I’m struggling between two names for a character. The first is [name_f]Maud[/name_f], and the second is [name_f]Cicely[/name_f]. Stylistically, they both suit the character in question, whose mother is fond of Victorian names, but in terms of sound and colour (I have a synaesthesic perception of names that makes me think of them with a colour in my head), [name_f]Maud[/name_f] is by far more fitting.
The character had very nearly been named [name_f]Maud[/name_f], when I remembered that [name_f]Maud[/name_f] means “strength of battle”, and nothing could fit this character less. However, [name_f]Cicely[/name_f] means “blind”, which is very appropriate, as while this character is not literally, physically blind, she is very naïve and psychologically blind.
Of course the mother might not have even known the meaning of the name she chose to the daughter, and would certainly not have known whether it would have fitted the personality the child grew up to have or not, but I would feel strange personally bestowing a name on this character whose meaning really doesn’t fit her.
However, I much prefer the sound and colour of [name_f]Maud[/name_f] on this character, as opposed to [name_f]Cicely[/name_f].
In these circumstances, which name would you choose?
I would really appreciate some help!
I personally like when names have significance, but I would probably suggest you pick a name that fits your idea of the personality a person with that name would have, as opposed to picking a name for its absolute bulletproof meaning and symbolism. Symbolism is cool, but it’s not necessary.
In this case, I would pick [name_f]Cicely[/name_f], simply because I like that name better than [name_f]Maud[/name_f].
Thank you.
[name_m]Just[/name_m] as a name, I actually prefer [name_f]Cicely[/name_f] too, but the way [name_f]Maud[/name_f] suits this character is slowly persuading me to use it in spite of the meaning.
I need to think about it some more, I guess.
I would suggest you stick with [name_f]Maud[/name_f] since as you said, it suits your character. [name_f]Cicely[/name_f] is a great name as well, and I love how the meaning symbolizes your character but not many people know what it means.
I would try to name your character from her mothers perspective rather than yours. [name_m]Even[/name_m] if the mother isn’t in your story, I would make the choice based on what drives your characters mother. Example: is she the kind of person that honoring family is important? Did she pick a name based on what she wished for her daughter? Was she trying to be trendy? What would her deal breakers be? Did her partner help her pick this name?
That’s the process I use anyways, I hope it helps!
I know exactly what you mean, I also have this problem quite often and I think unless you have a pattern of naming all your characters with fitting, meaningful names, it doesn’t really matter. If all other the characters’ names’ meaning fits their personality except this one, than maybe you should use [name_f]Cicely[/name_f]. Otherwise if [name_f]Maud[/name_f] feels better, use that.
Thank you so much for your answers!
In the end, her name became [name_f]Maud[/name_f], since I couldn’t really see her as anything else in the long run.
I think [name_f]Cecilia[/name_f] for the sister would probably work, and maybe the sister’s nn could be [name_f]CeCe[/name_f], which would probably be a cute nn, in my opinion.
