Naming conundrum!

Writers' Corner
1

Hello,
I am currently writing a novel and I am in the beginning stages of choosing names. I like for the names I am choosing to represent the character and play a part in who they are and how they interact with other characters (though this does not confine them to their definitions). At the moment I am working on the name for the schools [name_u]Dean[/name_u] or “Headmaster”. I have two names one I like the sound of and one I like the meaning behind, you see my issue, though the one with the good sound has a decent meaning. The two names and their definitions are:

Hemlock: A poisonous european plant. In this sense I would take it as just meaning poisonous.

Fulian: To foul.

The first name is Yfel, meaning Evil, so I am really looking for a surname that emphasizes the corruptness of this character. If you could help me choose or you know another name that means corrupt, evil, to defile, or something along those lines I would really appreciate it!

P.S. Hemlock is the name I like the sound of and Fulian is the name with the good meaning.

Thanks again,
K.

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In truth, I’ve always been partial to Hemlock, but it’s not really useable outside of situations like this! So Hemlock has my vote, though both are good. A question is how obvious do you want it to be? Hemlock is pretty well known for being poisonous, but the meaning of Fulian, probably not so much. It has the sound of a last name that is easy to associate with ‘foul’ without being real in your face about it.

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I vote for Hemlock! The meaning is just as good imo and it sounds more like a surname.

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I prefer Hemlock. I think it balances out the first name well, and you’re clearly hoping to be on the nose, so you might as well make it obvious!

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Hemlock reminds me of [name_u]Huxley[/name_u], meaning inhospitable place. Hemlock is great, I just thought I’d tout [name_u]Huxley[/name_u] as an alternative if you become unsure on both.

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Yfel Hemlock has my vote!

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