Frederick Weasley? Thomas Riddle? HP characters' "real" names

[wolfie]

Okay, I was just wondering if some of the characters' names are just nicknames. We know that Ron's real name is Ronald, and Ginny's real name is Virginia, so what about other characters?

-Fred Weasley (Frederick?)
-Percy Weasley (Percival?) although I think Percy would be one to use his full name...
-Charlie Weasley (Charles?)
-Bill Weasley (William?)
-Tom Riddle (Thomas?) his name was probably just Tom, because of the lovely acronym
-Ernie MacMillan (Ernest?)
-any more?

And I know that this isn't very important at all... but just something to think of while we all wait for book five. oh, why isn't it June 21st already?!? :'(

[rotsiepots]

Most of the Weasley children's names seem to be shortened forms of "proper" names. For example:

Bill Weasley: William Weasley
Charlie Weasley: Charles Weasley
Percy Weasley: Percival Weasley
Fred Weasely: Frederick Weasley
Ron Weasley: Ronald Weasley
Ginny Weasley: Virginia Weasley

Not forgetting that Mrs Weasley's first name is Molly, which is often a nick-name for "Mary". It seems that Arthur and George were the only ones who escaped this trend. ;)

[MaynardIsReal12]

It seems like you have already covered most if not all of the names that have extended versions. The rest of the names are pretty hard to cut short into nicknames.

[HogwartsChaplain]

Of course, we don't know if all those Weasley names are shortened.

For instance, Harry is often a shortened form of another name (Henry, Harold, etc). But, in JKR's books, Harry James Potter is his full given name.

[Dedalus]

I agree with HogwartsChaplain ... I think most of the names are just what they're introduced, you know, they're given names. Ron, for instance, has been called Ronald before but Fred has never been called Frederick, nor Percy Percival, so I guess they are their actual names and not abbreviated ones.

[Alastor D]

I seem to remember it was mentioned somewhere that Ron's name is Ronald. But I'm not sure, it might have been in the film (which is not necessary canon).

But what we know for sure is that Barty= Bartemius, Ludo = Ludovic and Marge = Marioire

[Dedalus]

Alastor D, yeah Ron's name is mentioned as an abbreviated Ronald in the books, but I don't think anybody has doubted that one, yet.

[�ÕbBŸ]

Well in one of the books ( i cant remeber witch one) it mentons that Rons full name is infact Ronald...to be honest i didnt even know Ginny was a shortened name for Virginia, cause i saw it on a sight once, but i dont think it mentions it in one of the books does it?

If JK Rowling wanted us to know what there full names were she would of mentioned it...right?

[emikkime]

Fred - I always thought Fred was short for Alfred

[Mireille]

When Harry goes to Ron's room at the Burrow, there is a plaque on the door that reads "Ronald's room." Therefore this means that Ron is a shortened version of Ronald.

[Crystal]

Percy is a name in it's own right! So is Molly.

[periwinkle-blue]

Originally posted by emikkime (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=279505#post279505))
Fred - I always thought Fred was short for Alfred


Alfred and George.... or Frederick and George...


Hmm.. I think I prefer Alfred and George for the Weasley twins.


Remind me please, I know Professor Trelawney's first name is Sybil, but I've forgotten what were Madam Rosmerta's, Professor Sprout's, and Madam Pompfrey's first names. Anyone?

[Mireille]

The name Percy derived from Percivil because only upper class people could be named Percivil. When someone was named Percy it meant that they were from lower class, so I wouldn't doubt that Percy is just Percy.

Also, I've known women just named Molly. So it's possible that's her given name.

[HogwartsChaplain]

Originally posted by periwinkle-blue (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=279580#post279580))
Remind me please, ...I've forgotten what were Madam Rosmerta's, Professor Sprout's, and Madam Pompfrey's first names. Anyone?


According to the HP Lexicon:

(Pomona) Sprout (first name uncertain)
(Poppy) Pomfrey (this could be a nickname or a real first name)

No first name is mentioned for Madam Rosmerta.

[periwinkle-blue]

Hmm.. very peculiar name, Pomona. I wonder if it's a sort of a plant's name.

Thanks Pastor Evelyn, I've heard before that Madam Pomfrey's name is Poppy, but I forgot a while back then. :)

[rotsiepots]

Allow me to clarify -- personally, I believe that the Weasley's names should be taken at face value. I'm highly sceptical as to whether Ginny's real name is "Virginia", nor do I believe that Molly's real name is "Mary".

I'm actually fervently opposed to the idea, but was just speaking in hypotheticals. :)

[Crystal]

Pomona was the goddess of orchards, she is usually seen in green and pink with a spray of appel blossem!

[familiar]

Madame Rosmerta probably is named Rosmerta and we don't know her last name. It seems like barmaids always use their first name. Not too unusual, really, since I know some people who address others as Miss Mary or Miss Kim instead of Mrs. Smith or Mrs. Jones.

I don't remember Ginny being called Virginia anywhere in the books. But it could also be a nickname for Jennifer (usually Jenny or Jen, but some parents get a little eccentric and spell their kids names wierd - although Arthur and Molly don't seem like that).

I do have to say, that I think nicknames are a big pain! I can't tell you how many times receptionists or room-mates said I wasn't around because someone asked for me by my given name or nickname and they couldn't link the two. I mean, I can see that with Molly and Mary, but Virginia and Ginny or Percival and Percy should be easy. The names have repetitive sounds - as do most nicknames. The last name at least should give it away :??:

[Knight]

Ginny's name has never been identified in the books as being short for Virginia (or anything else). Ginny could be her official name, but it sounds more abbreviated than even Fred or Percy does. I actually know someone named Virginia who goes by Ginny.

Is there a short form of Hermione? Seems like a mouthful so I would think that some people have shortened it along the line. Hermy?

[Dilbert719]

(Pomona) Sprout (first name uncertain)

I can explain where the information for this name came from, at least. I play the Harry Potter TCG, and in the final expansion they released, there was a card for Professor Pomona Sprout. As for the etymology, I think it's safe to go with Crystal's description, especially since I don't have a better one. :p

Is there a short form of Hermione? Seems like a mouthful so I would think that some people have shortened it along the line. Hermy?

Knight, I vaguely remember Harry and Ron calling her 'Mione, but I think that's more a matter of convenience than anything else. If there is a short form of the name, and I doubt there is, they'd prolly use that instead. So I'm gonna go with no on this one.

[Pansy]

JK says she loves names, so I for one think that some of the Weasleys may in fact be more formal names (Bill = William, etc.) However, it is a common trend now for people to use "nick names" as formal names. For instance, there are many children named "Jenny" instead of "Jennifer", "Jack" instead of "John" (why Jack is a shortened form of that name is beyond me), "Sean" instead of "Seamus", and so on.

EDIT:

I've been dying to find out if Harry is short for Harold or Henry.

[familiar]

Is there a short form of Hermione? I don't remember Harry and Ron calling her Mione. "Mia" is a girls name, though, and could possibly be used. Of course, she could also go by her middle name as well, although we aren't told what that is, and it could be just as odd. Hehe - how about "Minny"? :lol:

[Mireille]

I think Hermione is referred to as Mione in fan fiction a lot, not in the books.

As for Harry, I think Rowling has said that Harry is his given name because she liked that name.

[wolfie]

I didn't know that only upper class people were allowed to be named Percival. It must be from the days of serfs and lords... I guess if Percy is his real name then it reflects his family's lower-class status.

I could have sworn that I read in COS that Ginny's real name was Virginia. But I guess I just assumed it because I know a Virginia that we all call "Ginny."

Oh, and I've heard of Harry as being a nickname for Harrison. That'd be kind of funny: Harrison Potter. lol.

[MagpieOnaga]

Originally posted by Pansy (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=280513#post280513))
However, it is a common trend now for people to use "nick names" as formal names.

Heh, just had to mention: My birth name is Maggie -- not Margaret, or Magdalene, or Margot. Just Maggie. So, yeah, it's perfectly conceivable to me that their birth names may actually be Ginny and Percy and Fred...

[MadMagic]

I think it is higly likely that some people's names are abbreviated and nick names. Most kids that I know go by nick names, although, like Maggie just pointed out, it is also possible that they just have nick names for their actual names.

Also Draco isn't really his first name is it? I seem to remember Lucious calling him something else, but I can't remember what.

[rotsiepots]

I'm almost positive Draco is the only name Master Malfoy has been called in the books (other than insults).

I always assumed that Ginny's name was just Ginny because I know quite a few with that name.

[dumbleedore]

Originally posted by Dilbert719 (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=280480#post280480))
Knight, I vaguely remember Harry and Ron calling her 'Mione, but I think that's more a matter of convenience than anything else. If there is a short form of the name, and I doubt there is, they'd prolly use that instead. So I'm gonna go with no on this one.


If I remember correctly, that was just because Ron had a mouthfull of food.

I always shorten Hermione to My for some reason.

And Harry could be short for Harrison.

[hp_lexicon]

The first names of Quirrell, Sprout, and Flitwick are indeed from the trading card game. I really do love that game! But it isn't canon, so I added the disclaimers. Rowling has been particularly good about giving fans information when she knows they're wondering, so maybe she'll include those names in the next book.

Steve Vander Ark
The Harry Potter Lexicon

[Knight]

Originally posted by dumbleedore (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=281645#post281645))
If I remember correctly, that was just because Ron had a mouthfull of food.

I always shorten Hermione to My for some reason.

And Harry could be short for Harrison.


Yes, that was at the opening feast of the fourth book, when Hermione wouldn't eat the house-elf prepared food. Ron called her 'Er-my-knee while spraying Harry with bits of Yorkshire pudding.

[Llopin]

Draco's long name is still Draco, Lucius calls him like that, and I don't think it is a nickname. And Stan's real name is Stanley and Dudley is Duddles. And Marge's long name may be Margaret.

[rotsiepots]

Originally posted by Llopin (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=282707#post282707))
Draco's long name is still Draco, Lucius calls him like that, and I don't think it is a nickname. And Stan's real name is Stanley and Dudley is Duddles. And Marge's long name may be Margaret.


Sorry, Llopin, this last part confused me. Are you saying Dudley's real name is Duddles? :huh:

Did you mean to say that Duddles' real name is Dudley?

[Alastor D]

Yes. Dudley is, as such, a known boy's name. I would believe it's his right name.

And we know that aunt Marge is Marjorie. (It seems I misspelled it in my previous reply).

[dumbleedore]

What about Dumbledore? Could Albus be lengthend? (I can't think of anything)

[Alastor D]

No, Dumbleedore, I don't think it can be lenghtened. Albus as such is the Latin word for bright or white and it's hard to imagine it being shortened from anything.

[Cat]

Alberich? Albion?

Nah, Albus is the coolest.

I believe that Fred, Bill, Percy etc. are likely to be their full names. Many Percys aren't Percival, many Freds aren't Frederick.

In fact, it surprised me that Ron was called Ronald.

[DocHollidaywe]

I dont know of any more

[Magpie]

Is Bill's full name William? And is Charlie's full name Charles?

[rotsiepots]

Magpie, we don't know. Neither character has been called William or Charles in the books, so we're all frantically speculating right now.

Personally, I would think that their names are just Bill and Charlie, but I suppose we'll have to wait and see if JKR drops any hints in future books. ;)

[Llopin]

Well I meant Duddles' real name is Dudley, I just got messed up ;)

And all the latin names (Sirius, Remus, Albus, etc) aren't nicknames and can't be written in a long form. They are just like that.

[Magpie]

Thanks Rotsiepots. I don't think they are their full names, and if they are, I'm glad they don't go by them. Can you imagine the Weasleys at dinner?

"Pass the potatoes, William."
"Of course, Charles."

;)

[paperflowergirl]

I just want to comment on something said earlier:
that the name Percy reflects the low economic status of the Weasleys.
Think about it.......
Frederick - kings of Austria, Prussia, Holy Roman Empire etc have had this name
George - British kings
Bill - William, name of kings from Prussia, England, Netherlands
Charles - Name of kings of France, England, Sweden, Spain etc
Molly - Mary / Maria / Marie, names of queens from virtually every european country
Arthur - King Arthur himself
Ginny - Queen Guenevere, or Virginia, which would refer to the red haired queen Elisabeth, the Virgin Queen
Percy - Sir Percivale knight of the Round table who saw the holy Grail

How can anyone think this is lower class. I think JKR is making the point that the Weasleys might be poor in gold, but in other ways they are as rich and noble as kings and queens. The Weasley's all possess true nobility and courage.

(taken from my HP name analysis at www.geocities.com/paperflowergirl9/ Check it out!

Looking at how well these names fit together. I highly doubt that any of these names are accidental.

[wolfie]

Originally posted by paperflowergirl (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=296277#post296277))
I think JKR is making the point that the Weasleys might be poor in gold, but in other ways they are as rich and noble as kings and queens. The Weasley's all possess true nobility and courage.


that's a *great* analysis paperflowergirl! :) I agree with you.

[Imperio! (Crucio!)]

Isnt harry short for harold?

[Freezair]

Harry CAN be short for Harold, but for Harry P. himself, this doesn't seem to be the case. His middle name is James, though whether anyone ever called him Jim is as of yet unknown.

I personally like nicknames that become propernames. In my sig is a quote from one of my characters, Posie--Posie or Posey is often a nickname for Rose or Rosemary, but in her case htat's her given name. Of course, even THAT gets shortened and many of her friends call her Pose. See, human beings will find a way to shorten ANYTHING.

Er-my-knee! Sounds like something someone would cry after a particularly painful soccer(or, football if you prefer) play. "Err! My knee!" OK, Ok, OK. Too bady this forum doesn't have the "Hit with Fish" smiley.

[Raven]

Given Molly Weasley's serious nature, (and J.k.'s love of names) I wouldn't be surprised if she gave her children "proper" names like William, and Percivil, and Virginia, and then let Arthur shorten them down to their more common forms.

[FirefightingMuggle]

Hey if Fred Weasley was a Fredrick and he opened a joke shop in California would it be called Fredricks of Hollywood???

[Kes]

I just want to add that if Bill is short for William we will have another alitteration name, (though Sprout's first name just kills my theory, maybe JKR can kill her off so my theory can be right...)

Anyways, I do think most of the names were shortened, all except for Percy's because most people don't go around nameing their kid Percifal (or any other odd spelling of that knight's name) and Percy doesn't seem the type to go with a shortened name

[Doggy]

I alwys thought Bill was short for Bilius (his uncle - mentioned in PoA as someone who died after seeing a Grim). It would be more fun than the normal William

[Yavanna]

My name is Carrie, a nickname for Carolyn, but I have met a lot of people just named Carrie. I thought just being named Tom or Harry was a little odd though. My uncles call me Carrie Potter!

[Melissa_Potter]

Yes, and same with Tom Felton (Guy who played Draco Malfoy in the movies) That is his nickname but his full name is Thomas Felton.

[inlovewithdraco]

i think that all the names ecept for Ron's are the way there are sopos to be :P

[InvasionOfTheGuru4]

Arty - Artemis

[Lily Evans]

I swear that someone called Percy Percival. I don't know who, but I know it was not Crouch because he called Percy "Weatherby". Anyone know why that is?

[Jami]

Ginny could be short for Guenivere(sp?) - someone pointed out once how much the Weasley family reflects King Arthur and his knights of the Round table.

Hank is short for both Harry and Henry. Just thought I'd throw that out.

[NeedAM!nT]

Good point Jami!

Well isn't Barty short for Bartholomew? (sp? sorry!) I'm sure some people have longer names, but many people are ashamed of their names (like if my name was Bartholomew, I would definetly prefer Barty) so they have nicknames.

[Clarice]

For instance, there are many children named "Jenny" instead of "Jennifer", "Jack" instead of "John" (why Jack is a shortened form of that name is beyond me), "Sean" instead of "Seamus", and so on.

Sean is a name in it's own right. It is the Irish form of John (Jean, Juan, Johann, Giovanni, etc.)

[Cat]

Originally posted by NeedAM!nT (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?postid=445257#post445257))
Good point Jami!

Well isn't Barty short for Bartholomew? (sp? sorry!) I'm sure some people have longer names, but many people are ashamed of their names (like if my name was Bartholomew, I would definetly prefer Barty) so they have nicknames.


No, it was short for Bartemius, which is frankly worse than Bartholomew.

[Mander]

Originally posted by Dilbert719 (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?postid=280480#post280480))
I can explain where the information for this name came from, at least. I play the Harry Potter TCG, and in the final expansion they released, there was a card for Professor Pomona Sprout. As for the etymology, I think it's safe to go with Crystal's description, especially since I don't have a better one. :p



Knight, I vaguely remember Harry and Ron calling her 'Mione, but I think that's more a matter of convenience than anything else. If there is a short form of the name, and I doubt there is, they'd prolly use that instead. So I'm gonna go with no on this one.



Of coarse there' a short form for Hermione....


"HERMY!"

lol........* winks* for those of us who know about the name, anyway.

[violet ice]

Lolz... Hermy... Lolz! yeah, but anyway, I had heard the Draco was short for Draconiaus (don't yell at the spelling!)

[wolfie]

Okay, I just figured out where I got that Ginny is a nickname for Virginia! on the IMDb, under the POA movie (link (http://us.imdb.com/Title?0304141)) it says:

"Bonnie Wright .... Virginia 'Ginny' Weasley "

okay, so the website could be wrong, but I think that her real name is Virginia. :)

[Discordia]

I think that Ginny's real name is either Guenevere, Imogen, or Viginia. I never saw her being named Virginia but who knows. I liked the idea of Guenevere.

I thought this was interesting but Morag Mcdougals first name means light of the sun. THe name may not sound pretty but the meaning does.

[phoenixsong]

I've always been a big fan of the Ginny=Guinevere theory, but there isn't any "hard" evidence to support it. And "Virginia Weasley" sounds better than "Guinevere Weasley".

I think that "Harry" is just plain Harry, since in PS/SS we hear Marge complain: "Harry. Nasty, common name, if you ask me."

[Zachary1993]

Okay, I was just wondering if some of the characters' names are just nicknames. We know that Ron's real name is Ronald, and Ginny's real name is Virginia, so what about other characters?

-Fred Weasley (Frederick?)
-Percy Weasley (Percival?) although I think Percy would be one to use his full name...
-Charlie Weasley (Charles?)
-Bill Weasley (William?)
-Tom Riddle (Thomas?) his name was probably just Tom, because of the lovely acronym
-Ernie MacMillan (Ernest?)
-any more?

And I know that this isn't very important at all... but just something to think of while we all wait for book five. oh, why isn't it June 21st already?!? :'(
Those are probably the names on the birth certifices. But they use the short names because they sound better and everyone knows them. Remember in the sorting hat seen when they call Ron Ronald because that is his real name. So they call them by the full name when it is important to call by the full name or when they are in trouble.

Here is another one

Harold Potter.

[Courtz]

Ginny is usually the shortened form of Virginia. It says in my Mum's baby names book:

[I]Virginia:From the Roman family name of Virginius. Also Virgilia, Ginger, Ginny.

[Violet Tonks]

I swear that someone called Percy Percival. I don't know who, but I know it was not Crouch because he called Percy "Weatherby". Anyone know why that is?
You are perhaps thinking of one of Dumbledore's middle names. Albus Percival Wolfric Brian Dumbledore.

I read somewhere that Ginny's real name is Virginia, but I can't seem to find it in the books yet. If anybody's real name was something different, I'm sure it would have been mentioned at the Sortings.

[Mireille]

I think that Ginny's real name is either Guenevere, Imogen, or Viginia. I never saw her being named Virginia but who knows. I liked the idea of Guenevere.

I highly doubt that Ginny is a shortaned version of Guenevere. Most people that I know of with that name go by Gwen (different spelling but it gets the point accross.) Personally, I have never come accross the name Ginny as a nickname for Guenevere.

Virginia is the only name that I know of that has the nickname Ginny attatched to it.

[Jonny Boy]

Allow me to clarify -- personally, I believe that the Weasley's names should be taken at face value. I'm highly sceptical as to whether Ginny's real name is "Virginia", nor do I believe that Molly's real name is "Mary".

I'm actually fervently opposed to the idea, but was just speaking in hypotheticals. :)
If you look at the movie credits I believe it has Ginny "Virginia" Weasley.

[Barbara Kennedy]

We've had a few revelations about the proper names of some of the characters lately, like Ron's middle name being Bilius and Hermione's middle name is Jane.
Now with the opening of Jo's new site, we find out that Ginny's proper name is Ginevra.
I haven't looked through this thread, but I wonder if anyone came close?

[Masterfroggy]

in this thread only phoenixsong came close

December 31st, 2003, 10:00 pm
I've always been a big fan of the Ginny=Guinevere theory, but there isn't any "hard" evidence to support it. And "Virginia Weasley" sounds better than "Guinevere Weasley".

I think that "Harry" is just plain Harry, since in PS/SS we hear Marge complain: "Harry. Nasty, common name, if you ask me."


In October 10th, 2003, 4:33 am
http://www.cosforums.com/showpost.php?p=614144&postcount=65
I don't know any cats name Ginny but a few days ago I posted this on another Ginny topic

Quote Me
Has any one yet settled in canon just what Ginny real name is (thats if it's not Ginny) I was messing about with names and things and came up with this, If her name is the familiar form of Guinevere the Welsh spelling of Genevieve King Arthurs wife, the reason I have included the modern Welsh spelling, is long before the English got their hands on the legend of Arthur, the Welsh had their own legend all about Urther Pendragon, he also had a wife called Gwenhwyfar, who was always seen as either a silver cloud, a tree, or a hunting dog, could this mean that Ginny might just turn out to be very good at transfiguration. Just my random thoughts at 0130gmt 1km from JKR birthplace
Quote me

She might be an animigus ;)

www.masterfroggy1.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk

Go me :clap: :clap:

[Barbara Kennedy]

Most likely. Isn't Ginevra a variation or derivation of Guinevere?

[Masterfroggy]

I thought I had posted this with my links

Meaning of Name Ginevra

From Arthurian Legend It’s a Variant of Guinevere: Fair one. Guinevere was King Arthur's mythological queen.
It is also Italian form of GUINEVERE meaning A woman of the people.

[TanyaMarie]

For some reason people calling Percy Percival has always driven me nuts. Possibly because I know some Percys who are just Percy.

In a name book that I have (Baby Names Now) it states that:

Percy: Despite what it seems, Percy is not a short form of Percival, but a Norman place name used as both a first and a last name.

Also in another name book I have (35000+ Baby Names) under Percival it doesn't list Percy as a nick name. But says Percy is french and a familar form of Percival. Which I take it to mean its the french verson of Percival, like Seamus is the familar Irsih version of James.

Another reason I believe Percy is Percy's full name is that in Ootp during the hearing everyone states their full name it just says Percy Ignatius Weasley.

[icklek]

Sean is a name in it's own right. It is the Irish form of John (Jean, Juan, Johann, Giovanni, etc.)

Also Seamus is the Irish of James, so Sean=Seamus doesn't make sense whatsoever.

A lot of people have nicknames as their given names - my nephews given name is Jack, and I know two brothers called Billy & Liam - both are normally short for William but obviously not in that case!

[Milita]

Barbara Kennedy's right...her real name's Ginevra....so, if she has a real name...most probably the rest fo the Weasley's r called by their nick names...I guess...don't know!

[Alastor D]

It seems likely. But actually we know for sure only two out of seven. Ron - Ronald and Ginny - Ginevra. As TanyaMarie pointed out we know from the hearing that Percy is Percy. About the four others we have no evidence.

[Bouncing_Ferret]

I think that Bill is prolly short for William, and Charlie short for Charles. I think Percy is just Percy, because it's already formal enough as it is. I'm still not too sure about Fred... He's really not a Frederick, is he? Alfred is slightly better... My grandfather's name is John, but he's called Fred - for some reason though, I don't think this is the case in HP...

I'm glad that Ginny's full name turned out to be Ginevra, I think it suits her more than Virginia! :)

[forgetfulgenius]

I know several Percy's who are just that. The only thing I've noticed is that the Weasley boys have all been given very traditional names, Fred, George, Percy, Ronald etc. Does this reflect the muggle conception of wizardry as a medieval thing?

Bill and Charlie, I think, are contractions
I always assumed Fred was short for Frederick, there's a lot of Alfreds in my family, and they're referred to as Al, Alf and Alfie( though this could be to avoid confusing them with the Fredericks)

I don't know, Frederick and George just doesn't sound right, I think that it's possible that they were simply named Fred and George.


EDIT: OK, I was just talking to my dad, and he came up with an interesting theory about the twins. He said that a name can be referred to as a handle, and there was a famous composer going by the name of George Fredric Handel. The handel bit could also come from the twins being a "handful". Seems a bit obscure to me, but you never know...

[Prule84]

Ginny's name is in fact Ginevra and is a variant of Guinevere.

Ron is Ronald, as mentioned in this topic as well as in the books.
Harry is "just plain Harry" ;)
Fred is Fred, George is George
Fluffy is short for "Fluffernutter"
James Potter could be called 'Jimmy'
Dobby is 'Dobbius'
Tonks is Tonker


Most of those were meant to be stupid...but others are my opinion :cool:

[Elocin4684]

Ah... if I had only found this site before hand:
http://www.20000-names.com/female_g_names.htm

If you look under Ginevra, it says:
GINEVRA: Italian form of Guinevere, "white and smooth." Diminutives include Ginnie and Ginny.

Do you see the Ginny? Right there that Ginny is short for Ginevra. It also says it means "white and smooth". Hmm... wonder if that could reference anything. I think it's pecular that they chose the Italian form of Guinevere. But maybe I'm reading into things.

If you've noticed, a lot of witches and wizards have names that haven't been used lately, as in the last 100 or so years, but then they go by regular street names a lot of the time. Is the aged name a show of how long they live and how long they've been alive? Does it show how they hold onto old ways (magic) but are into current events by going by common street names?

Also, if Ginny is like her Arthurian counterpart, who's Arthur? If Harry's Arthur, is Ginny going to betray him, also? Or is this too much of a read-in?

Also, I think somebody touched on this, already, but if you go to this site:
http://community-2.webtv.net/TerMcC/GWYNHWFAR/

you can maybe hope Jo goes back to the Ginevra, etc. carnation and can make Ginny a good shape shifter/shifter of other objects and also a way for Harry to reach his full potential with her help (all this on above site).

Alright, this site:
http://tasmac.tn.gov.in/brands.htm
say the name is the same as juniper.

And I'm way too tired to try and go into how the meaning of juniper has anything to do with this. All I can think of is my Bath & Body Works lotion of that scent. And I'm starting to ramble, so I'll pick this up another day.

[jenniweasley]

percy has been called percival

[Elocin4684]

quick! somebody pull out your HP collection and see what name Percy swore himself in as in the trial!

[Elocin4684]

Ok, at this site:
http://www.20000-names.com/male_p_names.htm

you can see that Percy can be short for Percival, so it is a possibility. I know I've heard Percy's real name is that, and it wasn't on this thread, but I don't know where it was and it defintely wasn't at an official site.

[TanyaMarie]

Elocin4684-in my last post I listed what was Percy's full name at the hearing being Percy Ignatius Weasley.

The idea of his name being Percival is more than likely from fanfiction, as in a lot he's called Percival. I myself have never read nor heard of him actually being called Percival in the books. It's just something that people assumed without there being any direct evidence.

[Elocin4684]

OK, well, I couldn't remember because all the details and everything of the series and other stuff seem to run together after a while, coupled with other books I read and other shows and movies I watch.

Don't take this the wrong way, but I just wanted somebody else to look it up because some people don't look things up and just post from memory and call it fact and sometimes they end up remembering something wrong.

[TanyaMarie]

I'm sorry if I sounded snooty, but I can assure you I had the book opened right in front of me cause for the life of me I couldn't remember how to spell "Ignatius." :blush:
And since I'm re-reading OotP and I just re-read the hearing part today actually, I garante it says Percy. That sounds snooty again, but its not meant to, I just can't think of any other decent sounding way to put it.

[Elocin4684]

Oh, no, I'm sorry if you thought I was accusing you of being snooty. Like I said, some people just quote names from their head and I've seen where they're wrong. Thanks, though, for confirming it! ;)

[Avior]

J.K.Rowling's official site says that Ginny's real name is Genevra ( I think. I can't remember the correct spelling), and I'm quite sure that in the world book day chat she said the Bill's name is really Billius, which is also Ron's middle name. And Ginny's middle name is Molly, so I'm guessing that her mother's name isn't abbreviated. And, for interests sake, Hermione's middle name is Jane. Check the world book day transcript, I'm pretty sure it's saved somewhere on mugglenet

[Elocin4684]

It is, I was just reading it. I don't remember her saying that Bill's real name was Billius, although, she does say that that's Ron's middle name. I could be wrong, though, about Bill's name.

[harripottrfreek]

Okay just looking at the first two pages of this I notice that no one got Giny's name right...Ginevra...this could be on the last page but I didn't want to look anymore...so here it is just in case.

[Elocin4684]

Yeah, if you noticed, up until a couple of posts into the 3rd page, all the posts were quite old and Jo hadn't confirmed Ginny's actual name. I posted some name meanings and sites for the name up a bit.

[singsongmel24]

Yeah, if you noticed, up until a couple of posts into the 3rd page, all the posts were quite old and Jo hadn't confirmed Ginny's actual name. I posted some name meanings and sites for the name up a bit.

Autually she has in one of her interveiws on on her offical site in the rumorsher real name is Givera or something like that

[Elocin4684]

Yeah, that's what I meant. SOmebody had mentioned that nobody had talked about Ginny's real name but they also said they didn't read page 3. On page 3, that's where the more recent posts are and that's where we talk about Ginny's real name and how it was confirmed by Jo on her site.

[Drusilla]

I'm glad Ginny's real name is Ginevra and not Virginia.Virginia sounded too prissy to be borne,and I think Ginny's name reflects the quirkiness of the world she comes from quite nicely.
Virginia Weasley...ugh,not right. Now,Ginevra Weasley...perfect.
And who else loves it that Ron's middle name (poor boy!-I have to agree with JKR there) is Bilius?

[Da_Chinkster]

Bilius lol thats gotta hurt!!

[ragga]

if memory serves me right wasnt Bilius a cousin or something, i have a feeling he was bad but im not too sure, can anyone confirm this for me?..

also i just wanted to say along the lines of guinevre and arthur (sorry cant spell that) we allready have an arthur, her father...

[cleansweep11]

The weasley's uncle was bilius...not there cousin...

[mevam]

I wonder if Luna is short for Lunetta or something or the sort for Luna Lovegood. Her name suggests to be that she is always up in the clouds, as in Lunar for the moon, or that she is crazy as in Lunatic.

[Alastor D]

We don't know anything about uncle Bilius being bad or good. The only thing we know is that he saw a grim and died.

[Dagmar]

Okay just looking at the first two pages of this I notice that no one got Giny's name right...Ginevra...this could be on the last page but I didn't want to look anymore...so here it is just in case.
Interesting it's so close to Minerva. Perhaps this is a clue to Ginny being like McGonagal?

[Elocin4684]

I wonder if Luna is short for Lunetta or something or the sort for Luna Lovegood. Her name suggests to be that she is always up in the clouds, as in Lunar for the moon, or that she is crazy as in Lunatic.

I doubt that Luna is short for anything. I think Luna is unusual on their own. Yes, her name is definitely meant to inspire everything from the moon to loony.


Interesting it's so close to Minerva. Perhaps this is a clue to Ginny being like McGonagal?

I doubt this is a clue to a connection between McGonagall and Ginny.



By the way, in reference to Mark Evans's name, Mark means "warlike". Just thought I'd share my internet research.

[madamepomfrey]

Luna's name could also come from the luna moth, maybe a stretch but the moth/butterfly on the site made me think of it, I'm not really sure but they seem to be fairly rare, we have them around here and yet you may only see one once every few years which makes me think of all the things Luna talks about ie. crumble horn snorlacks ect.

http://www.earthsbirthday.org/butterflies/activitykit/lunamoths.html

Also Ginevra's name could be from Leonardo's painting of Ginevra de Benci, note the juniper link,which could be another plant reference, the women does kinda look like Ginny.
http://www.lairweb.org.nz/leonardo/female.html
http://www.whitedragon.org.uk/articles/juniper.htm

Ginny's name is also being discussed here
http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=26987

[RELASHIO Rachel]

Actually, Ginny's real name in Ginevra.. Says so on J.K. Rowling, The Official Website.

I think.. Fred And George are just.. Fred And George.

Molly Weasley=Molly Prewett.

[Elocin4684]

Actually, Ginny's real name in Ginevra.. Says so on J.K. Rowling, The Official Website.

I think.. Fred And George are just.. Fred And George.

Molly Weasley=Molly Prewett.


Hello, and welcome to the boards! Now, not to get on your case, but a lot of other newbies are doing this, also. People keep coming here and posting that "Ginny's actual name is Ginevra". I love you all for trying, but we know this. It says so on most of the posts on this page (if this post posts to the page I was reading... it might starta new page... not sure). So, we are now discussing where this name possibly came from (also, other names as well) and if it foreshadows anything that might pertain to Ginny.

Welcome again!


Oh, I forgot to say this. Although I have totally fallen in love with the unique Luna moth, I doubt it is any relation to HP Luna. Considering it's a North American creature, I don't think it gets much talk over in Britain.

[madamepomfrey]

I was checking into the moth last night because like you said it is from North America, and I discovered there is a similar one native to India, that is called a moon moth. Anyways it is just a theory. I am not even sure if I beleive it and Im the one that first posted it. LOL. There are so many possiblities.

[Elocin4684]

Hmm... interesting... Moon... Luna... I definitely see the connection. I'm very curious to find out more about Luna. She seems to come from very different people, ie he dad edits the Quibbler and her mom died from experimenting with potions.

[Obizo Samaruga]

Harry as a nickname for Henry would work pretty well. I'm going to be convinced that the entire war could resemble the Wars of the Roses. So Harry (there was a William Hastings' kinsman called Pottyer, according to Thomas More), could be a shortened name for Henry. As Henry Tudor, Earl of Richmond, the one who defeated Richard III (cruel as Voldermort, wasn't he?), better known as Henry VII.

[mevam]

Luna's name could also come from the luna moth, maybe a stretch but the moth/butterfly on the site made me think of it,

That is a very clever theory! A Hermione moment, if you please lol. Yes, Luna does seem to have a habit of going after the rare or non-existant forms of life, so this luna moth theory could be possible, assuming JKR knows something about moths. I'm not entirely certain if shes the type to look up books of entomology for name origins, but if the luna moth has ever been mentioned in a legend or myth, it could very well be the source of the name.

I've always thought that this strange association with Luna and the moon might be a hint that she might be the next Divinations teacher if Trelawney is fed up enough to leave, and Firenze decides to move on. You never know!

[Elocin4684]

Harry as a nickname for Henry would work pretty well. I'm going to be convinced that the entire war could resemble the Wars of the Roses. So Harry (there was a William Hastings' kinsman called Pottyer, according to Thomas More), could be a shortened name for Henry. As Henry Tudor, Earl of Richmond, the one who defeated Richard III (cruel as Voldermort, wasn't he?), better known as Henry VII.

Hmm.... War of the Roses... it's vague, tucked away in my mind. Since I live in America, we really don't talk about English history. I know that 2 guys were fighting over the crown. Can we get a quick synopsis?



That is a very clever theory! A Hermione moment, if you please lol. Yes, Luna does seem to have a habit of going after the rare or non-existant forms of life, so this luna moth theory could be possible, assuming JKR knows something about moths. I'm not entirely certain if shes the type to look up books of entomology for name origins, but if the luna moth has ever been mentioned in a legend or myth, it could very well be the source of the name.

I've always thought that this strange association with Luna and the moon might be a hint that she might be the next Divinations teacher if Trelawney is fed up enough to leave, and Firenze decides to move on. You never know!

I always thought the whole moon thing was to show that Luna's out there and that she's mysterious like the moon was for so long in our history.

[doadpadfoot]

would that mean that h.p.'s name could be harold.......or the draco's could be draconus.........i don't know......could be.......... :shrug: :eyebrows:

[madamepomfrey]

Okay all I can find about luna moths is they are named after the roman godess luna and the band REM has a song called "you" that mentions them, a author named Barbara King..... (dont remember the last part) wrote a contempory novel and in it a woman has a love scene with a luna moth (sounds weird to me). But still kinda like the theory even if it is unlikey, b/c of Luna's fascination with unusual animals.

[Alastor D]

would that mean that h.p.'s name could be harold.......or the draco's could be draconus.........i don't know......could be.......... :shrug: :eyebrows:

PS capter 1 : "What's his name again? Howard, isn't it?"
"Harry. Nasty, common name, if you ask me."

And two cases where a nickname certinly would not have been used:
In PS during the sorting ceremony McGonagall called for "Potter, Harry"
In the hearing in OotP Fudge asked "You are Harry James Potter of number four, Privet Drive......?"

[Elocin4684]

would that mean that h.p.'s name could be harold.......or the draco's could be draconus.........i don't know......could be.......... :shrug: :eyebrows:

I am 99% sure that Harry's name is just "Harry". I say this because Petunia was talking about how the name was so dirty and common. I think she would have said Harold when saying this and not Harry as Harry wouldn't be his full name.

As for Draco, I think he would have used his full name when he introduced himself to Harry in PS/SS. He said "Draco Malfoy". I think Draco would be enough. ;)



Also, with the whole Luna moth thing, I think it and Luna are jsut named after the same thing. That's it....

[Ame]

I think that Ginny's real name is either Guenevere, Imogen, or Viginia. I never saw her being named Virginia but who knows. I liked the idea of Guenevere.

I thought this was interesting but Morag Mcdougals first name means light of the sun. THe name may not sound pretty but the meaning does.

I'm not sure if this has already been said but, I was just reading through the old posts in this thread, and this caught my eye.

It seems most disagreed with the idea, but who would have guessed that Discordia was actually close to something when she thoerized Ginny's name being close to Guenevere (spelled several other ways, I am sure). What with Ginevra being a variant of the name. Maybe I'm just weird... but I found that amusing.

[Elocin4684]

Yeah, it's actually really funny. If anybody had done a search on the name Ginny, they were bound to see that it's a shorten form of many forms of Ginevra. This surprises me that nobody picked up on this. Of course, neither did I...

[Scoop33]

I didn't think about any of this. I'm not sure why though, usually when I see someone by the name of something that is shortened like Ron, I call the Ronald. Except I'm used to hearing that because Hermione always calls Ron that.

[Elocin4684]

What does Hermione always call Ron?

[harripottrfreek]

While reading OotP was anyone else surprised by the middle name Brian for DD...I mean it's his last middle name but did anyone else think it was weird?

[Elocin4684]

Remind me what it says again when it mentions this...

[msmooney]

Brian is actually a name of Celtic origin that means "strong"...I believe there were some Irish (?) kings named Brian somewhere along the line, so it fits.

[Elocin4684]

I think some of these names that we see as "normal" and not as eccentric as other names are actually rooted in the same way the "eccentric" names are rooted. These few "normal" names, however, have rooted themselves into our mainstream name bank are are frequently used. They just happen to be part of a very few selected names that have stayed with us.

[deathfairy87]

Hehehe. I love using people's proper names. Even if it's not their birthname... YEAH, ANNABELLE!

[AncientPlum]

Ginny's name is not short for Virginia. Ginny's real name is Gwenviere. I have the spelling wrong but I know it's like Gwenivere from the myth of King Arthur but it doesn't have as many letters.

[Gryffindorgod]

Richard III (cruel as Voldermort, wasn't he?),

We don't really know if Richard III really was evil, most people believe he is because of the Shakespeare play Richard III but that play was written during the Tudor reign and Shakespeare was not stupid, he would have written plays that pleased the current monarch, therefore he would have made Richard out to be a nephew-murdering, evil, dictator and Henry Tudor (aka Henry VII) as a wonderful, fight-for-the-peoples-rights, saviour. The truth is probably somewhere in between.

Hmm.... War of the Roses... it's vague, tucked away in my mind. Since I live in America, we really don't talk about English history. I know that 2 guys were fighting over the crown. Can we get a quick synopsis?

OK, Wars of the Roses, a civil war between two houses- the House of Lancaster (the Red Rose) and The House of York (the White Rose). The important bit is that Edward IV (York), had two sons- Edward and Richard- Edward IV died when his son Edward was young (12/13 something like that) leaving his sons in the care of their uncle Richard. Richard locked the young king and his brother in the Tower of London where they were later declared to be illegitimate because the marriage of their parents was declared illegal. Their uncle became Richard III and the boys were later killed, this was the biggest murder mystery ever as no bodies have ever been found and no-one knows what actually happened. Richard reigned for 2 years before he was killed by Henry Tudor at the Battle of Bosworth Field and Henry Tudor became Henry VII. The wars ended at his point as Henry married Elizabeth of York, thus uniting the two houses. Henry VII's son was Henry VIII- the king who had 6 wives.

[Wildcard14]

hi im Wildcard and i agree with u! if jk wrote everybodys name in full it would just be a waste of her writing time!

[GodricHollow]

I'm glad Ginny's real name is Ginevra and not Virginia.Virginia sounded too prissy to be borne,and I think Ginny's name reflects the quirkiness of the world she comes from quite nicely.
Virginia Weasley...ugh,not right. Now,Ginevra Weasley...perfect.
And who else loves it that Ron's middle name (poor boy!-I have to agree with JKR there) is Bilius?

Yep, poor kid, RBW: Rear Before Wicket! If he ever played cricket.

[Kimmetje]

I had always thought Bill was short for Billius, but that doesn't seem to be true. Too bad for Ron though, Billius, it kind of makes me laugh (no offence to all of you who have that name). I think that Thomas and Frederick aren't too bad of names.

I must say that I'm happy with my small name that isn't Kimberley as I hate that name, but just Kim (same thing with Harry-no longer name)...

[OmarGama]

Okay, I was just wondering if some of the characters' names are just nicknames. We know that Ron's real name is Ronald, and Ginny's real name is Virginia, so what about other characters?

-Fred Weasley (Frederick?)
-Percy Weasley (Percival?) although I think Percy would be one to use his full name...
-Charlie Weasley (Charles?)
-Bill Weasley (William?)
-Tom Riddle (Thomas?) his name was probably just Tom, because of the lovely acronym
-Ernie MacMillan (Ernest?)
-any more?

And I know that this isn't very important at all... but just something to think of while we all wait for book five. oh, why isn't it June 21st already?!? :'(

I don't know any other names, except for Hermione, and Harry, but we know that harry it's a name, so, what about Hermione?

[Elocin4684]

Ginny's name is not short for Virginia. Ginny's real name is Gwenviere. I have the spelling wrong but I know it's like Gwenivere from the myth of King Arthur but it doesn't have as many letters.

Yeah, we have talked about that. Many people say that we now have Arthurian components and that something in HP might play out like it did in Arthurian legends, but then the argument starts with which Arthurian legend. The one depicted in Mists of Avalon, or the one that involves Mary of Magdalene, etc.



Thanks for the explanation of the War of the Roses! (have you seen the 80's movie? great movie!) Such a dramatic sequence of events.



What does Billius mean again? I'm going to have to go look that up after I post this. I don't want to open any more windows. Pop ups are attacking me!

----------EDIT----------EDIT-------------
OK, name info. I do like that Trelawney's first name means prophetess. Obviously her parents had greathopes for her! ;)
Bill means "resolute protector". I couldn't find anything on Bilius. Anybody have anything?

[Gryffindorgod]

Thanks for the explanation of the War of the Roses! (have you seen the 80's movie? great movie!) Such a dramatic sequence of events.
What does Billius mean again? I couldn't find anything on Bilius. Anybody have anything?

I can't say I have seen the movie, is it American or English? Always a consideration I find when watching movies about history as the Americans to tend to re-write it (no offence to all the American's out there).

Wasn't Billius the God of Wine?

[Kazza]

Ginny's full name is Ginevra. Not Virginia or Gweniverre.

[Elf]

Good thing Harry's name is just plain old Harry. Can you imagine if it was short for Harold? Uggggh! Harold Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban...it sounds like some hundred year old geaser who is trying to break out of an old folk's home. (no offense intended to anyone named Harold or any 100 year old geasers) :)

[Tiphany]

What does Billius mean again? I'm going to have to go look that up after I post this. I don't want to open any more windows. Pop ups are attacking me!

----------EDIT----------EDIT-------------
OK, name info. I do like that Trelawney's first name means prophetess. Obviously her parents had greathopes for her! ;)
Bill means "resolute protector". I couldn't find anything on Bilius. Anybody have anything?

Bilius - well, I've never heard of it outside of HP, and it's not in my name book, but could it be related to the adjective bilious? - if so, poor Ron! :evil:

I thought Sybill Trelawney was an in-joke by the author, like Sirius and Remus - I mean, isn't it too much of a coincidence that your surname's Lupin, so you go with the wolf connection and call your son Remus, then he gets bitten by a werewolf? Implausible... it's just a clue for the reader as to his identity.

Going back to the Weasley royalty and mythology thing, what can we do with Ronald? There are nobles in Norse history called Rognvald, but I can't link him to the Arthurian stuff or to European monarchies... why? Is he a true Weasley? Does he have some kind of different, outsider-y role in the family? Aaaargh!

[Rosie Cotton]

Allow me to clarify -- personally, I believe that the Weasley's names should be taken at face value. I'm highly sceptical as to whether Ginny's real name is "Virginia", nor do I believe that Molly's real name is "Mary".

I'm actually fervently opposed to the idea, but was just speaking in hypotheticals. :) Okay, everyone, Ginny's name isn't Virginia. It's Ginevra. Ms. Rowling has told us that. However, Ginevra is the Italian form of Guinevere.

Percy's name is simply Percy. It says his full name at the trial in OotP. Percy Ignatius Weasley.

Molly can also be short for Margaret, and my cousin's full given name is just Molly. Plus, Ginny's middle name is Molly. If Molly was short for something wouldn't you think she would be Ginevra Mary Weasley? Or Ginevra Margaret Weasley?

Bilius - well, I've never heard of it outside of HP, and it's not in my name book, but could it be related to the adjective bilious? - if so, poor Ron! :evil: ! Well, if we are saying that it's Bill's full name, wouldn't it be awkward since it's Ron's middle name.

I can't say I have seen the movie, is it American or English? Always a consideration I find when watching movies about history as the Americans to tend to re-write it (no offence to all the American's out there).

Wasn't Billius the God of Wine? Nahh, that was Bacchus or Dionysis

I don't know any other names, except for Hermione, and Harry, but we know that harry it's a name, so, what about Hermione? Hermione is the feminization of Hermes. There have been people, even actresses named Hermione. Hermione Gingold, Hermione Baddely...




People talking about Luna. Luna was the Goddess of the moon. The moon, is associated with madness. Another thing that I noticed was that the Goddess Luna, was the only Virgin God. Does this mean that there is no romance in store for Luna?