Bradamante (bra-da-MAHN-teh) is one of the greatest female knights ever portrayed in English literature. She is one of the first examples to save her man instead of the usual reverse. She can be found in Charlemagne legends [name_m]Orlando[/name_m] Innamorato by [name_m]Matteo[/name_m] Boiardo, [name_m]Orlando[/name_m] Furioso by [name_m]Ludovico[/name_m] Ariosto, The Nonexistant [name_m]Knight[/name_m] (Il Cavaliere Inesistente) by [name_m]Italo[/name_m] [name_m]Calvino[/name_m], and Handel’s [name_f]Alcina[/name_f]. Later on, [name_m]Andrew[/name_m] Lang wrote about her in The [name_u]Red[/name_u] Romance Book. There is a tragicomedy titled in her name and a Movie produced in 1983 called: “Hearts and Armour.” [name_f]Barbara[/name_f] di [name_m]Rossi[/name_m] depicted Bradamante and the names meaning is: “wild love/loving wildly” in Italian. There is many interesting connections that are atrractive about this name. I’m smitten.
-Would you consider it a first name possibility or more of a middle name? What are some potential nicknames option that might make this name more wearable?
IMHO, yes I want to consider the name for a first name, but then again, no, because I dislike the nickname [name_u]Brady[/name_u], it is too masculine. If perhaps she went by Brada instead, It might hold more allurement for me, but it could easily be mistaken for [name_m]Bravo[/name_m] for those who aren’t paying attention. maybe Bradia or Maybe [name_f]Ada[/name_f] as a possible nickname, which would be such a condensed version of the name that perhaps it would lose its allurement…-? I dunno, I’m on the fence, any ideas to make this name more wearable?
I do love the name bradamante, [name_f]Tia[/name_f] would be another excellent option. It is a big name to live up to but if it means a lot to you then use it. You will most likely run into people who won’t be familiar with the literature, maybe, the movie. So you will have to explain and correct people on how to pronounce it. If this doesn’t bother you, then I would see no issue. It could be a good conversation starter.
Many people have very short name variations for their longer birth names. I find this intriguing, and am usually fascinated to know what the longer form of their name is. I once came across a women who went by [name_m]Loy[/name_m] and her name was [name_f]Elisabeth[/name_f]. I hadn’t come across that nickname before, but it seemed very unique and tailored to her. I hope this helps.
Bradamante is a very cool name and a very cool namesake. I do think it would be hard to wear, especially as most of the nicknames are more masculine. [name_f]Ada[/name_f] would work, but you could use some more unusual nicknames like Amante or Ante. I particularly like Amante.
If you decide not to use it as a first, Bradamante would be an extremely cool middle name.
I see the appeal behind Bradamante but I still find the name rather masculine with the [name_m]Brad[/name_m]- beginning. I think with [name_m]Brad[/name_m] [name_m]Pitt[/name_m]’s popularity this is the first thing many people will think of - esp those unfamiliar with the mythological/literary character. I would probably recommend to use it as a mn except if you think it’s the most perfect name in the world.
A bit out there, but you could use [name_u]Bradley[/name_u] (there’s a female [name_u]Bradley[/name_u] character in ‘[name_m]Bates[/name_m] Motel’ on Netflix).
I think [name_u]Bradley[/name_u] is a bit much for me. I do like the Amante and [name_f]Minty[/name_f]. Thanks for the suggestions. I’ll discuss it with the family.
[name_u]Bradley[/name_u] is a bit much but obscure names from left field aren’t a bit much? Can you please explain (just curious about your reasoning)?
Bradamante sounds really masculine and I agree that there aren’t any good nicknames. I think that if it’s “the” name, it’d be best to put it in the middle. It would save your daughter a headache later in life.
I would only use this in the middle. It is extremely masculine - beginning with “[name_m]Brad[/name_m]” and also having “man” in it. Also, you might sound somewhat haughty when explaining the reasoning behind your choice for the hundredth time. There are many other examples of strong women in literature and real life. However, if you are in love and prepared to handle a few odd reactions…go for it.
