Isabel is no longer brown. Cecilia (grey-eyed) | is a good name, and should be a favourite belies her name, and "lets fly the arrows of among us, boasting as we do of our Saxon or love' from orbs of heavenly blue. Rebecca, Anglo-Saxon descent, and tracing some of our who ought to be somewhat embonpoint, free institutions to the great and good king "rounded into beauty," as the poet hath it, is who bore it "in the olden time." perhaps a slender, lily-like maiden, better suiting the name of Susan. As thus misapplied, our personal nomenclature is worse than meaningless. We should deem the person either hopelessly insane or unpardonably ignorant, who should, in science or in business, thus misuse well-understood terms. I am not disposed to enter the domain of the abstract, and show, as I might, that there is an inherent fitness in names for persons and things; a correspondence between the wordsymbol and the object which it was originally intended to represent, intuitively recognized by the soul, though perhaps not fully comprehended. My design is a more practical one. I propose to preseut here some of the personal names now in use in this country, with their origin and signification; together with such illustrations, etymological, historical, and poetical, as may occur to my mind while I write. If what I may offer shall prove in the humblest way instrumental in restoring our individual nomenclature to its original significance and importance, I shall not have written in vain. Ada is well known as the name of Byron's only daughter. It is from the Saxon (Edith, Eadith, or Eade, Ada), and signifies happy. "Is thy face like thy mother's, my fair child, Ada ?"-BYRON. Alice is from the Latin, and has the meaning of noble. It is one of the sweetest of our female names: "Oh that I were beside her now! Oh! will she answer if I call? Sweet Alice, if I told her all !"-TENNYSON. Alphonso is said to be the Spanish form of the ancient Gothic Elfuns, or help. It is a euphonious name, but is now seldom used. Byron damned it to everlasting ridiculousness in one of his inimitable rhymes: 66 Ungrateful, perjured, barbarous Don Alphonso, I really wonder how you can go on so!" Amelia, or Amelie (French Aimée), signifies beloved. Amy or Amie, have the same derivation and meaning. Our vocabulary contains no sweeter or more loveable name. Happy is she who bears a name pregnant with such sacred significance, and happy the man who is privileged to whisper it in her ear as the highest word of endearment: Aimée, beloved! The reader will recollect, in connection with this name, that dark page in the romance of history which records the sad fate of Amy Robsart. Anna, or Annie (Hebrew, Hannah), signifies Adelaide is of German derivation, and has the kind or gracious. meaning of a princess. "What aileth thee? whom waitest thou, With thy softened, shadowed brow, And those dew-lit eyes of thine, Thou faint smiler, Adeline ?"-TENNYSON. Agatha (good) is from the Greek. To be worthy of this name, indicative as it is of all the virtues, is an object which may well enlist the highest ambition of the fair ones who bear it, whether maidens or wives. Agnes (chaste) is also from the Greek, and is one of the best names in use among us. None but pure, gentle, and loving beings, it would seem, should bear it; but in one case, at least, it has belonged to one in which the heroic predominated over every gentle sentiment: Black Agues, of Dunbar, who, as the reader of history will recollect, kept her husband's castle, like a lioness, against his enemies: "Twine, ye roses, for the brow Of the lady of my vow, Alfred is Saxon, and signifies all-peace. It Arabella (French, Arabelle) is of Latin derivation, and has the meaning of beautiful altar. Before no place of sacrifice bend devouter worshippers: "Bella Arabella, belle, Fairer than my verse can tell: I love thee, Arabelle- Augustus (increasing) is from the Latin, and signifies that those who originally bore it continually grew in power and honour. It has been a favourite name in kingly and princely palaces, but princes have no monopoly of it. Its feminine form is Augusta. Baldwin (a bold swimmer) is a fine name of the old Saxon stock. Barbara is of Latin derivation, and signifies strange or foreign. Its mention recalls to our minds the melancholy fate of Jemmy Grove, of ballad memory, who died at Scarlet Town of a broken heart (poor fellow!) "For love of Barbara Allen !" Basil (kingly) is of Greek origin. It can hardly be a popular name in these republican times. Beatrice is one who blesses or makes happy. Blessed (Benedict) is he on whom she smiles. No name can be more appropriate for a lovely and affectionate woman. Dante immortalized it, and Shakspeare and Shelley have thrown around it the charm of their numbers. It is derived from the Latin. Why is it not more frequently used? Benjamin (son of the right hand) is a fine old Hebrew name, and has been borne by men of renown, among whom were Jonson and Franklin. Bertha (bright or famous) is a fine name of Greek origin, and should be more common. Bianca is the Italian form of Blanche, which, as I have already hinted, has the meaning of white or fair. It is a sweet name in both forms, but should be fittingly bestowed. Calista (Greek, kaλos) is beautiful. Catharine, or Katharine, is derived from the Greek kalapy, pure or chaste, and is one of the best of our female names. In the Irish it becomes Kathleen, and in the Flemish, Kateline. A pretty diminutive of Catharine is Katharina ; but I like it best in its familiarized form of Kate. Who ever knew a Kate who was not frolicsome, mischievous, and saucy? What says the poet? "Kate's a sweet and saucy creature, With a lip of scarlet bloom; Woodbines sipping golden nectar Roses drinking rich perfume; Voice as dainty as the whisper Founts give in their crystal shrine : Saucy Kate, so full of mischief, Would that I could call thee mine!" The shrew-taming Petruchio, in the play, thus harps upon the name: "You are called plain Kate, And bonny Kate, and sometimes Kate the cross; The name of Catharine, disgraced by her of Medici, was honoured by the noble but unfortunate queen of Henry VIII., whom the pen of a Shakspeare and the voice of a Siddons have immortalized. Charles. Some etymologists derive this illustrious name from the German kerl; AngloSaxon ceorl or churl; a term denoting rusticity, and quite opposed to every idea of nobility. Its real origin may probably be found in the Sclavonic krol, a king. Thus: Krol, Korol, Karolus, Carolus, Charles. Krol may have come from the Latin corona or corolla, a crown. Charles, then, is a king, or one who is crowned. This seems an appropriate signification for a name which has been borne by so many kings and emperors. Charles sometimes occurs in this country in the Spanish form, Carlos. Charlotte is one of the feminine forms of Charles, and, if we accept the foregoing etymology, sig nifies a queen. Those who derive the name from the German, give it the signification of prevailing. I have no quarrel here with the etymologist. All Charlottes may be queens of love, and being queens must prevail over the hearts of men. Charlotte Corday will be remembered as one not unworthy of so brave a name. But "My Charlotte conquers with a smile, In the home-circle and among her companions, Charlotte lays aside her queenship and becomes Lottie. Caroline is the feminine of Charles, in another form, and of course has the same meaning as Charlotte. It is another noble and queenly name, and has been borne by many a noble woman. Caroline assumes the familiarized or pet forms of Carrie, Callie, Caro, and Cal. "Oh! a thing of earth, but half divine, Is she, my fair young Caroline!" Clara (clear or bright) is from the Latin. It is a very pretty name, and is immortalized in one of the best of Scott's novels, St. Ronan's Well. Clarissa is from the same root, as is Claribel (bright and beautiful). "Diamonds bright shall Clara wear, Daniel (a judge) is from the Hebrew. David, also from the Hebrew, signifies, as I have already said, well-beloved. Deborah (signifying a bee) is another good but rather homely name from the Hebrew stock. Earine (vernal), a name immortalized by Ben Jonson, should certainly be revived. Edward is a truth-keeper. The name is of Saxon derivation, and is surrounded by rich historical associations. Its French form is Edouard. Edwin (happy winner-bonum nomen bonum omen) is also from the Saxon. Eleanor (French, Eleanore) is of Saxon derivation, and signifies all fruitful. Eleanore, A name for angels to murmur o'er!" Emma (tender, affectionate-literally, one who nurses, cares for, watches over another) is of German origin. Who could desire his mother, his sister, or his beloved to bear a sweeter or a better name? Under the form of Imma it was honoured by Charlemagne's fair daughter, whose love-history, in connection with Eginhard, her father's secretary, forms one of the prettiest episodes in the chronicles of the time. Emeline is simply a diminutive of Emma. Erasmus is from the Greek, and signifies worthy to be loved. Ernest (earnest) is derived from the German. Its feminine form is Ernestine. Isabel (French, Isabelle; Spanish, Isabella) signifies olive-complexioned, or brown. This is just the name for a "bonny brunette;" for such a one as the poet when he sings: Eugene (nobly descended) is of Greek de- | Henrica, and Harriet, who, since they cannot rivation. In the feminine, in which it ought to be rich lords, should be rich ladies. be oftener used, we give it the form of Eugenia. Everard is a good name from the German stock, and has the meaning of well-reported. Francis is of German origin, and signifies frank and free. It is one of our finest names. Frances, of which Fanny is the familiarized or pet form, is the feminine. Frederick (rich peace) is another German name of historical importance. Frederick, the grenadier King of Prussia, was not particularly well named. George (a farmer) is from the Greek. It should be a very common name in agricultural communities. It has been borne by kings, and by one, at least, who was greater than any king-Washington. Georgia, Georgette, and Georgianna are its feminine forms. Gertrude is from the German, and, according to the etymology usually given, signifies alltruth; but Jung-Stillng, in his Pneumatology, gives it a very different meaning. Speaking of the Druids, he says: "Into this mysterious, spiritual order, old women were also received, who by this means attained to considerable rank, and became priestesses. Such individuals then received the title of Haxa-Druidess. Both these names were, at that time, honourable appellations; they are now the most disgraceful terms of reproach. The name of Gertrude, or Gertrudis, is probably also derived from this source, and ought reasonably to be disused, for it has the same meaning as the word haxa, or here (a witch)." Well, this may be true, for Gertrudes are generally very bewitching. Grace (favour) is from the Latin. Well may it be a favourite name! Commend to me the Graces: "You may toast your charming Sue; Helen (Latin, Helena; French, Helene) is of Greek origin. The true signification of it seems to be one of those vexato questiones which abound in etymological discussions. According to one it has the meaning of alluring; another makes it signify a taker, or one who seizes; while a third defines it as one who pities. I am inclined to endorse the last. Many a poor unfortunate lover has found Helen alluring, and has finally been taken, seized, conquered by the prestige of her bright eyes and sweet voice. Happy is he who finds one who pities; for pity is akin to love. Ellen is only a different form of the same name. It is often contracted to Nellie and Nell, and is a fine name in all its forms. Henry (rich lord) is of German derivation. It has been borne by many kings, noblemen, and patriots. In its familiarized form it becomes Harry. Its feminizations are Henrietta, "Give me the brown girl, with a bright sunny glow!" There is a silvery, bell-like music in the name, which is exceedingly attractive, and which has made it a favourite with the poets. One says: James (in the French, Jacques, Spanish, Jayme, Italian, Giacomo, Scotch, Jamie) comes from the old Hebrew stock, and is generally supposed to be the same as Jacob, and to signify a supplanter. Hebrew, and to signify gracious; but Talbot John is generally supposed to be from the traces it, as he thinks, to the Latin juvenis, a young man. In the Italian it is Giovanni; in the Spanish, Juan; and in the French, Jean. It has been borne by some of the greatest men that the world has ever produced. It was the name of Milton, Hampden, Locke, Dryden, Howard, Molière, Boccaccio, Hancock, Adams, Calhoun. Shakespeare bestowed it upon one of his best characters, the fat knight who was my familiars; John with my brothers and wont to subscribe himself, "Jack Falstaff with sisters; and Sir John with the rest of Europe." The name is a great favourite with the very respectable and somewhat numerous family of Smiths; and probably the most noted of all the Johns, ancient or modern, is John Smith. The commonness of the name is the only valid objection to it. It has ceased to be sufficiently distinctive, and one sympathizes with the lament C of an unfortunate bearer of the ancient and alted; a truly appropriate signification. It is a honoured but much-abused name : 'Why did they call me John, I say, Should propagate the name ?" The English are prone to convert John into Jack, and the Scotch into Jock, neither of which is either elegant or genteel. Judith, from the Hebrew, signifies praising. Julius (soft-haired) is of Latin origin. Julia, Julietta, Juliet, and Julianna are feminizations of Julius, and should wear on their queenly heads "soft and silken tresses." Julia needs no eulogist, since she is one whom the poets have immortalized. Julietta, or Juliet, is a diminutive. of Julia, "but has," as Talbot remarks," apparently united itself with another name, Joliette, the diminutive of jollie, pretty." Letitia (joy) is one of the happiest as well as the sweetest of names. The woman we love should be 66 a joy for ever" to our hearts. It is a good old Roman name. Leonard is from the German, and signifies lion-like. Mabel is probably from ma bella, (my fair), though some think it a contraction of amabilis (lovely or amiable). The fair ones who bear it have no reason to complain of either derivation. Madeline, (Syriac, Magdaline), magnificent, is a noble name, and a favourite with the poets. It often occurs in the French form of Made leine. "Thou art not steeped in golden languors, Margaret (a pearl), is from the Latin Margarita. Another, and, if possible, a more beautiful signification has curiously enough attached itself to this name. The German word magd, a maid, was anciently written magete and maghet, which words were easily confused with Madge and Maggie, and thus with Margaret. Daisies were also called maghets, maids or margarets, whence we have the French marguerites, daisies. Margaret, then, may be a pearl or a daisy, as she chooseth; or she may, if she will, combine the beauty and purity of both, in her life and character, and thus prove herself worthy of her doubly significant name. But maidens are something more than pearls or daisies, and well may the poet ask: "Where may the bright flower be met Martha is a pleasant name from the Hebrew, but is unfortunate in its signification, meaning bitterness! famous name, both in sacred and in profane history. In all ages it has literally been exalted. From Mary the mother of Jesus to Mary the mother of Washington, the glory has not departed from the name. It has been linked with titles and power. It has ever been a favourite with the poets. Byron, as he assures us, felt an absolute passion for it. It is inwoven with some of his sweetest verses. It is still the theme of bards and bardings innumerable. "The very music of the name has gone Into our being." In the French, Mary becomes Marie. Maria is another form of it. "Is thy name Mary, maiden fair? Such should, methinks, its music be, The sweetest name that mortats bear Is but befitting thee!" Matilda is from the Greek, and signifies noble or stately. Maranda (admired) is from the Latin. Prince Ferdinand in "The Tempest" exclaims: "Admired Miranda! indeed the top of admiration." Nancy, it is believed, may be traced to the the same signification, kind or gracious. same source as Anna and Hannah, which have Oliver is from the Latin word oliva, an olivetree, and is thus significant of peace. Oliva and Olive are its feminine forms. Phoebe is a bright and beautiful name; one full of the happiest significance. Phoebe, light of life! What more or better can a lover or husband desire? Those who have read Hawthorne's "House of the Seven Gables," (and who has not?) will here recall to their minds the sweetmaiden who brought the sunshine and the fratempered, cheerful, and warm-hearted countrygrance of the fields with her, to enliven and purify the dark, damp, and mouldy old mansion of the Pyncheons. She was rightly named Phobe. Philemon is one who kisses. It is, I think of Greek derivation. Philip (a lover of horses) is from the Greek. for the name of a fairy or an angel. There is a Rose (Latin, Rosa) a rose, is aweet enough veritable fragrance in it. It calls up visions of garden arbours and embowering shrubs and It is poetical as well as euphonic : vines. "Where the Juniata flows, It Rosabel (Italian, rosa-bella) is from the same Latin root, but comes to us through Italian. signifies fair or beautiful rose. Rosalie, (French, Mary. This sweetest of all female names is rose et lis?) rose and lily, combines the frafrom the Hebrew, and has the meaning of ex-grance and beauty of two lovely flowers; "I love to forget ambition! And hope in the mingled thought Of valley, and wood, and meadow, Where, whilome, my spirit caught Affections's holiest breathing; Where under the skies with me, Young Rosalie roved, aye drinking From joy's bright Castaly." Rosalind. It is enough to say of this name that it is one of Shakespeare's immortalized appellations. The termination, lind, may have been coined by him simply for the sake of euphony, or it may have been derived from the Spanish linda, neat or elegant, (rosa linda, elegant rose). "From the east to western Ind No jewel is like Rosalind." Rosamond is one of the prettiest names of the rose-family. The derivation of the last part of the word is somewhat doubtful. Perhaps it is from mundi, (French, monde), and perhaps from the German mund, the mouth, so that Rosamond may have originally been Rosenmund, or rosy-mouth; but Talbot thinks that it is from the Spanish rosa montes, rose of the mountain, that is, the pœony. Richard is from the Saxon, and signifies richhearted, or, according to another etymology, richly honoured. Robert, otherwise Rupert or Ruprecht, appears to come from the old Anglo-Saxon words ro or ru, red, and bart, beard, red-beard; so says Talbot. Romeo (a pilgrim) is from the Italian. Ruth is from the Hebrew, and signifies a trembler. It is a pretty name, but is seldom used. Sarah (a princess) is from the Hebrew. In poetry and familiar address it takes the form of Sally or Sallie, and is found in many a lovesong and ballad. Sophia, (wisdom) is from the Greek. "Wilt thou be a nun, Sophie? Nothing but a nun ?"-PROCTOR Susan is of Hebrew origin, and has the meaning of a lily. In its familiarized or pet form it becomes Sue. It is a very pretty name, aud is immortalized in Gay's well-known ballad, in which its signification is very happily introduced into the closing line: "Adien,' she cried, and waved her lily hand." Theodore is a fine euphonic name from the Greek, and signifies gift of God. Its feminine form is Theodora : "Since we know her for an angel Bearing meek the common load, Let us call her Theodora, Gift of God!" Viola (a violet) is derived from the Latin. |