I recently changed my name to [name_f]Roe[/name_f], and here is a brief explanation why: I come from a long line of mystics, and have been practicing divination since I was a child–my chart is dominated by pisces, and I’ve grown up along the tidepools, so I actually love the fish eggs association! There’s also a type of Eurasian deer called [name_f]Roe[/name_f], and I’ve always felt a deep connection to deer. As a surname, [name_f]Roe[/name_f] comes from the Latin (by way of [name_m]French[/name_m]) meaning red–-and I’m a redhead! Perhaps most importantly, [name_f]Roe[/name_f] on paper doesn’t immediately gender me, but seeing me in person it doesn’t seem unrealistic, either. Nameberry lists it as feminine, but most bearers are men! Perfect. It’s also a slight nod to my grandmother’s middle, [name_f]Rose[/name_f].
Here’s where I need your help: finding a middle!
Constraints:
It can’t start with R, A, or I
I’m open to names for boys or girls, but nothing too traditional or feminizations of male names like [name_m]Theodore[/name_m]/a
No monosyllabic names–but you know that!
Stylistically, I like unusual, bohemian, whimsical, romantic, ethereal, naturey (oh how I miss nookofnames!). A bit about me: bachelors in Sociology, studying to become a therapist, but my true love is poetry. For you personality junkies out there, I’m an INFP-t, enneagram 4w5.
Also should mention that I did have a previous account here (mollylmg), so I know you have to give to get! I’d be happy to rate any lists/signatures or provide feedback in return, just link any relevant threads! <3
I really, really love the idea of [name_f]Roe[/name_f] Astrophel (from an Elizabethan sonnet sequence by [name_m]Philip[/name_m] [name_u]Sidney[/name_u], and it means “star lover”), but alas, it starts with A!
i really like the feel of [name_f]Roe[/name_f] [name_u]Valentine[/name_u], [name_f]Roe[/name_f] Astrophel, and [name_f]Roe[/name_f] [name_f]Hyacinth[/name_f] especially! some of the others are stylistically perfect ([name_f]Saffron[/name_f], [name_u]Taliesin[/name_u], Lazuli, Elysian) but don’t quite feel like me, and a few of the others are lovely but too associated with people ([name_f]Holliday[/name_f], [name_u]Taliesin[/name_u], [name_u]Maxime[/name_u]) or places (Merit) i know already. such a tough challenge to name a fully formed person!
i also considered but eliminated [name_f]Lavender[/name_f], because -er names rhyme with my last name, and [name_f]Zephyrine[/name_f], because i’m not french and don’t have any strong connection to french culture (maybe another variation, though?). i’m also planning to make a list of place names in my city, though admittedly they will most likely be nature names!
here are some pros and cons for the three current frontrunners:
i was supposed to be born on valentine’s day, so it feels a bit cosmic you even suggested it!
i love the holiday, and especially the pink/red color combination its image conjures
cons:
i really don’t like the saint
i’m a recovering catholic, so i’m not sure how i feel about names with strong Biblical ties
i know two people with this middle (but, in my little bohemian bubble, sharing even unique names is hard to avoid)
[name_f]Roe[/name_f] Astrophel pros:
sound! it sounds melodious, the o’s and e’s perfectly balance each other. the hidden ‘ro’ in astrophel sounds like it is remembering roe, but it avoids rhyme and gets to hide in the ‘tro’ sound so as not to be so flashy. i love these next to each other.
i honestly can’t imagine a better meaning
it’s so unusual i doubt i’ll ever have to share it
cons:
does the astro prefix seem try-hard, or immature? in living as a trans person in my 20’s, i worry it might work against me in terms of social/professional legitimacy. (does this matter as a mn though?)
my initials would be RAG, which isn’t terrible but is the reason i initially wanted to avoid ‘A’ names. i can get over this, though, especially for a name i absolutely love.
i love the myth! handsome young man beloved by both [name_m]Apollo[/name_m] and [name_u]Zephyr[/name_u]? lover of the first recorded gay man in the bibliotheca? yes.
i also have a strong connection to both [name_m]Apollo[/name_m] (healing, poetry, the arts) and [name_u]Zephyr[/name_u] (watery air), and hyacinth seems to be their meeting place. lots of good associations with this name.
it’s bluish purple, my favorite color!
it sounds lovely and reminds me of early spring, my favorite time of year
very slight con:
there are other flowers i like lots more, and that are prettier imo.
i’m off to search through some of my favorite books and look up place names, but keep the suggestions coming! i’d like to expand my list a bit before narrowing back down and deciding.