So I’m still searching for a certain name fo one of my girl characters. Her twin brother is already named [name]Wesley[/name] and I had almost decided on [name]Winifred[/name] (nn [name]Wendi[/name]) for her…and then I came across the name [name]Lolita[/name]. It fits the character perfectly and I adore the nn Lo. But how does it flow with [name]Wesley[/name]? And is it usable? I mean, the name kinda has an infamous past, thank to the teenage vixen from the book [name]Lolita[/name]. I was nearly sold on [name]Wendi[/name] for my character…but now I can’t get [name]Lolita[/name] out of my head! Help!
I think it’s one of those names that’s too strongly associated with the book, sorry. If you like Lo, there’s other names that can give it.
[name]Lois[/name]
[name]Logan[/name]
[name]Lowri[/name]
[name]Lorraine[/name]
[name]Lola[/name]
[name]Elodie[/name]
It’s very strongly associated with the book, which is a shame, because it’s a beautiful name. I would pick something else if I were you. I like Essjay’s suggestion of [name]Elodie[/name] or [name]Lola[/name] (which kind of has the same feel as [name]Lolita[/name]).
It’s pretty much claimed by the book. I wouldn’t call [name]Lolita[/name] a vixen so much as an exploited child since for almost the entire book she was 12-14. The name will be connected with the novel for a long time.
I’ll add [name]Leora[/name] as a suggestion. Lots of names with that cute Lo nickname.
It also doesn’t help that [name]Lolita[/name] is a clothing line in Japan. It’s basically a clothing line designed to make doll clothes are adults. I think another name would be better. It also doesn’t fit the same style as [name]Wesley[/name].
What about doing [name]Winnie[/name] instead of [name]Wendy[/name]?
I think it’s best to avoid a name already associated with a famous character; else it’d be like naming a character [name]Bella[/name] or [name]Katniss[/name] (not the best comparisons, but you get what I mean.)
[name]Lita[/name]
Alita
[name]Adelita[/name]
[name]Melita[/name]
[name]Lalita[/name]
[name]Lorita[/name]
[name]Sarita[/name]
[name]Nola[/name]
[name]Lolo[/name]
[name]Alula[/name] / [name]Elula[/name]
[name]Lula[/name]
[name]Lilo[/name] ([name]LEE[/name]-lo)
For negative associations that aren’t as strong, there’s [name]Salome[/name] (sah-LOE-mee) which has the nn Lo.
I don’t know what your book is about or what genre it is so it’s hard to say for sure however…
I think the ONLY way [name]Lolita[/name] could be used is if she was predominately referred to as Lo and there was a side comment about 1) how she was named after the infamous [name]Lolita[/name] because it was her mothers favorite book. Though that would have to be written into the characterization of the whole family situation. or 2) a reason why she choose the name for herself, ect.
I don’t think you can use a name like [name]Lolita[/name] or Karenina without making obvious and direct references and correlations to the original works. However, there was a rewrite of Geothe’s famous “The Sorrows of [name]Young[/name] [name]Werther[/name]” by Plenzdorf called “The New Sorrows of [name]Young[/name] W.” in which a new character discovers similarities between his life and that of [name]Werther[/name]. My point is, if you make the connection obvious it can work but otherwise I would advise against it.
Thank you all very much! I think I’m going to just stick with [name]Wendi[/name], and maybe give her a friend or a pet with the name [name]Lolita[/name].