P.G.Wodehouse Character Names

  1. Queenie
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "queen"
    • Description:

      Wisecracking waitress name stuck in the luncheonette. Started as nickname for girls named Regina -- queen in Latin -- now mostly a canine choice.
  2. Kay
    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Katherine, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "pure"
    • Description:

      Kay, a cigarette-smoking, nightclubbing name of the 1930's, could be ready for a comeback along with cousins May/Mae and Ray/Rae.
  3. Aline
    • Origin:

      Variation of Adeline or Aileen
    • Description:

      Aline may have originated as a short form of Adeline in the Middle Ages, but it may also be a variation of the Irish Aileen or Scottish Eileen. Aline dropped off the Top 1000 in the 1950s. Fewer than 40 baby girls were named Aline in the US last year.
  4. Egbert
    • Origin:

      Anglo-Saxon
    • Meaning:

      "bright edge of a sword"
    • Description:

      Egbert still suffers somewhat from being used as a stereotypical name for nerds and aristocrats. It would be a surprising choice, but with its edgy meaning and dusty charm, possibly it's so beyond cool that it's...actually kind of cool?
  5. Edmond
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "wealthy protector"
    • Description:

      The sophisticated Edmond and its nearly-identical twin Edmund are coming out of mothballs now that Edward, inspired by Twilight, is once again a hot name. Parents looking for an alternative might gravitate to Edmond, a handsome classic that has both class and style.
  6. Honoria
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "woman of honor"
    • Description:

      This is an eighteenth century elaboration of Honor found in Charles Dickens (Bleak House) but rarely heard here and now.
  7. Judson
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "son of Jordan"
    • Description:

      Judson remained in the US Top 1000 every year until it dropped off in 1987. In 2014, the named rejoined the list. With Hudson gaining in popularity, Judson—a possible alternative to Justin—could follow its path.
  8. Nesta
    • Origin:

      Welsh variation of Agnes
    • Description:

      This is the most popular Welsh form of Agnes. Variants include Annest and Nest. There was an eleventh century Nest who was known as 'Helen of Wales' for her beauty and the problems it caused.
  9. Sampson
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "sun"
    • Description:

      This name, once considered overly powerful due to the superhuman strength of the biblical figure, is now an option for parents in search of an unusual route to Sam. But you really don't need that p: Samson will do.
  10. Sue
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Susan
    • Description:

      Much-used midcentury diminutive, now fallen far from favor even as a middle name.
  11. Sacheverell
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "roebuck leap"
    • Description:

      Over the top for even the most ardent Anglophile. Sacheverell Sitwell was a member of the prominentliterary Sitwell family.
  12. Ogden
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "from the oak valley"
    • Description:

      Rarely used surname, associated with humorous poet Ogden Nash.
  13. Ashe
    • Origin:

      English surname; diminutive of Ashley, Ashton, etc
    • Description:

      Although usually spelled without the final 'e', this version commemorates tennis immortal Arthur Ashe. Seth Meyers' son Ashe was given his wife's maiden name.
  14. Mervyn
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "sea hill"
    • Description:

      Terminally outmoded.
  15. Wilmot
    • Origin:

      Manx variation of William, German
    • Meaning:

      "resolute protection"
    • Description:

      Wilmot has the sort of old-school bookish charm of other surname-sounding names like Beckett, Everett, Griffith and Weston. This could be a good choice for families wanting to honor that special William in a creative way,
  16. Osbert
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "divinely brilliant"
    • Description:

      Some cutting-edge parents might revive Osbert as a substitute for Oscar. We like the "divinely brilliant" meaning. Cool or terminally nerdy? Your call.
  17. Spenser
    • Description:

      Spenser is a masculine name that originated as an English occupational surname meaning 'dispenser' or 'steward.' It gained recognition through the celebrated 16th-century English poet Edmund Spenser, author of 'The Faerie Queene.' The spelling with an 's' rather than a 'c' (as in Spencer) gives the name a literary distinction and subtle uniqueness. Spenser projects an intellectual, refined image while maintaining masculine qualities. While less common than the Spencer variant, it has maintained steady usage, particularly among families valuing literary connections or seeking a distinguished English name. The name carries associations of creativity and scholarship, offering a sophisticated option with historic depth. In contemporary usage, it strikes a balance between familiar and distinctive.

  18. Esmond
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "graceful protection"
    • Description:

      Though slightly haughtier and less accessible than cousin Edmond, Esmond could appeal to some parents seeing a distinguished appellation. It began being used (albeit sparingly) in England in the nineteenth century, possibly influenced by William Makepeace Thackeray's novel The History of Henry Esmond.
  19. Ralston
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "Ralph's settlement"
    • Description:

      Down-to-earth surname name with a drawl, also associated with cereal and dog food.
  20. Bud
    • Origin:

      English nickname
    • Meaning:

      "friend"
    • Description:

      An upbeat and friendly nickname, Bud is more often reserved as a term of endearment, though it was once a Top 500 choice in the US and remained in the charts right up until the 60s. While long-form Buddy may feel more wearable, it does have the vintage yet energetic feel of Teddy, Kit, or Scout.

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