The One Ring Forums: Off Topic: The Pollantir:
Would you name your kids after Tolkien characters?


Poll: Would you name your kids after Tolkien characters?
Frodo 5 / 3%
Galadriel 5 / 3%
Aragorn 7 / 5%
Elrond 2 / 1%
Eowyn 23 / 16%
Eomer 8 / 6%
Shelob 1 / 1%
Sauron 0 / 0%
Luthien 21 / 15%
Beren 12 / 8%
Varda 6 / 4%
Morgoth 1 / 1%
Arwen 18 / 12%
Hurin 2 / 1%
Other 33 / 23%
144 total votes
 

CuriousG
Half-elven


Nov 29 2012, 4:16pm


Views: 4523
Would you name your kids after Tolkien characters?

I recently picked up a book, Snow Child, by Eowyn Ivey. The author was born long before the movies, and I have trouble believing it's a name that existed before LOTR was published, so I'm guessing that it's a Tolkien book fan naming their daughter for a great character.

Would you seriously name your child (pets don't count) after a Tolkien character, and if so, which one?

This is my first poll, so I hope I did it right. I tried to pick major characters, but of course, feel free to add others.


(This post was edited by CuriousG on Nov 29 2012, 4:17pm)


imin
Valinor


Nov 29 2012, 4:26pm


Views: 2966
Elanor

I dont think i would give it as a first name as im sure when people found out it was after a character in Middle Earth - Sam's eldest daughter i imagine they would get teased.

I do know an Elanor though and she was great so it also helps form a positive feeling with a name.

But for a middle name i would if the woman i am having a child with agrees.


CuriousG
Half-elven


Nov 29 2012, 4:38pm


Views: 2942
Middle names

Great point that I hadn't thought of. I would be reluctant to use a lot of names from Tolkien for a child's 1st name just because they would sound odd to most people, though I suppose everyone has heard of Legolas by now from the movies, so that might be a safely recognizable one (the nickname would be Lego, which could be cool, even with the confusion with Lego blocks.)

But I'd be freer with middle names: I wouldn't name a son Hurin Jones, but Tom Hurin Jones would be fine. As for 1st names for boys, I figure Beren would work since it doesn't seem too unusual, and Varda for girls.

"Elanor" serves a good dual purpose since it's a Tolkien character, and I've seen lots of women spell their names like that anyway (instead of Eleanor).


Kassandros
Rohan


Nov 29 2012, 4:45pm


Views: 2962
Sure!

I'd never have kids, but if I did, I'd have no problem naming them after LotR characters.

Beren and Luthien make great names. If you want to be a little bolder, Arwen, Galadriel, and Eowyn are also quite nice. Aragorn could be pretty risky, but interesting.

In my opinion, the worst name you can give a child is a boring, common name. There's nothing worse than being just another John or Jennifer. Yes, I know many people disagree with this view, and they are largely the type that have kids, alas.

all we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us...


CuriousG
Half-elven


Nov 29 2012, 4:56pm


Views: 2982
Risky ones and nicknames

As I thought about it, it seems the fewer the syllables, the less risky the name. So Aragorn and Galadriel seem like they'd have more people looking at you with a puzzled expression than Beren and Arwen. But other short names sound odd in English no matter what: I'd avoid Frodo for that reason.

The longer the name also means it's more likely to be shortened to a nickname, so Aragorn might become Gorn, and Galadriel become Gala or Riel. I wouldn't want my kid called Gorn; it sounds unpleasant somehow, like an expletive. "Gorn! I hurt my foot."

As for reverse nicknames, I work with a man named Sam and sometimes call him Samwise. I'm not sure if he gets the reference or not, but he doesn't mind that I do, since it sounds flattering on its own.


Kassandros
Rohan


Nov 29 2012, 5:13pm


Views: 2910
Whenever I call someone "Sam" online, I always hear it in Frodo's voice.

Likewise, in Song of Fire and Ice, I always hear "Sam" (Samwell) and think of Elijah Wood's Frodo saying the name as well. I wouldn't be surprised, actually, if Samwell was named after Samwise Gamgee.

I think Aragorn would be a risky name. If the kid is tall and has the right personality, they could own it, but it'd be a hard name to live up to. And no, it doesn't have a good shortening. "Arrie" wouldnt be great either.

Arwen is probably pretty safe though, thinking about it. Kind of like how there are a number of real life Adrics of a certain age. (Dr Who)

all we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us...


Radagast-Aiwendil
Gondor


Nov 29 2012, 5:46pm


Views: 2924
It certainly sounds fine so long as the child isn't teased for it..

Sadly in this world people aren't as friendly as one would hope...you might get away with Merry, but something like Aragorn, Frodo, Gandalf or Legolas would be asking for trouble..

That said I don't see any problem with naming pets after Tolkien characters (If I ever have a chocolate labrador he'll be called Radagast!)Laugh

"Radagast is, of course, a worthy wizard, a master of shapes and changes of hue, and he has much lore of herbs and beasts, and birds are especially his friends."-Gandalf, The Lord of the Rings.


Ardamírë
Valinor


Nov 29 2012, 5:56pm


Views: 2910
Love the name Elanor

I'd forgotten about it somehow, but I do want to name a daughter Elanor. The great thing is that most people would assume she was named after Eleanor Roosevelt, so it wouldn't be too out of place.

"...and his first memory of Middle-earth was the green stone above her breast as she sang above his cradle while Gondolin was still in flower." -Unfinished Tales


sador
Half-elven


Nov 29 2012, 6:16pm


Views: 2891
No.

By the way, that isn't an option on the poll. Considering the options you suggest, a more appropriate title would be "After which Tolkien characters would you name your kids?"

But still, my answer would be "none" - even if Sam is a normal name, Samwise isn't.

"As all things come to an end, even this story..."

Here we read of Bilbo, who is “quiet and drowsy”, that “every now and again he would open one eye” and listen to Gandalf’s tale. Is Tolkien deliberately echoing this passage in LOTR when he writes, “At that Bilbo opened an eye, almost as if he had heard … ‘You see, I am getting so sleepy’, he said.”?
- N.E. Brigand



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DanielLB
Immortal


Nov 29 2012, 8:18pm


Views: 2849
I don't see why not!

Morgoth Gandalf is a far more epic name than Daniel!

The question is ... Would my partner let me name my children after Tolkien characters?

The answer to that ... Is no!

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CuriousG
Half-elven


Nov 29 2012, 8:28pm


Views: 2891
The secret to success in relationships is

to give your partner a nice, shiny ring, and then bend them to your will. Okay, that would be creepy, but it worked for Sauron. (If a kid was named Sauron, wouldn't that get shortened to "Ron"? "Sow" would be problematic.)


DanielLB
Immortal


Nov 29 2012, 8:45pm


Views: 2870
We've mutually agreed on Sam

I'd just scribble "wise" on the birth certificate really quickly! She'll never know muahahaha!

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Ardamírë
Valinor


Nov 29 2012, 8:50pm


Views: 2863
Do you mind if I ask a question?

You don't have to answer if you'd rather not, but here goes. You've mentioned your partner many a time. I know different people use that term for different things, so I thought I'd ask what you meant by it. Is she your girlfriend, fiance, wife, or none of the above?

"...and his first memory of Middle-earth was the green stone above her breast as she sang above his cradle while Gondolin was still in flower." -Unfinished Tales


DanielLB
Immortal


Nov 29 2012, 9:36pm


Views: 2897
I'm offended!

No, I'm not really. I wanted to scare you a little! Tongue (Did it work?)

I use partner for girlfriend simply because it sounds more professional. I interact with a lot of people who are considerably older than me on a daily basis. Partner just sounds more professional when it crops up in conversation.

Smile

I like how you included none of the above.Wink

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Ardamírë
Valinor


Nov 29 2012, 10:31pm


Views: 2833
Didn't work!

You're too nice of a person to get offended that easily, which is why I went ahead and asked, lol.

Thanks for answering, though. I wasn't sure what you meant by it. And I included none of the above in case I missed a category somehow Angelic

"...and his first memory of Middle-earth was the green stone above her breast as she sang above his cradle while Gondolin was still in flower." -Unfinished Tales


zarabia
Tol Eressea


Nov 30 2012, 6:23am


Views: 2801
Kind of a moot point for me, but still a fun question

If that boat (having kids) hasn't sailed yet, then it has at least pulled up anchor and is making ready to sailTongue But if I had a child, I might consider one of the more obscure names from The Silmarillion. I love the names Tolkien came up with, but I wouldn't want a child to go through the teasing that would likely accompany being named for an elf.

"The question isn't where, Constable, but when." - Inspector Spacetime


zarabia
Tol Eressea


Nov 30 2012, 6:27am


Views: 2858
I've never met an Adric

but I did meet a Teegan once. I asked her if her parents were Dr. Who fans; she had no idea what I was talking about. Laugh But I bet they were. Wink

"The question isn't where, Constable, but when." - Inspector Spacetime


DanielLB
Immortal


Nov 30 2012, 7:54am


Views: 2789
I'll just have to try harder next time ;-) /

 

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Magpie
Immortal


Nov 30 2012, 2:03pm


Views: 2866
No... as well

I was happy to find family names for my kids.

The have a hard enough time with their four names. You'd think no one in history ever had more than three names.


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Otaku-sempai
Immortal


Nov 30 2012, 5:41pm


Views: 2777
Depends...

Isn't this more of a "yes" or "no" question? Anyway, Galadriel seems like a perfectly fine girl's name, but I'm not sure that my wife would go along with it. Few of Tolkien's male characters have names that are very suitable for modern use.

'There are older and fouler things than Orcs in the deep places of the world.' - Gandalf the Grey, The Fellowship of the Ring


Kassandros
Rohan


Nov 30 2012, 6:52pm


Views: 2769
Peregrin would actually be a good name.

You didn't include it in the poll, but I think Peregrin would be a good name for a kid. Would it sound too aristocratic, though? Likely to be shortened to "Perry" rather than "Pippin". In addition to the connection to a very solid and inspiring character, it also would be connected to some of the most beautiful and amazing birds who are incredibly athletic and acrobatic fliers. And it sounds relatively "normal" but probably is pretty rare.

I think I might have just sold myself on it... but as I said before, I have no plans to ever have kids.

all we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us...


Magpie
Immortal


Nov 30 2012, 8:12pm


Views: 2786
I met a child named Peregrin...

...when I worked in an early childhood program. He was a small toddler and his mother told me his name. I chirped right up.. "Oh.. he's named after..." and she interrupted me to finish, "the bird." I just kind of when, 'oh...' and thought, 'yeah, right'. His dad wanted that LOTR name and you hated it and now you're not going to admit that it's really a geek name. lol.


I saddled my sons with a couple of unconventional choices of mine. I figured having an unusual name that followed them throughout their lives wasn't something I needed to add to that.

But, without realizing it, I did give both of them androgynous names. Kind of. My oldest son is named after his grandmother but the spelling is masculine. It would have been the same name with a feminine spelling if I'd had a girl.

And my younger son was given a masculine first name but we intended to call him by a nickname that was androgynous. He took it upon himself to always introduce himself to people with his full name (even at preschool) so the nick is really a family nickname only. But I gave him that full name so that he wouldn't be saddled with the more informal version as an adult if he didn't want it.


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Sam20
Lorien

Nov 30 2012, 8:45pm


Views: 2788
Names from Middle-Earth

There are beautiful names that Tolkien use to create his characters. I've nothing against naming a child with a name such as Galadriel, Eowyn, Sam(wise), Arwen ect. But one has to consider that his child will bear that name forever (unless he change it by laws) and if he has no liking to the origin of his name, he might begrudge it or by ashamed of it (especially around teenage). That's a very important point to consider, you may dearly like Tolkien's work but that doesn't necesserely mean that you son/daughter will. Even as unlikely as it seems, you may put a burden on him.


(This post was edited by sam90 on Nov 30 2012, 8:50pm)


Kassandros
Rohan


Nov 30 2012, 8:52pm


Views: 2787
That's great!

Was the kid born before or after the LotR movies?

When naming a kid something you think is unconventional, just make sure it really is. The last think you want is your kid to have a common unconventional name, like the Caitlyns and Bellas.

But I do think we should speak of "saddling" kids with boring names. Of course, I haven't put my money where my mouth is and legally changed my name yet, though I do use a name of my choosing among friends(both irl and online), only using my given name among family and coworkers.

all we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us...


DanielLB
Immortal


Nov 30 2012, 8:56pm


Views: 2770
It's the same for me Magpie.

The L in my name is the masculine spelling of a conventionally female name. It was also my Grandfather's name - I never met him, so my Mum wanted to name one of us after him.

I don't particularly like it though. Crazy I tend to remove it from anything where I have to fill out my name. I must like it enough to include it in my username!

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Kassandros
Rohan


Nov 30 2012, 8:57pm


Views: 985
That's true of any name, though.

What if you give your child a Biblical name and your they grow up to dislike either the Bible or the specific Bliblical figure you named them after? What if you name them after a Saint and they decide to reject Catholicism? Or even just naming them after a figure in a more literary book or movie or someone you know in real life. I agree with your general philosophy, but we have to give people some name, and there's no way to know what they'll think of it later.

all we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us...


Kassandros
Rohan


Nov 30 2012, 9:02pm


Views: 1015
My father was named after his mother.

He got the male version of the his mother's name. I don't think changing the gender of names is terribly uncommon.

Is your middle name "Lynn", by any chance? Except that's spelled the same for both men and women, isn't it?

And actually, I named myself after the female figure of Greek mythology, so I've engaged in some gender switching too.

all we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us...


DanielLB
Immortal


Nov 30 2012, 9:12pm


Views: 989
Nope, guess again.

Wink

I don't view it as a female name really - simply because I know more males with the same name!

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Ardamírë
Valinor


Nov 30 2012, 9:38pm


Views: 1008
Loren?//

 

"...and his first memory of Middle-earth was the green stone above her breast as she sang above his cradle while Gondolin was still in flower." -Unfinished Tales


Magpie
Immortal


Nov 30 2012, 9:54pm


Views: 1003
It was 2007 ... so, after the LOTR films //

 


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Starling
Half-elven


Nov 30 2012, 10:39pm


Views: 988
I know someone who is named after Sauron

The parents, in their glorious wisdom, changed the spelling, but it is still instantly recognisable. Hideous.


Starling
Half-elven


Nov 30 2012, 10:47pm


Views: 1037
That can certainly be true of any name, but

some of the names that are appearing now are nothing short of dreadful.
I don't know about other countries, but here in New Zealand there are certain parents who are so desperate to name their child something unique, they saddle them with the most awful made up name. These names are can be combinations of several names, ugly phonetic spellings of well known names, or made up names so full of consonants they are very difficult to pronounce, let alone spell. I try to imagine some of these children as adults with these names and I feel very sorry for them.

The rate it's going I won't be at all surpised to see a child named 'Goll-eme' or something similar turn up at my school. Crazy


Lacrimae Rerum
Grey Havens

Dec 1 2012, 12:46am


Views: 998
Leslie?

And a no to the poll question. Far too many silly children's names as it is - Apple, Princess, Suri, Brooklyn, Heavenly, Deckchair, Ambivalence and whatnot. Or should that be Whatnot? Probably, depressingly.

LR


Magpie
Immortal


Dec 1 2012, 12:48am


Views: 983
do you remember...

 Moon Unit, Dweezil, Ahmet Emuukha Rodan and Diva Thin Muffin Pigeen?


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Starling
Half-elven


Dec 1 2012, 1:08am


Views: 1001
Talulah Does The Hula From Hawaii

An actual child's name, thankfully rejected by the NZ authorities.

How about KimYah, Zhannequar, Lucifa, Lyric, Esance? Actual names of children I know.


Lacrimae Rerum
Grey Havens

Dec 1 2012, 1:15am


Views: 994
Alas no

You forget how extraordinarily youthful I am. But a bit of a google later and at least one assumes that some mitigation can be derived from the large quantities of hallucinogenic substances sloshing around at the time.

I can't feel as generous about people who come up with these things under the influence of a skinny decaf latte and granola muffin stump.

LR


Aunt Dora Baggins
Immortal


Dec 1 2012, 1:29am


Views: 1003
Thirty years ago I suggested it to my husband, but he nixed it.

We were making lists of names, and one on my list was "Elrond". Uncle Baggins was incredulous. "Elront! What kind of name is that?" So we didn't. We named our son for his great-grandfather. Unfortunately, a few years later there was a cartoon character with that name, so he got teased anyway.

There is a person here on TORn who has a son named Beren.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"For DORA BAGGINS in memory of a LONG correspondence, with love from Bilbo; on a large wastebasket. Dora was Drogo's sister, and the eldest surviving female relative of Bilbo and Frodo; she was ninety-nine, and had written reams of good advice for more than half a century."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"A Chance Meeting at Rivendell" and other stories

leleni at hotmail dot com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



(This post was edited by Aunt Dora Baggins on Dec 1 2012, 1:31am)


Kelvarhin
Half-elven


Dec 1 2012, 2:04am


Views: 971
There's a family down here who named their daughter

Emmeerleaigh

Seems Emily is just too difficult to spell Unsure

It took us a while to work out what the name actually was.

We gave our boys boring normal names, amazingly enough, they stand out in the classroom because they ARE so normal. Kind of crazy hey?

Then there's the family that used to be at our school, who gave their daughter the same name as I have in RL, but they pronounced it ARN LICE! They got really snotty with me when I told them they were pronouncing it wrong, until I pointed out that it's my name. EvilLaugh

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Magpie
Immortal


Dec 1 2012, 2:25am


Views: 990
listen... I worked in a community where made up names were very common

with lots of apostrophes and weird spellings. I'd have to go through old papers to find some but there were LOTS.


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Magpie
Immortal


Dec 1 2012, 2:26am


Views: 968
lol //

 


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Starling
Half-elven


Dec 1 2012, 3:09am


Views: 987
I know

There are so many terrible ones I know, but then I feel a bit mean posting them, because it almost makes me feel like I am making fun of the child. And they have no control over what their name is. But I have to admit to wishing I'd kept a comprehensive list over the years.
I love my name. It's unusual but not weird, which I am very happy with.


Starling
Half-elven


Dec 1 2012, 3:26am


Views: 1012
Oh dear, Kel

That sounds just a little close to Epponnee-Raelene Kathleen Darlene Charlene from Kath & Kim. Laugh

Arn-lice definitely sounds like something you need medication to get rid of.


Eye's on Guard
Lorien


Dec 1 2012, 3:36am


Views: 951
Come to think of it...

I once knew of a boy who was named Rohan. I don't remember how his name was pronounced, though, or if he was even named after the Middle-earth people. Just saw it on a name tag once and did a double take thinking "That's a really cool name."


Kelvarhin
Half-elven


Dec 1 2012, 3:36am


Views: 943
Pretty horrible

isn't it?

It really used to irritate me, as they'd call it across the school ground. Especially as I've spent years getting people around me to pronounce it correctly.

Btw I loathe Kath & Kim, it's bad enough running into bogons at the shopping centre, but seeing them on tv/!?!?ShockedCrazy *shudders*

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One book to find them
One book to bring them all
And in TORn bind them
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Starling
Half-elven


Dec 1 2012, 4:14am


Views: 967
Ha ha

I love Kath and Kim, but I can see why you might not.
I know some people who loathe Outrageous Fortune (which is based on Auckland's 'Westie' culture). Funnily enough, they remind me quite a lot of the characters on the show.
That does not, for one moment, mean that I am making any comparison between you and a certain Kath Day-Knight.
Although, I'm sure I saw you at Fountaingate Mall just the other day... *ducks* Laugh

Bogans? I can't get enough of them. Cool


alienorchid
Lorien


Dec 1 2012, 5:04am


Views: 964
I'm (very hopefuly) not going to have kids,

but I have noticed quite a few names in Tolkien's writings that I would consider as a first or second name. Some of them I would change the spelling slightly to make it more easily readable. My own name is Irish and is spelled nothing like how it's pronounced, and it's been such a pain throughout my life - to the point that it's pretty much a running joke.

I like Beren, Deor, and Erendis. I do actually know a guy called Samwise, but he just uses Sam. His dad is a hippy from way back who is a huge LotR fan.


Starling
Half-elven


Dec 1 2012, 5:06am


Views: 952
Rohan has been around a long time

It's a Sanskrit name, from my understanding.


Eye's on Guard
Lorien


Dec 1 2012, 5:25am


Views: 965
Oh wow, never knew that

Learn something new every day...thank you for the response.


DanielLB
Immortal


Dec 1 2012, 9:17am


Views: 952
How much to keep you quiet? ;-) /

 

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Kassandros
Rohan


Dec 1 2012, 9:28pm


Views: 941
"Suri" and "Brooklyn" sound like lovely names to me. //

 

all we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us...


imin
Valinor


Dec 2 2012, 12:37am


Views: 1131
I think

the child would be bullied for those names.

Brooklyn is the name of Beckham's kid and people laugh about that name now.

I think its a difficult thing picking a name. No one wants to be boring or unimaginative but at the same time it cant be so weird that the kid is going to suffer from having the name.

Here is a clip which i think is exactly about what we are discussing. Its by David Mitchell a comedian from the UK and its his online series called Soapbox where he has little humourous rants. I tend to agree with what he says here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xblh12XgQ4o


Alassëa Eruvande
Valinor


Dec 3 2012, 4:14pm


Views: 1081
Well, having an unusual name myself, I wouldn't pick one that is too "out there".

I wouldn't be opposed to Elanor, though. It sounds normal enough, but special due to its spelling.

My neighbor's sister's daughter is named Savannah Arwen, though. Not sure it goes together, but, hey, not my kid I have to yell at. Tongue



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JWPlatt
Grey Havens


Dec 3 2012, 4:50pm


Views: 1086
Cats

No.

But we named our two sibling cats Sam and Frodo.

Sam turned out to be the adventurous one.


Lacrimae Rerum
Grey Havens

Dec 3 2012, 5:18pm


Views: 1121
Not that it works in the conetext of this thread, but that was voted the best joke at the Edinburgh Festival

You know who gives kids a bad name?

The Beckhams.

LR


Kassandros
Rohan


Dec 3 2012, 5:23pm


Views: 1063
Really?

I wouldn't think a kid would be bullied for "Suri" or "Brooklyn". They seem pretty normal to me.

I mean, bullies can use pretty much anything to bully people over. Doesn't mean we have to rename everyone John Smith and cover them in white paint and forbid them from having any hobbies and interests other than playing football and harassing girls. Yeah, some names should be avoided, but at the end of the day, if someone is bullying bases on names like those, the blame lies with the bully.

Hell, in middle school, other kids made up a name to call me based on a music video that contained a kid they thought looked like me. So even with a "normal" name like I have, that didn't really change anything. Hell, later on I got called a name of a sitcom character too. So yeah. Any name is fine, I think, unless it's something like "Poopoohead" or the like.

all we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us...


CuriousG
Half-elven


Dec 3 2012, 6:58pm


Views: 1108
There can be a lack of bullying

I didn't go to school with exceptionally enlightened people, so there was bullying, but very little when it came to names. There were two boys (different families) who moved into our district, Utah and Ford, so an American state and a car, and that was unusual in a school full of kids named Mike, Debbie, Susan, and Rick. But other than gossiping behind their backs when they were new that they had funny names, they fit in, and their names became a non-issue.

As you point out, there can be surprises with common names. One new guy was named Stephen, and he spelled it that way instead of as Steven (we had several of those). Some people picked on him for that more classical spelling, calling him "Stephanie." Anything can be used against you.


zarabia
Tol Eressea


Dec 4 2012, 7:10am


Views: 1106
I just remembered the name I had once thought would be nice for a girl

Melian, which translates as beloved, is really pretty and has a wonderful meaning. I would definitely consider Melian if I were to have a baby.

"The question isn't where, Constable, but when." - Inspector Spacetime


imin
Valinor


Dec 4 2012, 4:41pm


Views: 1039
I think it just depends

I see no reason to pick a really random name just for the sake of being different - kinda like the link i pasted, but as i didnt link it properly i doubt many watched it, lol.

To me Suri and Brooklyn are most definitely odd names for people.

I have found from living in the US compared to the UK, that names are much more 'random' in USA or should i say many names that i had never heard of before i came to America. Lots of names are given to boys when they are girls names and vice versa which i thought was really odd as its just confusing things.

At the end of the day a bully will find a reason to bully someone if they are that way but i do think there is a certain responsibility not to saddle a child with a completely unique name - some names are even illegal/banned for this very reason - they dont have to all be offensive either its just if they are too random.

I think in Germany they cant use names which are too androgynous as it causes confusion.

I think it just comes down to if one is comfortable giving a name which perhaps is more widely known or if you want the child to have literally a one of name.

From having family members who hate their completely individual name it makes me biased towards more regular names - mine is regular and i really like it :)


sherlock
Gondor


Dec 4 2012, 5:25pm


Views: 1081
Yeah,

I wish I had used that for my daughter. I wasn't as into Tolkien when I had her as I am now so I didn't even think along those lines. But I've always liked that name & it's unusual spelling.


sherlock
Gondor


Dec 4 2012, 5:33pm


Views: 1052
I have a dog named Pippin

She's a puggle & when I rescued her her name was Poquito. I wanted to keep the P at the beginning & wanted a hobbit name but my husband didn't like any of the female ones I was considering like Pansy, Poppy, Pearl, Pimpernel, Pervinca or Primula but he did like Pippin. I'm kind of glad we picked the more common name because people often recognize it.


sherlock
Gondor


Dec 4 2012, 5:54pm


Views: 1042
I like Beren, Luthien,

Varda & Arwen but I'm not sure I'd want to saddle a child with any thing so unusual. The more common names like Sam or Elanor would be ok, though.


sherlock
Gondor


Dec 4 2012, 6:01pm


Views: 1085
When I was pregnant & people asked us about

names my husband would reply "If it's a boy we'll name him Dump-truck & a girl we'll name her Latrina. He was joking, of course, but he was always so deadpan that some people didn't get the joke.


sherlock
Gondor


Dec 4 2012, 6:10pm


Views: 1028
I remember

Moon Unit & Dweezil but not the others. My husband was a big Frank Zappa fan-me, not so much!


Ardamírë
Valinor


Dec 4 2012, 6:17pm


Views: 1039
That hilarious!//

 

"...and his first memory of Middle-earth was the green stone above her breast as she sang above his cradle while Gondolin was still in flower." -Unfinished Tales


Alassëa Eruvande
Valinor


Dec 4 2012, 6:21pm


Views: 1051
When we bought our house,

the lady who worked on our loan was named Latrina. She was really grouchy and unhelpful and I attributed it to her being named after a toilet. Sly

My brother in law always said if they had a boy he would have been named Bucket. ShockedCrazy



I am SMAUG! I kill when I wish! I am strong, strong, STRONG!
My armor is like tenfold shields! My teeth like swords! My claws, spears!
The shock of my tail, a thunderbolt! My wings, a hurricane! And my breath, death!


sherlock
Gondor


Dec 4 2012, 6:21pm


Views: 1028
And isn't there someone with a son named

Faramir?


sherlock
Gondor


Dec 4 2012, 6:26pm


Views: 1047
That's funny!

I wish my husband was alive so I could tell him about Latrina. We once saw a guy on the local news named LaTroll. He was naturally up to no good, We cracked up over that one. My husband died in 2010 & of the many things I miss about him his sense of humor is right up there.


Ardamírë
Valinor


Dec 4 2012, 6:27pm


Views: 1016
I once knew someone

whose last name was Lee. He said he was going to name his son Ug... Unimpressed

"...and his first memory of Middle-earth was the green stone above her breast as she sang above his cradle while Gondolin was still in flower." -Unfinished Tales


sherlock
Gondor


Dec 4 2012, 6:30pm


Views: 1033
I like that, too!//

 


DanielLB
Immortal


Dec 4 2012, 6:34pm


Views: 1074
I have a family member called ...

John Johnson ...

Not exactly original, is it?

Want Hobbit Movie News? Hobbit Headlines of the Week!



CuriousG
Half-elven


Dec 4 2012, 7:03pm


Views: 1015
Well, I hope his dad was named John so the surname will be true.//

 


Ardamírë
Valinor


Dec 4 2012, 7:05pm


Views: 1039
I don't understand why

people do that. Do they think it's funny? or just don't care?

I'm not trying to be rude, I'm just wondering why someone would do that to a kid. Unsure

"...and his first memory of Middle-earth was the green stone above her breast as she sang above his cradle while Gondolin was still in flower." -Unfinished Tales


CuriousG
Half-elven


Dec 4 2012, 7:06pm


Views: 1017
You'd think that maybe some of the later generations of the Tolkien family would pick up these names.

Faramir Tolkien. That would really work.


Ardamírë
Valinor


Dec 4 2012, 7:10pm


Views: 1022
By the way...

There have been 17 new topics and over 400 posts since I last was on the Hobbit forum. It's killing me not being there! ShockedCrazyUnsureWinkFrownAngelic

"...and his first memory of Middle-earth was the green stone above her breast as she sang above his cradle while Gondolin was still in flower." -Unfinished Tales


DanielLB
Immortal


Dec 4 2012, 7:12pm


Views: 1019
Not a clue

They're not close family - we all think its weird!

I used to know someone with a name similar to this, but I'm having trouble remembering what their name is!Blush

Edit:

Hugh Hughes! That's it.

Want Hobbit Movie News? Hobbit Headlines of the Week!



(This post was edited by DanielLB on Dec 4 2012, 7:14pm)


DanielLB
Immortal


Dec 4 2012, 7:13pm


Views: 1199
You're not actually missing much at all

There's the reviews and a couple of new clips, but it's all pretty usual stuff! (Moaning and speculation). Wink

Want Hobbit Movie News? Hobbit Headlines of the Week!



(This post was edited by DanielLB on Dec 4 2012, 7:16pm)


Ataahua
Forum Admin / Moderator


Dec 4 2012, 7:29pm


Views: 1202
I'll summarise the forum for you:

Reviews! Angst! Excitement! Got my tickets! And locked, duplicate threads.

Celebrimbor: "Pretty rings..."
Dwarves: "Pretty rings..."
Men: "Pretty rings..."
Sauron: "Mine's better."

"Ah, how ironic, the addictive qualities of Sauron’s master weapon led to its own destruction. Which just goes to show, kids - if you want two small and noble souls to succeed on a mission of dire importance... send an evil-minded beggar with them too." - Gandalf's Diaries, final par, by Ufthak.


Ataahua's stories


Ardamírë
Valinor


Dec 4 2012, 7:44pm


Views: 1167
Hugh Hughes

How ridiculous! I'm so glad my parents didn't load me down with something like that Cool

"...and his first memory of Middle-earth was the green stone above her breast as she sang above his cradle while Gondolin was still in flower." -Unfinished Tales


Ardamírë
Valinor


Dec 4 2012, 7:46pm


Views: 1181
And it's just the beginning!

We still have 10 days to go! Laugh I'm not sure how I'll make it, and I'm sure you admins feel the same (though in a different way! Wink).

By the way, have you seen the movie already, Ataahua?

"...and his first memory of Middle-earth was the green stone above her breast as she sang above his cradle while Gondolin was still in flower." -Unfinished Tales


sherlock
Gondor


Dec 4 2012, 7:53pm


Views: 1194
I was in school

With a family whose last name was Barr. They named their daughter Candy & son Clarke. My sister always said thank goodness they didn't name anyone Hershey, lol!


Ardamírë
Valinor


Dec 4 2012, 8:07pm


Views: 1160
Poor kids

It's funny, sure, but I can't imagine actually giving someone those names for real!

"...and his first memory of Middle-earth was the green stone above her breast as she sang above his cradle while Gondolin was still in flower." -Unfinished Tales


Ataahua
Forum Admin / Moderator


Dec 4 2012, 8:14pm


Views: 1205
Not yet!

I face a long week before I finally get my tush into a cinema seat.

Celebrimbor: "Pretty rings..."
Dwarves: "Pretty rings..."
Men: "Pretty rings..."
Sauron: "Mine's better."

"Ah, how ironic, the addictive qualities of Sauron’s master weapon led to its own destruction. Which just goes to show, kids - if you want two small and noble souls to succeed on a mission of dire importance... send an evil-minded beggar with them too." - Gandalf's Diaries, final par, by Ufthak.


Ataahua's stories


DanielLB
Immortal


Dec 4 2012, 8:24pm


Views: 1150
Oh dear lord!

How awful is that. Crazy

I have quite a "unique" surname too - we have fun coming up with names that would sound ridiculous (like your example). Wink

Want Hobbit Movie News? Hobbit Headlines of the Week!



Ardamírë
Valinor


Dec 4 2012, 8:46pm


Views: 1155
Then...

You have no problem with spoilers? I'm just wondering because it seems like admins have no choice in avoiding them if they want to Crazy

"...and his first memory of Middle-earth was the green stone above her breast as she sang above his cradle while Gondolin was still in flower." -Unfinished Tales


Ataahua
Forum Admin / Moderator


Dec 4 2012, 8:54pm


Views: 1143
They're unavoidable,

although I'm trying to learn the trick of scanning for non-TOS-like behaviour while glazing over movie details.

Celebrimbor: "Pretty rings..."
Dwarves: "Pretty rings..."
Men: "Pretty rings..."
Sauron: "Mine's better."

"Ah, how ironic, the addictive qualities of Sauron’s master weapon led to its own destruction. Which just goes to show, kids - if you want two small and noble souls to succeed on a mission of dire importance... send an evil-minded beggar with them too." - Gandalf's Diaries, final par, by Ufthak.


Ataahua's stories


Ardamírë
Valinor


Dec 4 2012, 9:15pm


Views: 1215
I see I see

Doesn't sounds particularly exciting, but we're all thankful for what you all do to keep the boards friendly. I've been lurking on a Star Wars forum since the Disney buy-out, and I must say, TORn is such a pleasant and family friendly place compared to those other places. Smile

"...and his first memory of Middle-earth was the green stone above her breast as she sang above his cradle while Gondolin was still in flower." -Unfinished Tales


Kassandros
Rohan


Dec 4 2012, 10:22pm


Views: 1150
Stay strong!

I'm sure they're just discussing reviews, new clips, and descriptions of the movie based on the previous two.

We don't need reviews because we want to enjoy the movie on its own terms, not a critic's.

We don't need clips because we'd rather see them in their proper context rather than prejudging them and forming memories out of context.

We don't need descriptions of the movie because we want to experience in a fresh manner for the first time.

Maybe we need a support thread for all of us abstainers? Sly

I'm mostly trying to think about other things, and hopefully the 13th will be here before I know it...

all we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us...


Kassandros
Rohan


Dec 4 2012, 10:27pm


Views: 1160
The thing I don't understand...

Why Brooklyn and Suri? How would those names be made fun of?

I can understand with names like Waldo and Ralph and Moonunit and even something like Aragorn or Legolas. But what's to make fun of with Brooklyn or Suri? I think Brooklyn would work either as a boy's or a girl's name - it sounds like Brook, which is a normal girl's name, and it also represents a city considered to be tough, which would fit a boy well. Suri is just a non-English, non-Hebrew name - so what?

I'm not saying all unusual names are good. Just that there are a lot of decent ones and some that are on the fence. The right kid could pull off Aragorn pretty well. But there's a risk there.

all we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us...


Ardamírë
Valinor


Dec 4 2012, 10:49pm


Views: 1139
We need a group!

I'm so used to the spoilers and speculation that this quitting cold turkey stuff has been difficult! Lol.

But you're right, we don't need reviews and clips and descriptions. But we do need a group! Perhaps I'll start a thread for all us hobbit board abstainers. Perhaps on main?

"...and his first memory of Middle-earth was the green stone above her breast as she sang above his cradle while Gondolin was still in flower." -Unfinished Tales


Lacrimae Rerum
Grey Havens

Dec 4 2012, 11:01pm


Views: 1210
The curmudgeonly English answer would be

Because they aren't names. They are just words or in the case of Suri, a collection of letters.

LR


Silverlode
Forum Admin / Moderator


Dec 5 2012, 4:02am


Views: 1217
I have hearrd of a

Candy Kane. And also a Crystal Shan Delier. Shocked

I really don't know what some parents are thinking. If I had kids, I would definitely do my best to avoid obvious mockery-material. I mean, even I had my name made fun of at school and it's nothing that unusual!

Silverlode






Kassandros
Rohan


Dec 5 2012, 4:01pm


Views: 1150
But they are names!

Suri is a perfectly traditional name for people in some parts of the world. English borrows names from other languages all the time. Hell, mostly English names are probably borrowed from other languages. Joshua is Hebrew. Charlotte is French. Alexander is Greek. Is it only ok to borrow European names?

Examples of real life people named Suri from long ago:
http://http:/...iki/Suri_Bhagavantam
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suri_Krishnamma

Brooklyn is a name, too. It's the name of a city. People are already familiar with the name Paris, so why not Brooklyn? And yes, I am aware that Paris was the name of a person long before it was the name of a city, but I really don't see a problem with naming people after cities. It sounds pretty good as a name!

all we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us...

(This post was edited by Ataahua on Dec 5 2012, 5:12pm)


Lacrimae Rerum
Grey Havens

Dec 5 2012, 7:30pm


Views: 1140
No not at all.

If Suri is a borrowed name then that is deemed to be fine by grumpy Englishmen (though I have my doubts about it in this case!)

However I don't think calling a kid Bradford necessarily counts!

LR


imin
Valinor


Dec 5 2012, 11:10pm


Views: 1171
to me

they are just not good names, i know loads of people who laughed at the beckhams when they named their child brooklyn.

You like it, but i dont think its out of the question to have other people who think they are terrible names. Doesnt make me an old grumpy man as others may suggest, just means i dont like them Tongue

To me naming someone after a city is just naff and tasteless but if others want to do that then go for it, its just to me calling someone Brooklyn is as an appropriate name for someone as calling them Cockermouth (my home town) - could it be done? Yes. Is it a good idea? In my opinion no, but hey i wont have to say the name so it doesnt matter at the end of the day.


MrCere
Sr. Staff


Dec 8 2012, 7:23am


Views: 1105
Already did: "Strider" {NT}

 

I have no choice but to believe in free will.

The cake is a lie
The cake is a lie
The cake is a lie

My blog




Alassëa Eruvande
Valinor


Dec 8 2012, 3:21pm


Views: 1128
Your kid is the one that came to my mind.

Smile



I am SMAUG! I kill when I wish! I am strong, strong, STRONG!
My armor is like tenfold shields! My teeth like swords! My claws, spears!
The shock of my tail, a thunderbolt! My wings, a hurricane! And my breath, death!


Laerasëa
Tol Eressea


Dec 12 2012, 3:04am


Views: 1164
I can't answer for myself, but

I had a girl in one of the kindergarten classes I interned in named Arwen (and she had two little sisters named Elanor and Rosie). When I told her she was named after a fantasy book, she shouted, "Lord of the Rings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" (all those exclamation marks were in her voice) She was definitely one of the funniest kids I've taught.

‎"If my tongue were trained to measures, I would sing a stirring song."
--Paul Tillich


Mozart and Chocolate


Gimli'sBox
Gondor


Dec 16 2012, 6:22pm


Views: 1231
After reading the Hobbit I thought Durin wasn't a bad choice. It's not too odd but, different.//

 

Some who have read the book, or at any rate have reviewed it, have found it boring, absurd, or contemptible; and I have no cause to complain, since I have similar opinions of their works, or of the kinds of writing they evidently prefer.

Good becomes great. Bad becomes worse.  This is why you were chosen.  Because a strong man who has known power all his life may lose respect for that power.  But a weak man knows the value of strength and knows compassion. 


Aethelwyne Bolger
Bree


Dec 19 2012, 1:30am


Views: 1356
I wanted to back in the 90's

Before the whole world knew about Tolkien. I guess it's good I never had kids, because on the baby name sites the ones named for Arwen and Aragorn are always teased in school ( and I know how that feels!).
After the movies came out, I thought the name Lorien would be pretty for a child, but, alas, I had none of my own.
Now in the 80's and early 90's, I had goldfish named Strider, Whizzer (wizard), Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin, if that counts!Tongue
I read a book when I was a teen about a troubled child who was in the foster system, and it was called The Great Gilly Hopkins. Her real name was Galadriel, and the social worker said, "God help the children of the flower children." I took that to mean, if I had a child named after a Tolkien character, I was a closet hippie. Darn right!



Aethelwyne Bolger. Because Bellawen Bolger and Arianna Greenleaf just aren't me!

(This post was edited by Aethelwyne Bolger on Dec 19 2012, 1:31am)


ScholarGipsy
The Shire


Jan 1 2013, 7:54pm


Views: 1430
Yes!

Absolutely. Ever since I read The Lord of the Rings, I've wanted to name any daughter of mine Eowyn. I don't think that's too outlandish a name, but being Indian, Eowyn + an Indian last name might be too incongruous (read: ridiculous)! Hopefully, by the time I get around to having kids, the world will have done away with last names.

'What do you fear, lady?' he asked.

'A cage', she said, 'To stay behind bars, until use and old age accept them, and all chance of doing great deeds is gone beyond recall or desire'.

[The Two Towers - J.R.R Tolkien]


sauget.diblosio
Tol Eressea

Apr 2 2013, 1:24am


Views: 920
While i love the idea of naming children after literary characters,

or after favorite characters from favorite films, a Middle Earth name wouldn't work for me. So i chose 'other'.