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Shakespeare Names

  1. Phebe

    • Origin:

      Akan, Ghanaian

    • Meaning:

      "born on Friday"

    • Description:

      Though often Anglicized as Phoebe, Phebe has separate roots. It originated as a variation of Afua, an Akan day name, and commonly used among enslaved people in America.
  2. Prospero

    • Origin:

      Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese variation of Prosper

    • Meaning:

      "succeed, prosper"

    • Description:

      Shakespeare's Tempest has kept the name Prospero alive.
  3. Malvolio

    • Origin:

      Literary name

    • Meaning:

      "ill will"

    • Description:

      Coined by Shakespeare for the main antagonist in his comedy Twelfth Night, the unfortunate Malvolio’s name literally means "ill will".
  4. Phrynia

    • Origin:

      Variant of Phryne, Literature, Ancient Greek

    • Meaning:

      "toad"

    • Description:

      Used by Shakespeare in his play Timon of Athens, Phrynia is a Shakespearean that hasn't caught on as Ophelia, Jessica, or Imogen have — possibly because of its unusual sounds, its toady meaning, and the fact Timon of Athens is less well known than the likes of Hamlet.
  5. Thaisa

    • Origin:

      Variation of Thais, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "beloved, bandage"

    • Description:

      Thaisa is a variation of the ancient Greek Thais that was used by Shakespeare for the wife of Pericles. This literary princess name is rare and attractive.
  6. Varro

    • Origin:

      Latin cognomen

    • Description:

      The name of minor characters in Shakespeare's two of Roman plays – Julius Caesar and Timon of Athens – and a noble Spanish surname. Though probably etymologically unrelated to the Latin word for truth, "veritas," it still carries the feeling of forthrightness and honesty.
  7. Lucentio

    • Origin:

      Italian

    • Meaning:

      "light"

    • Description:

      The origins of Lucentio are a bit hazy — it's possible Shakespeare invented the name for his play The Taming of the Shrew, where Lucentio ends up marrying Bianca. However, it may have been an obscure Italian variation of Lucentius, existing before Shakespeare's time.
  8. Roderigo

    • Description:

      Roderigo is a masculine name with Spanish and Portuguese roots, derived from the Germanic name 'Hrodric,' meaning 'famous ruler' or 'powerful leader.' The name gained literary recognition through Shakespeare's 'Othello,' where Roderigo appears as a character. With its romantic flair and melodious quality, this name carries an air of old-world nobility and Mediterranean charm. While more common in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries, it remains relatively rare in English-speaking nations. The name offers the familiar nickname options of Rod or Rico. Roderigo exudes a distinguished classical appeal while maintaining its exotic allure.

  9. Pericles

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "far-famed"

    • Description:

      Ancient Athenian statesman whose name was once used in the US mostly for enslaved people, following a trend for names of ancient figures.
  10. Virgilia

    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Virgil, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "staff bearer"

    • Description:

      This Shakespearean name is even more out of step than its male counterpart, but it may possibly be so far out it could make its way back in.
  11. Jaques

    • Origin:

      English and French

    • Meaning:

      "supplanter"

    • Description:

      Either an alternative spelling of Jacques (ZHAK), the French form of Jack, or a Shakespearean character from As You Like It, pronounced JAY-kwiss.
  12. Salerio

    • Origin:

      Shakespearean invented name

    • Meaning:

      "salary"

    • Description:

      Shakespeare invented the names Salerio, Solanio, and Salarino for his play The Merchant of Venice. The names are puns on salario, the Italian word for "salary," as each character shows great concern with money.
  13. Vincentio

    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Vincentius, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "conquering"

    • Description:

      Ancient Italian form of Vincent, used by Shakespeare in both The Taming of the Shrew and Measure for Measure.