Have you ever wondered where the origins of names come from? What’s the real meaning behind ‘Jason’, ‘Jonny’ and ‘Steve’? Well, no worries! We’ve got started on that research and have found 13 names with weirder meaning than you might not have guessed.
The Book of Everyone is a platform dedicated to finding out weird curiosities and facts about the world.
Do you know anyone with these names? Share and let them know!
More info: thebookofeveryone.com
Avery – Ruler of the Elves
AVERY. A regal name. If you’re an elf, anyway.
Yup, Avery (and also AUBREY) come from the old Anglo-Saxon words “AELF,” (“elf”), and “RAED” (“ruler” or “counsel”).
Blair – Peat moss
“BLAIR” is an elegant, monosyllabic, androgynous name. It also means “peat moss” in the original Scottish. 🌿
Hey, at least the Gaelic translation is, “child of the fields.” A little more lively, at least.
Bob – Bright and famous
So simple. So classic. So bright. 🌞
The humble name of “BOB” – or “Robert,” if you prefer – comes originally from the Germanic name “Hrodebert.” This in turn comes from the words “HROD” (“fame”) and “BERAHT” (“bright”).
Cameron – Crooked nose
The name Cameron originated from the Scottish highlands and is said to derive from ‘cam sròn’ meaning, quite literally, ‘crooked nose.’ 👃
Campbell – Crooked mouth
Long a last name, Campbell has migrated to become a popular unisex given name in the past several years. And yes, it means that one’s trap may be a bit wonky.
CAMPBELL comes from two Scottish Gaelic words: “cam” and “béal,” which translates as “crooked mouth.”
Cecilia – Blind
Oh Ce-ciiiii-lia! You’re breaking my heart! 🎶
I’m losing my eyeglasses daily! 👓
Yup, the name “CECILIA” originally comes from the Latin “CAECUS” – which translates to “blind.”
Emma – Whole or universal
Calling all people with the name Emma, or friends named Emma! This particular name derives from the Germanic word ‘ermen’ meaning ‘whole’ or ‘universal.’ 🌎
Off the top of my head I can think of some pretty ‘whole’ Emmas: Emma Watson, Emma Thompson and Emma Stone for example. Three fantastic actresses that have also helped in many other ways than just gracing the big screen, ranging from women’s equality, human rights and more. 💪
Jessica – Gift
We all know someone who could be called a gift or a blessing. Whether it be the way they light up a room, their sense of cool in stressful situations or because they always bring us food. 🍔 However, if you know anyone called Jessica, they have a reason to be called a gift.
Interpreted as the feminine form of ‘Jesse,’ Jessica derived from the Hebrew of yīshai, or gift. So, technically anyone called Jessica is, quite literally, a gift. 🎁
Kennedy – Ugly head
Marilyn Monroe may disagree with this one…
But it’s true. The name “KENNEDY” comes from the Gaelic given name “Ceannéidigh.” It comes from “ceann,” meaning “head”, and “éidigh,” meaning “ugly”. 🙀
(there’s another theory that it might mean “helmet headed” instead – which is somewhat more flattering)
Olivia/Oliver – Elf army
Both Oliver and Olivia may find themselves heading up North Pole operations this year. 🎁
The modern names of Oliver and Olivia come originally from a mash-up of Lower German “ALF” (“elf”) and “HARI” (“army” or “warrior”).
(an alternate theory puts their origins in the Latin “olivarius,” or “olive tree planter.” But that’s not nearly so much fun this time of year, is it?)
Ralph – Wolf-counsel
The humble name of “Ralph” is actually quite fierce in origin. 🐺
Our modern English name of Ralph comes originally from Old Norse “Raðulfr” – which is made of “rað” (“counsel”) and “ulfr” (“wolf”).
Silva – Spirit of the forest
The name ‘Silvia’ is of Latin origin, with the English version of the spelling ‘Sylvia.’ The name originates from the Latin word for forest, ‘Silva’ which derives from the Roman god ‘Silvanus,’ who was the spirit of the forest. 🌳
So, the name in all its entirety means ‘Spirit of the forest.’
Wanda – To gain fat
Well! I wouldn’t have guessed this one, but here you have it.
The name “WANDA” comes from the Swahili – and yes, does mean to put on weight. And to top it off, it turns out its a unisex name originally… since just about anyone you please may have love handles.
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