Names for Characters in my Short Stories
- Enoch
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"dedicated"Description:
A major figure in the Old Testament, Enoch was the son of Jared, the father of Methuselah, and the great-grandfather of Noah whose Book of Enoch provides a focal point for ancient Jewish mysticism. Another Enoch was the son of Cain. "Enoch Arden" is a famous poem by Alfred, Lord Tennyson. On the negative side, British politician Enoch Powell gave the infamously racist Rivers of Blood anti-immigration speech, taking the name out of consideration for many parents in the UK.
- Abbie
Origin:
Diminutive of AbigailMeaning:
"my father is joyful"Description:
Abbie is a gently old-fashioned nickname name that owes its rising popularity to Top 10 Abigail. Abby may be the more usual spelling today.
- Bobby
Origin:
Diminutive of RobertMeaning:
"bright fame"Description:
Bobby is the quintessential mid-century nickname, the name of the son on Mad Men and overused to the point of cliche. Though Robert is still a highly popular choice, most Roberts today are called by their full name or Rob or Robbie rather than Bob or Bobby.
- Marty
Origin:
Short form of Martha or Martina, Aramaic or LatinMeaning:
"lady or warlike"Description:
Marty and Martie are old-fashioned gender-neutral nickname names, boyish nicknames not heard much since the middle of the last century. That could change, though, with the rise of vintage boyish nicknames for girls. They have a certain charm and may come back into style along with mother names such as Martha.
- Lizette
Origin:
French, diminutive of ElizabethMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
Whether you spell it Lisette or Lizette, a somewhat dated diminutive that nevertheless retains some charm.
- Nona
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"ninth"Description:
Nona is a name sometimes given to the ninth child -- but unlikely to serve that purpose today. Musical cred: the name of a song by Motley Crue.
- Tamara
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"date palm tree"Description:
Adding a final a to Tamar lends it a more sensual Slavic tone, making it a more popular choice than the original.
- Dianne
Origin:
Variation of Diane, French from LatinMeaning:
"divine"Description:
Dianne, one of the many offshoots and variations of the classic Diana, had its moment in the sun in the 1940s--it was a Top 100 name from 1943 to 1952. It now would make a very unlikely choice.
- Mindy
Origin:
Diminutive of MelindaMeaning:
"beautiful honey"Description:
This sweet nickname style name combines contemporary Indy with vintage Minnie. Popular in the 80s, it fell out of style by the mid-90s, but, with the likes of Annie, Edie, Ellie, Bonnie and Heidi getting more attention, could Mindy make a comeback?
- Christine
Origin:
French variation of ChristinaMeaning:
"Christian"Description:
Christine was the dominant feminine variation of Christopher forty or fifty years ago, when French E-endings were preferred over As; it was a Top 20 name for several years, from 1966 to 1974. But though it still hangs in on the popularity list, today most any other version would be considered more stylish, from Kristen to Kirsten to Christina herself.
- Darryl
Description:
Darryl is a masculine name with ancient Celtic origins, derived from the Irish name 'Dáire' or 'Daire,' meaning 'fruitful' or 'fertile.' It entered common usage in English-speaking countries as both a given name and surname. Darryl experienced significant popularity in the United States from the 1950s through the 1970s, reaching its peak in the mid-1960s. Sports figures like baseball stars Darryl Strawberry and cultural references in television and film helped maintain the name's visibility. While its usage has declined since its heyday, Darryl retains a friendly, approachable quality. The name is often associated with reliability and straightforwardness, carrying a classic yet not overly formal feel with its characteristic double-r spelling.
- Dana
Origin:
English, Slavic, Persian, ArabicMeaning:
"from Denmark, gift, or wise"Description:
This name found in both Celtic and Scandinavian mythology has gone from all-boy to almost all-girl, retaining a strong, unisex quality. However, it has dropped following its three-decade heyday from the 1960s to the 1990s.
- Coral
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"a rock like substance formed by sea creatures; pinkish-red; gemstone"Description:
A color name, a gemstone name, and an ocean-inspired choice, Coral has a lot going for it with its sharp C sounds yet sweet vintage feel. Unlike Scarlett or Violet, however, it is only quietly used in the US these days, perhaps because of its similarity to more 'dated' Carol.
- Randall
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"shield-wolf"Description:
Medieval name without much of a future.
- Cate
Origin:
English diminutive of CatherineMeaning:
"pure"Description:
Time was, even C-starting Catherines who called themselves Kate spelled it with a K, but Cate Blanchett changed all. Cate is now as acceptable as (but not as well used as) Kate. Cait might be short for Caitlin.
- Toddy
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