Underutilized Shakespeare Names

[SIZE=3][FONT=Times [name_m]New[/name_m] [name_m]Roman[/name_m]]For when you want to evoke The [name_m]Bard[/name_m], but subtly:

FEMALES


Timandra - You may not recognize this long unappreciated name, but those familiar with [name_m]Shakespeare[/name_m]'s woefully forgotten Timon of Athens should. The name means 'feminine form of Timandros, an Ancient Greek name which means “honoring man” or “to honor man” from Ancient Greek elements timao (to honor, worship, esteem) and andros (of a man). '. This one is so underused, Nameberry doesn’t even have a page for it! It’s never entered the top 1000 names, so it’s ripe for the picking. It has a sort of mystical-fae vibe to it and is perfect for a fantasy setting. Though the character was a mistress, it’s long-forgotten nature make any associations to adultery are thankfully almost non-existent.

[name_f]Perdita[/name_f] - This regal name has popped up a few times in media, but these are rare cases. I would argue the most famous usage was in Disney’s 101 Dalmatians, and I’ll bet most of you had no clue the mother of said dalmatians was named [name_f]Perdita[/name_f]. It is, regardless, a very pretty name and one that deserves more love than it gets. As a Shakespearean character, [name_f]Perdita[/name_f] appeared The Winter’s Tale. Though not nearly as forgotten as the above entry, The [name_u]Winter[/name_u]'s Tale is considered one of [name_m]Shakespeare[/name_m]'s ‘problem plays’ for its tonal issues. In Italian, [name_f]Perdita[/name_f] means ‘lost’, which I think is very poignant.

[name_f]Virgilia[/name_f] - The titular character’s wife in Coriolanus, [name_f]Virgilia[/name_f] has been described as possessing "modest sweetness,"conjugal tenderness, " and “fond solicitude,”. In Latin, [name_f]Virgilia[/name_f] means ‘staff-bearer’ and is another name fitting a fantasy setting.

Dionyza - Appearing in [name_m]Pericles[/name_m], [name_m]Prince[/name_m] of [name_m]Tyre[/name_m] as [name_m]Cleon[/name_m]'s wife, Dionyza has a sophisticated, regal ring to it, making it perfect for royalty. Though the play itself is not forgotten, Dionyza is not exactly one of the most famous characters. The name is presumably a female variant of [name_m]Dionysus[/name_m], so this name can be associated with a variety of themes.

Thaisa - Another name from [name_m]Pericles[/name_m], this one the wife of the eponymous prince. Has no known meaning, though could mean ‘bandage’, ‘headband’ or ‘beloved’. This one would work in a fantasy or regal setting.

Blanche - This name comes from King John and it means ‘white, fair’. This one is an older name, so it’s less common these days. It has a regal, southern belle feel to it, so it would definitely work in an urban fantasy or contemporary work. You may recognize the name from The Golden Girls, so it definitely has some positive connotation to it.

Franscisca - This lesser alternative of Francesca can be found in [i]Measure for Measure[/i]. It means ‘Free one’ and would make a lovely addition to any high fantasy novel or historical fiction.

Titania - Appearing in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, this name’s had a smattering of appearances in media, but none that really broke out. It means ‘Giant, great one’ and is practically tailor-made for a high fantasy novel, or if you’re daring, a sci-fi epic. This name definitely deserves more love.

[name_m]Feel[/name_m] free to add your suggestions below! Fret not, this is not the final list, there’s plenty more to be added![/SIZE][/FONT]

These might not be as underused or underappreciated as the ones you’ve listed but they are some of my own favourites:

[name_u]Hero[/name_u]
, Much [name_f]Ado[/name_f] About Nothing
[name_f]Charmian[/name_f], [name_m]Antony[/name_m] and [name_f]Cleopatra[/name_f]
[name_f]Portia[/name_f], Merchant of [name_f]Venice[/name_f]
[name_f]Viola[/name_f], Twelfth [name_m]Night[/name_m] – my personal favourite!
[name_f]Rosalind[/name_f] & [name_f]Celia[/name_f], As You Like It – more of my favourites here.Volumnia, Coriolanus
[name_f]Lavinia[/name_f] & [name_f]Tamora[/name_f],[i][name_m]Titus[/name_m] Andronicus

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[name_f]Emilia[/name_f], [name_m]Othello[/name_m] is a classic. I encourage everyone to do some research surrounding the name [name_f]Emilia[/name_f]'s significance to [name_m]Shakespeare[/name_m]; it is grand, and is unfortunately, known by few. To start, I recommend searching the name “[name_f]Emilia[/name_f] Lainer”, one of the first feminist icons of her time.

The only [name_m]Shakespeare[/name_m] plays I’ve ever read were required for school reading so some of the names you’ve mentioned I’ve never come across. I like Dionyza though I keep reading it as Dioyza (like the character in The 100). [name_m]Just[/name_m] to clarify a few things though. Timandra doesn’t mean sister of [name_f]Helene[/name_f]. I don’t know where you came across that meaning but Timandra is the feminine form of Timandros, an Ancient Greek name which means “honoring man” or “to honor man” from Ancient Greek elements timao (to honor, worship, esteem) and andros (of a man).

Thaisa is a Latinate form of Thaïs, another Ancient Greek name of uncertain meaning though several possible meanings attributed to it are “bandage”, “headband” or “beloved”. I looked but I couldn’t find a male form of Thaïs so I don’t know where you got that from.

Thank you for your comments so far!
I’d given all the names listed a quick Google search, so it’s entirely possible there are gaps in the knowledge, but your comments are very helpful! [name_f]Do[/name_f] let me know if you decide to use any of these.