Names from Theater

Faustus is a masculine name with ancient Roman origins, derived from the Latin word 'faustus' meaning 'lucky' or 'favorable.' It shares roots with the word 'auspicious' and was used during the Classical period to denote good fortune. 

The name gained literary significance through works like Christopher Marlowe's 'Doctor Faustus' and Goethe's 'Faust,' which tell the story of a scholar who makes a deal with the devil. These associations have given the name a somewhat mysterious, intellectual, and dark quality.

Faustus

Oedipus

Fantine is a rarely heard French name except as a character in the Victor Hugo novel Les Misérables.

Fantine

Forever Dickens's con artist in Oliver Twist.

Fagin

Sharp surname with Norman roots — it originally denoted a person from any of four places called Pierrepont in Normandy.

Pierpont

Eponine is attracting new notice via the movie of Les Miserables, based on the book by Victor Hugo.  Eponine is the spoiled daughter of Cosette's foster parents whose name, according to the story, was lifted by her mother from a romance novel.  As in a romance, Eponine redeems herself by becoming a martyr to love.

Eponine

Elyot is a masculine name that serves as a variant spelling of Eliot or Elliott. These names derive from the Hebrew Elijah (meaning 'my God is Yahweh') or potentially from the Greek name Helios. The distinctive 'y' spelling gives this classic name a more uncommon and potentially medieval appearance. Historically, Elyot appeared as both a surname and given name in medieval England, with notable bearers including Sir Thomas Elyot, a 16th-century English diplomat and scholar. While never achieving widespread popularity, Elyot offers a sophisticated alternative to more common Elliott variations. The name carries literary associations through its connection to writers like T.S. Eliot and George Eliot, while maintaining its own distinctive character.

Elyot

Prior is a masculine name with Latin origins, derived from the word 'prior' meaning 'former' or 'previous.' It was traditionally used as an occupational surname for someone who held the position of prior, a high-ranking official in a medieval monastery, second only to the abbot. As a first name, Prior has been relatively uncommon throughout history, giving it a distinctive and somewhat aristocratic feel. The name carries connotations of leadership, wisdom, and spiritual dedication. In modern usage, Prior remains a rare choice for boys, appealing to parents looking for a name with historical depth and an understated elegance that stands apart from more common choices.

Prior

With the new fashion for occupational names, we may hear more of this one. 

Proctor

For Americans, may prove too much of a twist on Peter. 

Pyotr

Raoul, with its unique three-vowel middle, rolls off the tongue in an appealing way. Raoul is one of the <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/162/french-names">French names</a> that sounds infinitely more romantic and attractive than the somewhat harsh English version Ralph.
 French painter Raoul Dufy is a worthy artistic namesake. Raul is the Spanish form.

Raoul

Raynell is a feminine name with Germanic and French influences, combining elements of names like Rayne (from 'raginaz' meaning 'counsel' or from the word for rain) and the feminine suffix '-elle' or '-nell.' This combination creates a name that sounds both traditional and unique. Raynell gained modest usage in the United States during the mid-20th century but remains relatively uncommon. The name has a dignified quality with its connection to nature through the rain element, while also maintaining a feminine elegance. The 'nell' ending connects it to other feminine names like Janelle or Danielle. Raynell offers parents a distinctive choice that isn't completely unfamiliar, striking a balance between uniqueness and accessibility with its recognizable sounds and straightforward pronunciation.

Raynell

Reno Sweeney is the heroine of the Cole Porter musical Anything Goes, played on Broadway by Ethel Merman, Patti Lupone, and Sutton Foster. While Reno was not used for any baby girls in 2022, it's certainly a gender-neutral choice.

Reno, Nevada is named for Civil War Union General Jesse Lee Reno. The name is said to be an anglicization of Reynaud or Reynold, which means "powerful counsel".

Reno

Riff is the name of the leader of the Jets in West Side Story, drawn from the musical word for a repeated phrase in a song. A tragic character in the musical, but a jaunty sounding name with the vibes of Ridge, Riggs, Raffy, and Lyric too.

Riff

Elphaba was invented by Gregory Maguire for the protagonist of his novel Wicked, which became the long-running Broadway play and then a movie. Elphaba is the name of the Wicked Witch of the West, unnamed in the Oz books, and is drawn from the initials of Oz creator L. Frank Baum.
 
Nicknames Elfie, Ellie, Elle, or Abbie could make it feel more grounded.

Elphaba

In this country, likely to conjure up visions of leafy lettuce. 

Romaine

Don't let the long-nose connotations put you off. Cyrano feels so current with names like Theo, Leo, Cypriano and Cyrus finding fans again and even the fictional character has so many redeeming features (poet, musicians, self-made man).

Cyrano

Names from theater are inspired by characters in famous plays and musicals.

 such as Cosette and Tevye, and names from historic theater productions, like Antigone and Tamburlane.

From classical plays to contemporary dramas, tragedies to comedies, these are standout names from theater that 

Baby girl and boy names from plays, broadway, and theater, with meaning, origin, and popularity  (Page 11)

Names From Theater