I’ve seen a few people on here debating whether names made more well known by the [name]Harry[/name] [name]Potter[/name] series are usable or not. So, I thought I’d start a thread where we can discuss this issue!
Here’s a list of all of the names I can think of! (I’ve ignored the more mainstream names of smaller characters but please feel free to add names you are considering to the list).
If you could vote either yes or no for each name I’ll collate the results which I’m sure that would help us out a lot! I’m sure comments on any of the names (there are a lot so don’t feel obliged to comment on them all!) would be appreciated too!
I have never seen any reason why the names in [name]Harry[/name] [name]Potter[/name] should not be usable. You would think the literary connection would be a bonus for most people but apparently not. Everyone seems to have this great fear that people will think they named their child after a fictional character. Who cares? I personally don’t see the issue, and would gladly use a name I loved from [name]Harry[/name] [name]Potter[/name] or even gasp the horror of all horrors, Twilight. :o
As a matter of fact, I would like to name my first son [name]Harry[/name].
I think whether the name was common BEFORE [name]Harry[/name] [name]Potter[/name] is the biggest factor in whether they’ll be usable.It’s similar with Twilight. [name]Isabella[/name], [name]Edward[/name], and [name]Jacob[/name] were solidly established, very popular names before the release of the book. [name]Even[/name] [name]Emmett[/name], [name]Rosalie[/name], [name]Alice[/name], and [name]Esme[/name] were well-known enough that I think they’re okay to use. However, Renesme is NOT usable, in my opinion, as it didn’t even exist before Twilight came out. I also think it’s harder for the more central characters to overcome the association than the fringe characters who don’t do much, and it’s worse for the evil characters than the good ones. Here’s my thoughts:
[name]Harry[/name]- Yes
[name]Ronald[/name]- Yes
[name]Hermione[/name]- No
Rubeus- No
Albus- No
[name]Percival[/name]- Hm. Maybe? [name]Percy[/name] definitely, [name]Percival[/name] is probably fine.
[name]Ginevra[/name]- Yes, but mostly because the character is only ever called [name]Ginny[/name], which was a well-known name before.
[name]Remus[/name]- No
[name]Andromeda[/name]- No
Nymphadora- Hell No.
[name]Cornelius[/name]- Yes
[name]Sirius[/name]- No
Bathilda- No
[name]Bellatrix[/name]- No. But [name]Beatrix[/name] and [name]Bellamy[/name] are okay to me.
[name]Phineas[/name]- Yes
[name]Pius[/name]- Yes
Elphias- Yes
[name]Myrtle[/name]- Yes. It’s not too associated with Moaning [name]Myrtle[/name], but I don’t think it’ll become trendy anytime soon because of its clunky sound.
[name]Lucius[/name]- No, but barely.
[name]Narcissa[/name]- No, for many reasons, not just [name]Harry[/name] [name]Potter[/name].
[name]Draco[/name]- No.
Regulus- No.
Aberforth- No.
[name]Dudley[/name]- No, but barely.
[name]Vernon[/name]- Ditto [name]Dudley[/name].
[name]Kendra[/name]- Yes.
Perenelle- Yes, because I can’t even remember this character.
Merope- Yes, but ditto [name]Myrtle[/name].
Marvolo- Probably not.
Morfin- No, but for other reasons.
[name]Mafalda[/name]- Yes, but ditto [name]Myrtle[/name].
Gilderoy- No.
[name]Neville[/name]- Yes, but barely.
[name]Minerva[/name]- No.
[name]Kingsley[/name]- Yes.
[name]Severus[/name]- No.
It’s going to be hard for my to distinguish whether or not I like these names from the fact that they are usable or now unsuitable after [name]Harry[/name] [name]Potter[/name]'s spectacular success. But I’ll give it my best!
[name]Harry[/name]- Yes. It’s a very commonplace name.
[name]Ronald[/name]- Yes.
[name]Hermione[/name]- Yes. This one is tricky. I would think of [name]Hermione[/name] [name]Granger[/name] but I don’t think it’s totally unusable now.
Rubeus- No.
Albus- No.
[name]Percival[/name]- No.
[name]Ginevra[/name]- Yes.
[name]Remus[/name]- No.
[name]Andromeda[/name]- Yes because she’s not a major character.
Nymphadora- No.
[name]Cornelius[/name]- Yes.
[name]Sirius[/name]- No.
Bathilda- No.
[name]Bellatrix[/name]- No. Also very tricky because I think it’s a cool name but very connected to the character.
[name]Phineas[/name]- No.
[name]Pius[/name]- Yes.
Elphias- No.
[name]Myrtle[/name]- Yes.
[name]Lucius[/name]- Yes.
[name]Narcissa[/name]- Yes.
[name]Draco[/name]- No.
Regulus- No.
Aberforth- No.
[name]Dudley[/name]- No.
[name]Vernon[/name]- Yes.
[name]Kendra[/name]- Yes.
Perenelle- Yes.
Merope- No.
Marvolo- No.
Morfin- No.
[name]Mafalda[/name]- Yes.
Gilderoy- No.
[name]Neville[/name]- Yes.
[name]Minerva[/name]- Yes.
[name]Kingsley[/name]- Yes.
[name]Severus[/name]- No.
I think JK Rowling has named all her characters brilliantly!
I thought I should add [name]Luna[/name], I don’t know how common that name is in English speaking countries? It has been mentioned on Nb before, and I think it is definitely usable. [name]Dilys[/name] is another acquaintance I discovered in HP that I really like, no idea about how common that one is either.
[name]Harry[/name]- of course
[name]Ronald[/name]- yes, but really not my style ; )
[name]Hermione[/name]- definitely
Rubeus- maybe
Albus- yes, I like Albus as well as [name]Albia[/name]
[name]Percival[/name]- associate with [name]King[/name] [name]Arthur[/name], but yes
[name]Ginevra[/name]- yes
[name]Remus[/name]- associate with [name]Roman[/name] legend
[name]Andromeda[/name]- yes, I like this one! Guilty pleasure
Nymphadora- no, I think it’s a bit much : P
[name]Cornelius[/name]- don’t associate with HP, so yes
[name]Sirius[/name]- yes
Bathilda- no
[name]Bellatrix[/name]- big guilty pleasure! I like it very much
[name]Phineas[/name]- definitely
[name]Pius[/name]- didn’t realize this one was in HP, so yes
Elphias- I really don’t know, but has an appealing sound, I think
[name]Myrtle[/name]- don’t associate with HP, so yes
[name]Lucius[/name]- No, but that’s probably just me! He’s too evil. But on the other hand, [name]Bellatrix[/name] is much more evil, so I don’t know ; )
[name]Narcissa[/name]- No, just think of the meaning
[name]Draco[/name]- No, probably not, I feel it lacks substance
Regulus- doesn’t really sound like a name to me
Aberforth- no, se Regulus
[name]Dudley[/name]- no
[name]Vernon[/name]- yes
[name]Kendra[/name]- yes
Perenelle- yes
Merope- yes, I guess
Marvolo- no. Too wizard-ish
Morfin- no
[name]Mafalda[/name]- yes
Gilderoy- no
[name]Neville[/name]- yes
[name]Minerva[/name]- yes! I love this one
[name]Kingsley[/name]- yes
[name]Severus[/name]- no
Ok, I just want to say I think anything is useable for a middle name, so I’m just voting on first names.
[name]Harry[/name] yes
[name]Ronald[/name] yes
[name]Hermione[/name] yes
Rubeus no
Albus no
[name]Percival[/name] no
[name]Ginevra[/name] yes
[name]Remus[/name] no
[name]Andromeda[/name] yes
Nymphadora no
[name]Cornelius[/name] no
[name]Sirius[/name] no
Bathilda no
[name]Bellatrix[/name] no
[name]Phineas[/name] yes
[name]Pius[/name] no
Elphias no
[name]Myrtle[/name] no
[name]Lucius[/name] no
[name]Narcissa[/name] no
[name]Draco[/name] no
Regulus no
Aberforth no
[name]Dudley[/name] no
[name]Vernon[/name] no
[name]Kendra[/name] no
Perenelle no
Merope no
Marvolo no
Morfin no
[name]Mafalda[/name] no
Gilderoy no
[name]Neville[/name] no
[name]Minerva[/name] yes (Only because [name]Minnie[/name] is cute)
[name]Kingsley[/name] yes
[name]Severus[/name] no
First off, I adore [name]Harry[/name] [name]Potter[/name]. And all the names.
[name]Harry[/name]: Yes, but I much prefer it as a nickname for [name]Henry[/name].
[name]Ronald[/name]: I’m not sure if it’s usable, regardless of [name]Harry[/name] [name]Potter[/name]. The association isn’t too strong, though.
[name]Hermione[/name]: I’m on the fence on this one. Most people will know of the pronunciation thanks to the series, but then again…
Rubeus: No. It’s invented by her, so [name]Hagrid[/name] is the only association.
Albus: No.
[name]Percival[/name]: Yes, but it’s definitely teasable…
[name]Ginevra[/name]: Definitely! I love the name and the character.
[name]Remus[/name]: He was mostly known as Lupin, so I say yes. I actually kind of like this name.
[name]Andromeda[/name]: I think it’s over-the-top, [name]Harry[/name] [name]Potter[/name] aside.
Nymphadora: No. No, no, no!
[name]Cornelius[/name]: See [name]Percival[/name]…
[name]Sirius[/name]: No.
Bathilda: No.
[name]Bellatrix[/name]: Absolutely no!
[name]Phineas[/name]: Definitely!
[name]Pius[/name]: The HP association is tiny, so it’s not a problem. Not a great name, though.
Elphias: See Rubeus.
[name]Myrtle[/name]: I can see some ‘Moaning [name]Myrtle[/name]’ teasing, but mostly it’s just known as an awful old lady name.
[name]Lucius[/name]: Yes.
[name]Narcissa[/name]: Hm… I’m going to say yes, it’s usable.
[name]Draco[/name]: No way!
Regulus: He was a minorly mentioned (though important) character, so sure.
Aberforth: Nope.
[name]Dudley[/name]: I’m afraid this name was unusable way before [name]Dudley[/name] Dursley.
[name]Vernon[/name]: Yeah, but I’m not a fan.
[name]Kendra[/name]: Definitely, though again, I’m not a fan.
Perenelle: She wasn’t a HP character as much as a mythology/history one, so yes.
Merope: No.
Marvolo: No.
Morfin: Nope…
[name]Mafalda[/name]: I actually really like this.
Gilderoy: No
[name]Neville[/name]: Too associated with [name]Neville[/name] Longbottom.
[name]Minerva[/name]: Yes, and I really like it.
[name]Kingsley[/name]: No, and I don’t like it.
[name]Severus[/name]: No
The [name]Harry[/name] [name]Potter[/name] books are a goldmine of beautiful and unusual names. J.K. Rowling is the [name]Charles[/name] Dickens or [name]William[/name] [name]Shakespeare[/name] of the modern era. As I dislike many of the names that are currently popular in [name]America[/name] and other English speaking countries because of either their trendiness or the fact that they were recently created or altered from an old name, I would have no reluctance in naming a future child one of these (I even like the ones I don’t want to use). In fact, I want to name children [name]Hermione[/name], [name]Severus[/name], and [name]Percival[/name].
[name]Harry[/name] - yes, but as a nickname for [name]Henry[/name] or [name]Harold[/name]
[name]Ronald[/name] - yes
[name]Hermione[/name] - definitely yes!
Rubeus - no, but I do like it.
Albus - no, but like Rubeus, I like it. But if I wanted to use a Latinate name that meant “white,” I’d use [name]Alban[/name] or [name]Albion[/name].
[name]Percival[/name] - definitely yes!!! I like this not because of [name]Harry[/name] [name]Potter[/name], but because in the Arthurian Romances, [name]Percival[/name] was the knight who found the Holy Grail.
[name]Ginevra[/name] - no. [name]Love[/name] this, but if I wanted to name a girl [name]Ginny[/name] I would name her [name]Virginia[/name].
[name]Remus[/name] - no
[name]Andromeda[/name] - yes
Nymphadora - no. Only as a middle name
[name]Cornelius[/name] - yes
[name]Sirius[/name] - yes
Bathilda - yes
[name]Bellatrix[/name] - no. I love the name, but I can’t get past the fact that she killed [name]Sirius[/name].
[name]Phineas[/name] - yes
[name]Pius[/name] - no
Elphias - yes
[name]Myrtle[/name] - no. I like this, but it’s probably not the most flattering sounding name.
[name]Lucius[/name] - yes
[name]Narcissa[/name] - no, not as a first name, because this is the feminine of [name]Narcissus[/name]. I don’t think I’d want to be named after him.
[name]Draco[/name] - yes
Regulus - yes
Aberforth - yes, and I’ve actually seen this used as a middle name!
[name]Dudley[/name] - no. 1) It’s an aristocratic surname which should only be bestowed upon its descendants…its usage otherwise is pretentious in a bad way (of course, this partially explains [name]Vernon[/name] and [name]Petunia[/name] Dursley’s personality). 2) I wouldn’t want to be named after a dim-witted bully.
[name]Vernon[/name] - no. This is nice, but I could never use it because of [name]Vernon[/name] Dursley.
[name]Kendra[/name] - no. This was nice until the Kardashian sisters became famous.
Perenelle - yes
Merope - yes
Marvolo - yes
Morfin - no, sounds too much like morphene.
[name]Mafalda[/name] - yes
Gilderoy - no. I hate Lockhart.
[name]Neville[/name] - no. Really nice, but it’s an aristocratic surname like [name]Dudley[/name].
[name]Minerva[/name] - yes
[name]Kingsley[/name] - yes
[name]Severus[/name] - DEFINITELY YES!!!
[name]Harry[/name] - y
[name]Ronald[/name] - y
[name]Hermione[/name] - y
Rubeus -n
Albus - y
[name]Percival[/name] - y
[name]Ginevra[/name] - y
[name]Remus[/name] - y
[name]Andromeda[/name] -n
Nymphadora -n
[name]Cornelius[/name] - y
[name]Sirius[/name] - n
Bathilda - n
[name]Bellatrix[/name] - yes. Controversial, sure, and [name]Bellatrix[/name] in the books is an evil sadist, so, you know, that that into consideration, but I would be so charmed to meet someone named [name]Bellatrix[/name] in real life. It has a lovely, quirky sound and an astral connection.
[name]Phineas[/name] - hell yes. lovely.
[name]Pius[/name] - y, but it’s really better left to Popes
Elphias -n
[name]Myrtle[/name] - y
[name]Lucius[/name] - Y. Gorgeous name. J’adore. No reason not to use it as far as I can see.
[name]Narcissa[/name] - probably not. it’s a pretty flower name, but the [name]Narcissus[/name] reference is overwhelmingly negative.
[name]Draco[/name] - y. i know this name is particularly controversial, but it has a sleek, strong sound and a cool Latin meaning, “dragon.” So I heartily endorse it.
Regulus -n
Aberforth - n
[name]Dudley[/name] - y
[name]Vernon[/name] - y, if you must
[name]Kendra[/name] - n, but not bc of harry potter, beause of girls next door kendra
Perenelle -um, i would say no, but i kinda like it so yes
Merope - n
Marvolo - n
Morfin- n
[name]Mafalda[/name] - n
Gilderoy - n
[name]Neville[/name] - y
[name]Minerva[/name] - yes
[name]Kingsley[/name] - sure!
[name]Severus[/name] - No
Also, the names [name]Stephenie[/name] [name]Meyer[/name] chose for her characters in Twilight are largely lovely, elegant names. Unfortunately, if I met a small child named any name that is featured in Twilight, I would assume his parents had terrible taste in literature. I’m sure most people wouldn’t even notice, though, so, you know, make your own way.
[name]Harry[/name]- I would never use it myself, but yes.
[name]Ronald[/name]- Same as [name]Harry[/name].
[name]Hermione[/name]- yes
Rubeus- I think it’s kinda cool-sounding, but no.
Albus- yes
[name]Percival[/name]- Ick! Hate the character, but the name is OK. Yes.
[name]Ginevra[/name]- yes
[name]Remus[/name]- yes
[name]Andromeda[/name]- The name is more commonly associated with Greek mythology than [name]Harry[/name] [name]Potter[/name], so…yes? I love this name.
Nymphadora- heh heh…no
[name]Cornelius[/name]- Ugh! Same as [name]Percival[/name]. Can’t stand him, but his name’s alright.
[name]Sirius[/name]- yes
Bathilda- Same as [name]Harry[/name] and [name]Ronald[/name]…not a fan of the name, but it’s usable.
[name]Bellatrix[/name]- I’m going to be the devil’s advocate and say yes, haha.
[name]Phineas[/name]- yes
[name]Pius[/name]- yes
Elphias- yes?
[name]Myrtle[/name]- Same as [name]Harry[/name], [name]Ronald[/name], and Bathilda. Awful name, but yes.
[name]Lucius[/name]- yes
[name]Narcissa[/name]- Hmmm…it sounds cool, but it means narsissistic, so no.
[name]Draco[/name]- snicker yes
Regulus- yes
Aberforth- not really…
[name]Dudley[/name]- This goes on the hate-the-character-but-the-name’s-OK list.
[name]Vernon[/name]- Same as [name]Dudley[/name].
[name]Kendra[/name]- [name]Love[/name] this name! Yes!
Perenelle- I love this one too. Yes.
Merope- Yes, since she’s a minor character. The name is kinda cool.
Marvolo- Same as Merope.
Morfin- No, since it sounds like morphine.
[name]Mafalda[/name]- yes
Gilderoy- hahahaha…no.
[name]Neville[/name]- yes
[name]Minerva[/name]- Another Greek mythology (or [name]Roman[/name], in this case) name. Yes.
[name]Kingsley[/name]- yes
[name]Severus[/name]- I think it sounds really cool! Maybe in about 20 years. Now, no.
[name]Luna[/name]- yes
[name]Dilys[/name]- Yucky name, but usable.
[name]Harry[/name] - y
[name]Ronald[/name] - n
[name]Hermione[/name] - n
Rubeus - n
[name]Albus[/name] - n
[name]Percival[/name] - m
[name]Ginevra[/name] - m
[name]Remus[/name] - m
[name]Andromeda[/name] - n
Nymphadora - n
[name]Cornelius[/name] - n
[name]Sirius[/name] - y
Bathilda - n
[name]Bellatrix[/name] - y
[name]Phineas[/name] - n
[name]Pius[/name] - n
Elphias - n
[name]Myrtle[/name] - n
[name]Lucius[/name] - m
[name]Narcissa[/name] - m
[name]Draco[/name] - n
Regulus - n
Aberforth - m
[name]Dudley[/name] - n
[name]Vernon[/name] - n
[name]Kendra[/name] - n
Perenelle - y
Merope - n
Marvolo - n
Morfin - n
[name]Mafalda[/name] - n
Gilderoy - n
[name]Neville[/name] - m
[name]Minerva[/name] - m
[name]Kingsley[/name] - m
[name]Severus[/name] - n
[name]Luna[/name] - y
[name]Dilys[/name] - n
Also, the names Stephenie Meyer chose for her characters in Twilight are largely lovely, elegant names. Unfortunately, if I met a small child named any name that is featured in Twilight, I would assume his parents had terrible taste in literature.
I find that extremely offensive and snobbish. God forbid I or anyone else name a child [name]Edward[/name] or [name]Alice[/name] or [name]Jasper[/name] or what have you, because, oh no, it’s a Twilight name! Yeah, because it’s so difficult to say, “Yes, like the character. No, he/she is not named after him/her.”
Give me a break.
Regarding the original post, the only [name]Harry[/name] [name]Potter[/name] name I’d advise people to stay as far away from as possible is Nymphadora, because all I can think of is nymphomania. Anything else is probably fine.
My favorite [name]Harry[/name] [name]Potter[/name] name is [name]Minerva[/name]. I absolutely love it and all of its positive connotations. And the nickname [name]Minnie[/name]-- built in theme for the kid’s nursery!
[name]Harry[/name]-- y
[name]Ronald[/name]-- n ([name]Love[/name] the character, but can’t get past ‘[name]Ronald[/name] [name]McDonald[/name].’)
[name]Hermione[/name]-- n (I like the idea of the name and how it looks written down, but not how it sounds.)
Rubeus-- y (Dude, it’d be so cool to see a baby named after [name]Hagrid[/name].)
[name]Albus[/name]-- n (Maybe as a middle name.)
[name]Percival[/name]-- y
[name]Ginevra[/name]-- y
[name]Remus[/name]-- y
[name]Andromeda[/name]-- y ([name]Even[/name] though it makes me think of dromedary camels.)
Nymphadora-- n
[name]Cornelius[/name]-- n (It’d be fine if not for the ‘Corn’ syllable.)
[name]Sirius[/name]-- n (Too many puns!)
Bathilda-- n
[name]Bellatrix[/name]–n (I like the name itself, but can’t get past the character.)
[name]Phineas[/name]-- y
[name]Pius[/name]-- n
Elphias-- n
[name]Myrtle[/name]-- n
[name]Lucius[/name]-- y
[name]Narcissa[/name]-- n (Why would anyone name their child this? I’ve seen it before, too.)
[name]Draco[/name]-- n
Regulus-- n
Aberforth-- n
[name]Dudley[/name]-- n
[name]Vernon[/name]-- n
[name]Kendra[/name]-- n
Perenelle-- n
Merope-- n
Marvolo-- n
Morfin-- n
[name]Mafalda[/name]-- n
Gilderoy-- n
[name]Neville[/name]-- maybe. This is the only one I can’t decide. The character’s so great, it makes me like his goofy name more.
[name]Minerva[/name]-- y
[name]Kingsley[/name]-- y
[name]Severus[/name]-- n (Horrible name. I don’t care how cool the dude is.)
[name]Luna[/name]-- y
[name]Dilys[/name]-- n
[name]Harry[/name] yes
[name]Ronald[/name] yes
[name]Hermione[/name] yes
Rubeus no
[name]Albus[/name] no
[name]Percival[/name] no
[name]Ginevra[/name] yes
[name]Remus[/name] no
[name]Andromeda[/name] no
Nymphadora no
[name]Cornelius[/name] no
[name]Sirius[/name] no
Bathilda yes
[name]Bellatrix[/name] yes
[name]Phineas[/name] no
[name]Pius[/name] yes
Elphias yes
[name]Myrtle[/name] yes
[name]Lucius[/name] yes
[name]Narcissa[/name] yes
[name]Draco[/name] no
Regulus no
Aberforth no
[name]Dudley[/name] yes
[name]Vernon[/name] yes
[name]Kendra[/name] yes
Perenelle no
Merope yes
Marvolo no
Morfin no
[name]Mafalda[/name] yes
Gilderoy no
[name]Neville[/name] yes
[name]Minerva[/name] yes
[name]Kingsley[/name] yes
[name]Severus[/name] yes
[name]Luna[/name] yes
[name]Dilys[/name] no
[name]Harry[/name]: Yes
[name]Ronald[/name]: Yes (But the only other [name]Ron[/name] I know is also known as [name]Bubba[/name], and he’s my best friend’s brother!)
[name]Hermione[/name]: Yes
Rubeus: Yes
[name]Albus[/name]: Maybe as a mn?
[name]Percival[/name]: Yes
[name]Ginevra[/name]: Yes
[name]Remus[/name]: Yes
[name]Andromeda[/name]: Yes
Nymphadora: Yes
[name]Cornelius[/name]: No! (The name was not redeemed by an awesome character.)
[name]Sirius[/name]: Yes, 100000000 times yes.
Bathilda: No
[name]Bellatrix[/name]: I want to say yes because it’s cool, but I have it in the ranks of [name]Jezebel[/name], [name]Delilah[/name], and [name]Salome[/name].
[name]Phineas[/name]: Yes
[name]Pius[/name]: No
Elphias: No
[name]Myrtle[/name]: NO–It was fusty before, but naming your baby after the bullied ghost who haunts the toilets? And then sending her to public school?
[name]Lucius[/name]: No.
[name]Narcissa[/name]: No.
[name]Draco[/name]: No. I think this name is too heavily tied to this character, who never could muster the courage to do what was right.
Regulus: No.
Aberforth: No.
[name]Dudley[/name]: NO.
[name]Vernon[/name]: NO.
[name]Kendra[/name]: Was this in HP? I just connect it with the girl from Girls Next Door (And that’s a HUGE NO.)
Perenelle: Yes.
Merope: Yes.
Marvolo: NO.
Morfin: No.
[name]Mafalda[/name]: No.
Gilderoy: NO. He was such a twit, anyway.
[name]Neville[/name]: Yes. He DEFINITELY redeemed the name. (BUT…I would stick with it as a mn.)
[name]Minerva[/name]: YES.
[name]Kingsley[/name]: No.
[name]Severus[/name]: Yes. (Again as a mn only, and only if you reeeeeallly love Snape.)
[name]Luna[/name]: Yes.
[name]Dilys[/name]: No. Aside from the fact she might acquire the nn “Dill,” there is another nn to be found there–I knew someone with a similar name in high school, and she was teased mercilessly.
I love [name]Harry[/name] [name]Potter[/name], and HP names, so I figured I’d do this.
[name]Harry[/name] - Yes
[name]Ronald[/name] - Yes, in fact I think it’s more usable thanks to HP.
[name]Hermione[/name] - Hmm… I think so, yes.
Rubeus - No
[name]Albus[/name] - I doubt it…
[name]Percival[/name] - Yes
[name]Ginevra[/name] - Yes
[name]Remus[/name] - Yes
[name]Andromeda[/name] - Yes, absolutely (in fact, it’s in my top 10)
Nymphadora - Oh. Hell. No.
[name]Cornelius[/name] - No
[name]Sirius[/name] - Probably, yes.
Bathilda - No
[name]Bellatrix[/name] - Oh GOD do not do this to your child! Either that, or never, ever, ever let them read a [name]Harry[/name] [name]Potter[/name] book or speak to anyone who has.
[name]Phineas[/name] - Absolutely.
[name]Pius[/name] - No
Elphias - Probably
[name]Myrtle[/name] - Yes
[name]Lucius[/name] - Tough one… I suppose so, yes.
[name]Narcissa[/name] - Well, it’s a beautiful name, but the narcissist/[name]Narcissus[/name] associations are so strong that I’m on the fence.
[name]Draco[/name] - No
Regulus - Because it’s a minor character, maybe.
Aberforth - No.
[name]Dudley[/name] - Yes, but I wouldn’t.
[name]Vernon[/name] - No.
[name]Kendra[/name] - Yes
Perenelle - Yes
Merope - Yes
Marvolo - No no no no no no no. No. God. No.
Morfin - No.
[name]Mafalda[/name] - You could, but it’s not a very attractive name.
Gilderoy - Ditto.
[name]Neville[/name] - I don’t think so, no.
[name]Minerva[/name] - Yes, for sure.
[name]Kingsley[/name] - Yes
[name]Severus[/name] - NO.
[name]Luna[/name] - Yes.
[name]Dilys[/name] - Yes.
For me useability comes down to a combination of factors: how well known the character is, whether he/she was a positive or negative figure, and whether or not I have good-to-neutral associations for the name outside of [name]Harry[/name] [name]Potter[/name].
[name]Harry[/name]: yes
[name]Ronald[/name]: yes
[name]Hermione[/name]: yes
Rubeus: no, not with the word “rube” in there.
[name]Albus[/name]: no…and [name]Albus[/name] [name]Severus[/name] gets a double no.
[name]Percival[/name]: yes, but with reservations about its general dorkiness. I like just [name]Percy[/name] a lot more than [name]Percival[/name].
[name]Ginevra[/name]: yes, and I love it!
[name]Remus[/name]: no, sadly. I don’t think the positive association of [name]Remus[/name] Lupin is enough to counteract the slang meaning of “ream” or the racist baggage of Uncle [name]Remus[/name].
[name]Andromeda[/name]: yes
Nymphadora: OMG, no!
[name]Cornelius[/name]: yes, but with the same reservations I have for [name]Percival[/name].
[name]Sirius[/name]: no
Bathilda: no
[name]Bellatrix[/name]: no
[name]Phineas[/name]: yes
[name]Pius[/name]: yes, because I think it’s more associated with popes than with HP. I really dislike it, though.
Elphias: yes
[name]Myrtle[/name]: yes
[name]Lucius[/name]: no, but ask me again in 25 years
[name]Narcissa[/name]: no
[name]Draco[/name]: no
Regulus: no
Aberforth:no
[name]Dudley[/name]: no, but more for the word “dud” than because of HP
[name]Vernon[/name]: yes
[name]Kendra[/name]: yes
Perenelle: yes
Merope: no
Marvolo: no
Morfin: no
[name]Mafalda[/name]: yes
Gilderoy: no
[name]Neville[/name]: yes
[name]Minerva[/name]: yes
[name]Kingsley[/name]: yes
[name]Severus[/name]: no
[name]Luna[/name]: yes
[name]Dilys[/name]: yes
