Why Do Parents Name Their Children After Book Characters?
Have you ever encountered a child named after a book character? These names can add a layer of intrigue to a young life, often reflecting the parent's literary taste or admiration for a particular character. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind naming children after book characters and discuss the implications for the children themselves.
The Cultural Significance of Naming After Book Characters
The practice of naming children after fictional characters is not new, and it often carries a cultural significance. Some parents chose these names because they resonate with personal memories or particular virtues associated with the characters. For example, parents like to name their children after characters because they admire the way the character handles situations, or simply because the name has a beautiful sound. It's a way to honor or remember someone or something meaningful in their lives.
My Personal Experience with Naming After Book Characters
I had the privilege of discussing this topic with my mom, who explained that she named my sister and me after fictional characters simply because she appreciated the aesthetics and uniqueness of the names. She was an avid reader and enjoyed the names and their sounds. My sister and I, although avid readers ourselves, were named more for the literary connection than for any direct influence on our reading habits or as a means to ''become'' the characters.
Visual Inspiration in Character Creation
As a novel enthusiast and retired writer, I have a fallback routine for creating characters: I use a personal image library to visualize the characters I create for stories. I may name a character "Steve" after Steve Perry the singer from the band Journey, because the image of Steve Perry has a certain appeal that helps me think of what the character might look and act like. I might even create fan fiction and use this technique for my visuals. It's a practical method that aids my creative process.
Admiration and Aesthetic Preferences
While sometimes parents name their children after a character because they admire their virtues or the way they handle situations, other times, it's simply about the sound of the name. Parents may choose a book character because the name is elegant, memorable, or because of their romantic connections to a particular book or character. Just as we choose artistic names for birthstones, the names we pick for our children can reflect our literary tastes and aspirations.
Implications for the Named Children
Children who have book character names might feel a sense of pride or a bit of irony. They may appreciate the literary connection or feel a deeper emotional bond to the stories from which their names pull, but it's also true that they might not fully understand the significance or depth of the names they bear. However, it's a small price to pay if the name is special and memorable.
It's important to note that not every family chooses book character names out of a desire for literary expression. Some parents name their children after characters they have a fond attachment to, while others might just like the sound of the name. In the end, the name is a marker of who a child is seen to be, and a symbol of love, connection, or literary inspiration.
Ultimately, the meaning behind names is deeply personal and can be influenced by a myriad of factors. From literary inspiration to aesthetic preferences, parents name their children for a myriad of reasons. By sharing these stories, we can appreciate the diverse ways parents imbue their children with names that reflect their values, dreams, and literary tastes.