Comic Book Names: The names behind the superwomen
In her previous blog, Appelation Mountain‘s Abby Sandel revealed the alter ego names of the male superheroes, and this week it’s the girls’ turn.
Last week we looked at comic book names inspired by Clark Kent and Peter Parker – the mild-mannered alter egos of Superman and Spider-Man.Â
More women have donned a cape to fight for good than you might guess, but it hasn’t been an easy road. The Comics Code Authority, a set of industry standards adopted in 1954, limited gore and violence, but also sexual innuendo. Selina Kyle hung up her catsuit for more than a decade when the Code was at its strictest.
Female characters tend to go to extremes. There’s the wholesome Betty and later Barbara, characters introduced as Batgirl at a time when it was thought Batman and Robin needed girlfriends. Others are clearly not from this world, like Thundra, a Femizon warrior from the 23rd century, arrived in 1972 to challenge The Thing, or the first female superhero, Egyptian princess Fantomah.
As comic books have become popular sources for Hollywood films, plenty of A-list stars have worn these identities. For parents seeking a feminine name with an edge, knowing that your daughter’s appellation has been worn by a crime-fighting woman of steel might make an otherwise frilly name seem downright powerful. Here some possible female alter ego comic book names:
Betty – The original Batgirl, later reinvented as Bette, the alter ego of Flamebird. Betty was also worn by Captain America’s ally, Golden GirlÂ
Diana–Wonder Woman
Emma – January Jones played Emma Frost, The White Queen, in 2011’s X-Men: First Class
Evangeline – A lawyer who transforms into a red-winged dragon, also known as Vange
Jennifer – Bruce Banner’s cousin, also known as the less-muscular, but no less heroic She-Hulk
Jubilation – The character’s real name is close to her X-Men identity, Jubilee
 Kara
Madelyne
Maya – Her given name is wildly popular. Her secret identity, Echo, could also make for a very wearable choice
Neena – Like Maya’s Echo, Neena’s alter ego, Domino might be one to consider
Ororo – The orphaned daughter of a princess, gifted with the ability to control the weather, Ororo has been famously portrayed in the X-Men film franchise by Halle Berry
Selina – Catwoman was a criminal, and Batman often set out to stop the jewel thief. But she’s also one of the most popular female characters in comic book history
Susan – Jessica Alba’s character in The Fantastic Four was Susan Storm, The Invisible Woman
 Wanda – Though it might be her alter ego, The Scarlet Witch, with the better name
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Lola Says:
Abby@AppMtn Says:
I do like Echo … also, Domino. Maybe more than I should. Are they wearable? My husband likes Echo, and India Hicks has a daughter Domino.
Lola Says:
I think they’re both wearable, Abby. some more than Echo, if push came to shove; Domino may be a play piece and a brand of sugar but Echo will get echo, echo, echo! ( which is why it’s in my combo as Cecilia Echo). I figure some cushioning there might be beneficial. I might even go with Cecilia Lilian Echo, get both Grandmas and a fave in there! Now to actually have one stick long enough to name!
Janine Says:
Jubilee was the first name I ever fell in love with. I was 10, really into Xmen and just something about that name. It was gonna be my future daughters name!
Fortunely its not. But the name still makes me smile.
stephanie_elizabeth Says:
My best friend’s younger daughter is named Aspen Phoenix. She is named after two comic book characters-I have no idea where Aspen came from (she told me, but I don’t remember) and Phoenix is Jean Gray’s alter ego in X-Men. Obviously, they are into comic books at thier house!
Mary Says:
A couple more I’ve always loved (universe-jumping):
Helena
Zinda
Dinah
Katarina
Although most of my favourite comic names aren’t superheroes.
And @stephanie_elizabeth, Aspen is probably Aspen Matthews from Fathom
Prim Says:
Don’t forget Anna Marie which is Rogue from the X-Men’s real name. I know it’s not unique but I love it!
Tor Says:
Others to think of: (I love the X-Men so that’s what most of these will be)
Patience (The movie version of Catwoman)
Ariel (X-Men)
Mercury/Cessily (X-Men)
Ruth (a.k.a. Blindfold)
Armor (The superhero name of one of the students at Professor Xavier’s)
Lorna (Polaris)
Aurora (Another X-Men)
Blaire (The last name of Alison Blaire a.k.a Dazzler)
Regan (Lady Mastermind)
Illyana (Magik)
Gwynn (The last name of Megan Gwynn also known as Pixie)
Sunday Summary: 7/17/11 | Appellation Mountain Says:
[...] last week’s Nameberry post, I wrote about the workaday identities of superheroines. They’ve worn some great names when [...]
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Ororo’s long been my very favorite Xmen character. she’s got the superpower I’ve always coveted!
But I’ve long found the women of the comics far more interesting than the guys. I don’t know why, exactly. Could be simply I’m a girl too, but I think the girls have a harder time of it, in general. Some of my favorites are: Betty, Iris, Kitty, Echo & Tabitha.
Thanks for the gals, made me mile to see them! : D