, I have better luck here. Atticus is derived from Latin and means "from Attica." Here's a little more info: "Attica is the region of Greece which contains Athens, the capital city. Today, the name is mainly known from the character Atticus Finch in Harper Lee's novel 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. Atticus was also the name of a number of ancient Greek philosophers and writers; it was also the name of an early Archbishop of Constantinople. Atticus recently broke into the 1000 most popular names in the US, and was ranked 767th in 2006."
I also looked up my name -- Julie. Julie is also Latin and means: "down-bearded youth." I have always thought it meant "youthful one" which sounds much better than "down-bearded youth." Plus, I kind of like the term "youthful one" since I'm closing in on 40 in a few months!
I actually prefer the first link for its description of Julie: "Its source is a Greek expression meaning "Jove's descendant." Here's a more detailed description: "Some authorities prefer the meaning ''downy beard.'' However, this might have been understood as an attribute of Jove, the chief of the Greco-Roman gods. The original Greek name evolved into the name of a Roman clan, whose most famous member was the military and political leader Julius Caesar."
What a great idea for Weekly Geeks! What does your name mean?
This is very interesting. I would agree that I would think of this novel upon hearing ATTICUS. And does the breaking into the top 1000 mean we will see kids with this name i school soon? I know a girl named ATTIE but I have no idea what if that's her full/true name or a nickname.
ReplyDeleteYou made me curious, so I looked up my name and it means "pure". What were my parents thinking?
ReplyDeleteI know I think of To Kill a Mockingbird when I hear Atticus, so that's spot on. I don't think I'd name my kid that though. I just can't imagine a baby Atticus.
ReplyDeleteMy name means pearl, which isn't particularly exciting. I guess that's not why my mom picked it. :)
Atticus is a great choice.
ReplyDeleteHappy Weekly Geeks :)
Atticus is a great choice. I loved the book very much! I think I need to re-read it after almost 20 years!
ReplyDeleteNames and more names
I did Juliet which is another form of your name as well. I loved Atticus!!
ReplyDeleteMy name means nothing. ::sigh:: My mom made it up. But, I did post a weekly geek. You have a very nice blog by the way!
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