British Baby Names

Name of the Week

 

If you want a name that has regal elegance, a soft lyrical sound, 
historic significance, and strong and influentual namesakes, 
then Genevieve makes a perfect choice.

 

Origin:

Genevieve, recorded in early medieval records as Genovefa or Genoveva, is almost certainly Gaulish — a now lost Continental Celtic language that dominated France, Belgium and Switzerland — but the etymology for the name is rather obscure. The first element is most likely the Common Celtic *geno- "born" or the related *genos- "race, kin, people, tribe, family". This element is found in other Gaulish names such as Matugenos, Litugenos and Vepogenos*. You are likely to find the meaning listed as "tribal woman," "woman of the people" or "mother of the race" in various different sources. This possibly came about from the assumption that because the name is feminine, the "woman" part is implied, while others have assumed that the second element (-vefa) is from a Gemanic word for "woman, wife."*** The main problem with this theory is that it assumes a Germanic route for the name, or sometimes mixing both a Celtic and Germanic element together. Firstly, there is no Germanic element that reliably gets us "Geno". The Proto-Indo-European route *ĝen- led to *geno in Common Celtic, but became kuni in Gothic and chunni in Old High German* (found reliably in Germanic names such as Kunigund and Kunibert). Secondly, the word for "woman" in old Germanic was *wīban*, which does not convincingly lead us to "vefa" unless it gets horribly mutated through different dialects. K.M.Sheard* proposes that the second element comes from the Common Celtic *wihu- “worthy, valuable,” a variant of *wesu- "excellent, noble." She notes the use of the name Genvissa / Genuissa (from *geno- and *wesu-) as a Latin form of St Wenna, and by Geoffrey of Monmonth for a British queen, which certainly gives precedence for the two elements used together. The element *wihu- still survives in the Irish fiú, Welsh gwiw, Cornish guiu and Breton uuiu, while *wesu- certainly became vesu- or vesv- in Gaulish*.

Usage:

As the name of the patron saint of Paris, with a popular medieval cult, Genevieve was well used in medieval France. The name was also used in occasionally Britain from the 12th to 14th century, particularly in the short form Geva. It is from this short form that the surnames Geeves and Jeeves derive. The name all but disappeared from that time in Britain, though it was used in the 17th century amoung French aristocracy and royalty (most notably in the form Anne Geneviève). Eventually, the name came back into use in Britain in the 18th century. It seems to have been mostly used by French families at first, until it became fashionable in the late 19th century.  On the 1841 UK census only six Genevieves were listed. There were 19  twenty-years later in 1861, 66 in 1881, 229 in 1901 and 329 by 1911. Over the the 20th century the name has increased in usage ever so slightly each year. 1934 saw 10 registrations of the name in England and Wales; in 1944 there were 13, and in 1954 there were 24. By 1996, 66 babies were registered, giving the name a rank of #448. Ten years later, in 2006, the name had inched up slightly to 79 births (rank #484). As of 2010, the name ranked #455 with 91 births, the same count as in 2009.

Famous Bearers:

History: * St Genevieve (b.c419) is the patron saint of Paris whose prayers were said to have saved the city from Attila the Hun. She is also said to have acted as an intermediary between Paris and when Childeric I conquered the city, convincing him to release his captives. * Genevieve of Brabant is character of medieval legend who was said to have spent several years exiled in a cave, with her young son, after being falsely accused of infidelity. Her husband eventually discovered her innocence and the couple were reunited. Jacques Offenbach used the legend for his opera Geneviève de Brabant (1859). * Dame Genevieve Ward (1837 — 1922) was a British soprano and actress. She was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1921. * Geneviève Tabouis (1892 — 1985) was a French historian and journalist.  Contemporary: * Geneviève Page (b. 1927) is a leading French actress.  * Geneviève Bujold (b. 1947) is an award winning Canadian actress. * Genevieve Gorder (b. 1974) is an American designer and television host.   * Genevieve Nnaji (b.1979) is an award winning Nigerian actress.  Other: * Genevieve (1953) is a British comedy film about a car named Genevieve.

Variants:

Genovefa (Gaulish), Geneviève, Ginette (French), Genoveva (Spanish, Portuguese), Genoveffa (Italian), Genowefa (Polish)

Pronunciation:

JEN-ə-veev (UK), zhe-nə-VYEV (France)  [key]

Possible  Diminutives:

Eva, Eve, Evie, Gena, Genie, Geva, Gigi, Ginny, Neva, Neve, Viva, Vivi

Sibling Names:

Rosalie     Adeliza     Delphine     Melisande     Evangeline     Dahlia  Xavier     Frederick     Laurence     Sebastian     Maximilian     Jonas

Name Lists:

Vintage    Saintly and Stylish

 

If you like Genevieve you may also like:   Lucille, Clementine, Madeleine, Josephine, Magali, Vivienne, Marcheline, Seraphine, Eulalie, Valentine

 

Contemporary Combos for Zebedee

Below are all the first name combinations for Zebedee, registered from 1986 to 2006 in England and Wales. Over that period the name has had a yearly count of beween 3 and 13 births. 

Zebedee Alan  Zebedee Alexander  Zebedee Ambrose  Zebedee Annan Zebedee Anthony  Zebedee Bailey Zebedee Barnaby  Zebedee Benjamin  Zebedee Bjorn  Zebedee Boaz Zebedee Callum Zebedee Charles F  Zebedee Chiyonofuji

Zebedee David  Zebedee Ebenezer B  Zebedee Edward K  Zebedee Ethan Zebedee Ewan  Zebedee George C  Zebedee Harry  Zebedee Hector Zebedee Henry Zebedee Hugh J Zebedee Hughie C  Zebedee Isaiah  Zebedee Jack B

Zebedee Jacob  Zebedee Jake  Zebedee James C   Zebedee Jim  Zebedee Joe  Zebedee John  Zebedee Joseph Zebedee Leander  Zebedee Mark  Zebedee Marly  Zebedee Martyn  Zebedee Nathaniel  Zebedee Niven

Zebedee Noah  Zebedee Nuka Zebedee Oskar  Zebedee Owen Zebedee Pascoe Zebedee Paul  Zebedee Reginald  Zebedee Richard   Zebedee Robert Zebedee Rylan  Zebedee Santiago  Zebedee Thomas  Zebedee Zi-feng

Other combos contain Zebedee as a middle name. Here are a selection from 1986-2006: 

Aaron Zebedee Arthur Zebedee Connor Zebedee Eli Zebedee Era Zebedee G Felix Zebedee Finn Zebedee

Freddie Zebedee Hugh Zebedee Isaac Zebedee Jago Zebedee Jaspin Zebedee Jed Zebedee Jorah Zebedee S

Julian Zebedee Kai Zebedee Kingdom Zebedee Luke Zebedee Oliver Zebedee Oscar Zebedee Paris Zebedee I

Peter Zebedee  Rory Zebedee Seth Zebedee  Tiger Zebedee Zachary Zebedee Zak Zebedee  Zedric Zebedee  .

No "Sons" Allowed: Surnames from Feminine Names

Surnames as first names are hot property where baby names are concerned, and it's not hard to see why. They offer a different array of name choices, but are also highly familiar, historic and may even be used to honour family members. On the blog I have already looked at many different types of patronymic surnames ("son of father's name"), and I have even looked at the metronymic surnames ("son of mother's name"). But whether they are derived from the mother or father, both types have one inherent element in common: they both contain the masculine element "son" somewhere in the name. 

There are, however, a selection of surnames that started life as a feminine first name. I often wonder how influential or bold these medieval women were to have their descendants derive their identity from them, rather than the men of the family.

Here is a selection of female-derived surnames that, unlike metronymic surnames, contain no "son" element, and have potential to cross the surname-firstname divide. 

 

Ames

As a surname, Ames is taken from the name Amice, which was remarkably popular in medieval Britain. Amice was the vernacular form of Amicia, most likely derived from the Latin amicus "friend," and the name of an obscure medieval saint. The similar sounding Avice was also used in the Middle Ages, and led to the surname Avis. 
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Amelot

Amelot, Emblem, Emblin, Emblen and Amblin are all surnames which derive from Emmeline. The Old Germanic form of the name, Amelina, became Emeline / Ameline in Old French. Both acquired the popular -ot diminutive ending, leading to the names Amelot, Emelot and Emblott.
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Aylett

The surname Aylett is an inheritant of Ailith, Aileth, Ayleth and a range of variants derived originally from the Saxon name Æðelgýð, from æðel "noble" and gyð "battle, combat."
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Bellett

Back in the Middle Ages, Isabel was much the big hit that it is today. Its use can be attested in the multitude of diminutive forms that were used; Bel, Belet, Bibb, Bibby, Ebb, Ebbot, Ibbet, Ibbelot and Tibb are just the tip of the iceberg. Bellett, Bibbey, Ebbets, Ibbott and Tibbets still survive today in surname form. 
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Claris

The surname Claris was once the given name Clarice, the French form of Clara which was brought to Britain by the Normans and used, not uncommonly, in the 12th and 13th century. Like Clara, it derives from the Latin clarus meaning "bright, clear, shining," and was Latinised in records as Claricia.
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Eadie

You would be forgiven for thinking that Eadie was a derivative of Edith, but, in fact, it comes from a now obsolete medieval gem, Ediva. As an Anglo-Saxon descendant, Ediva's original form was Éadgifu, composed of the elements ead "rich, blessed" and gifu "gift." Eady is a variant. 
 

Edlin

Adela and Adelina, Old Germanic names derived from adal "noble," came over to Britain with the Normans. Previously they had been used by European royalty, and William the Conqueror himself used Adela for one of his daughters. Adelina is most likely the origin of the surnames Alin and Aling, while the spelling Edelina, thought to have been influenced by indigenous Saxon names beginning with the Old English cognate Æðel-, is the origin of the surname Edlin. 
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Effeny

Effeney, Effeny and Effany are surname forms of Euphemia, a Greek name derived from ευ (eu) "good" and φημι (phemi) "to speak", meaning "auspicious words." It was a term used for religious services, but later came to mean "laudable, honourable, reputable, to be spoken well of." As the name of early saints and martyrs, it was popular in medieval Europe. In Britain it was commonly spelt Eufemia, and used in the vernacular forms Eufemme, Effam and Effan. If you would prefer a softer sound, the original 'm' is preserved in the alternate surname form Effemy.
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Ellery

In some cases, Ellery is a form of the masculine name Hillary / Hilarius, but in others it is certainly derived from Eulalia, from the Greek εὔλαλος (eulalos) "sweetly-speaking." As the name of a virgin saint, the name was not uncommon in medieval Europe. In Britain it was found in the forms Eularia, Elaria and Ilaria. In France, Eulalia became the surname Aulaire.
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Elvy

Elvy and Elvey originally derived from the name Elviva / Alviva, a Latinised form of the Old English name Ælfgifu (ælf "elf" and gifu "gift") and possibly Æðelgifu (æðel "noble" and gifu "gift"). Both were popular Anglo-Saxon names, and were borne by several women of royalty and nobility. 
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Emeny

Emeny, Emeney, Emmony, Emmence, Emmens and Emney are all surnames derived from the mysterious medieval name Ismena. The name was used in various forms in the Middle Ages, including: Isemeine, Ismeina, Ismenia, Ysmena, Imania, Imayne, Imeyna, Emony and Ymanie. The origins are very obscure, though one very plausible theory links in to the Celtic *moyni- "treasure."*  It is possibly the same origin as Ismay, also used as a feminine name, and which survives as the surname Ismay.
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Jowett

Back in the Middle Ages, your were far more likely to meet a woman named Julian than a man. This was all thanks to St Julian of Norwich, a popular medieval saint who took her name from the church in which she was anchoress. To distinguish masculine and feminine in records, women were often recorded as Juliana in Latin texts, and many of these examples are also recorded in the diminutive form Joetta / Juetta. The diminutives eventually led to the surnames Jowett, Jowitt, Jewitt and Juett. 
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Lauret

No prizes for guessing which name Lauret derives from. Lauretta and Loretta were used in the 12th and 13th century as a diminutive of Laura. Laurentia, a feminine form of Laurence and also derived from the Latin laurus "laurel," was also in use at the time and most likely added to the creation of the surnames Lauret, Lorett and Lorette. 
.. 

Malyan

Mary arrived in Britain in the 11th century, and by the 13th it had developed a multitude of diminutive forms, including Malle, Molle, Malet, Malot, Marion, Mariot, Marekyn, Malekyn and Malyn. The short form Malle led to the very usable surname Malin, while the pet-name Marion became the surname Malyan or Malyon. Other Mary-derived surnames include Mariott, Malkin, Mallot and Mollet. 
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Sealey  

A rather sweet medieval name that has become lost over the centuries is Sely. The name derived from the Old English sælig "happy, blessed, fortunate" and was used as both a nickname (most likely for a cheery person) and as baptismal name for women. It survives today in the surnames Sealey, Sealy, Seely, Selly, Ceely, Cely, Zealey and Zelley .
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Sibley

The names Sibyl and Sybil, from the Ancient Greek Sibylla (Σιβυλλα) "prophetess," came to Britain with the Normans and were used quite popularly throughout the Middle Ages. The common vernacular form of the name was Sibley, from which the surnames Sibley, Sibly and Sebley derive. 
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Sisley

The Latin name Cecilia, from the Roman gens Caecilus (caecus "blind"), was a popular name in the Middle Ages thanks to the semi-legendary St Cecilia, the Roman martyr who later became regarded as the patron saint of music. The name was brought to Britain by the Normans and commonly found in the vernacular forms Cicely, Cecily and Sisley. Siss, Sisley and Sicely are derived surnames.

 

Sibling Spotlight for Linus

Below is a selection of British siblings with Linus, from the last century to modern times. The year relates to the decade of birth for that set. 

1820s:  Thomas  Linus Hugh Alison Walter & Helen (twins)    1840s: Michael Edwin Linus Sarah Catherine Bessey Alice Robert    1850s: Walter Robert Linus    1860s: Fred  Mary Frank Lambert Linus Herbert   Marion  Andrew Agnes Linus Margaret Jane William Thomas John   Ada Rose Anna Linus Wilfred  1880s: Robert  Annie Hannah John Hugh Linus Claudia Boaz David    Joseph  Mary Elizabeth Jane Ann Beatrice William Linus Violet Matilda    Margaret Emrys Ivor John Harris Idris Arthur Bronwen Jane Linus William Claudia    1890s: Marie Bernadette  Margaret Ann Christianna Lidvina Mary Clare  Joseph Cyril Linus Otto William Vitus Calliban Willibald Gualbert Zita Winifreda Philippa Aileen E Christian Philip May Lucy S & Daisy Jessie B (twins) Violet Alice Linus Albert Ivy Mary Nicholas Alfred "Alfred" Rose Olive Marguerite Barbara "Barbara" Iris Winifred S Dudley James  Linus John    Ivor  Linus Octavius Sarah Mary Carl Linus "Linus" Ada Carmen Alma Cora "Cora"    Christopher Cartwright Helen Jane Margaret Arthur Norman Florence Annie Elizabeth Linus William Blunt   1900: Augustine  Catherine John Thomas Damian Wilfrid James  Linus Sylvester Adrian Marcellinus  Zita Margaret Fred Munn Gerard    1910s: Linus D Barbara M Marjorie E  1920s: Linus W Frederick G   Gordon J Linus M Alison M

1930s: Linus V Patrick I Terence H Bridget A & Thomas B (twins)  1940s: Valerie I Thelma L Linus I Lorraine E  1950s: Chad D Linus J    Collwyn H Linus W    1960s: Linus A Lily Karen Edwin Royle   James Charles C Linus John Rachel Elizabeth Francis Xavier J    1970s:  Linus Christian Xenia Ati   Linus Gabriel Inigo Jonathan    Helen Charis Linus Jonathan    1980s: Verity Rose E Linus Alexander B Zachary Edward W Elliot Ethan C  1990s: Chad Lewis Cleone Ines Linus Joel   Oscar Vincent Emmy Jane Linus Arthur    Roscoe Taylor Linus Kester   Lydia Elizabeth Simeon Edward Dominic James Camilla Rachel & Felix Howard (twins) Aurelia Faith & Pascale Sarah (twins) Linus Xavier   Milo James Linus George   Felix John Linus William Beatrix Mary Esther Clara  Xavier Thomas Linus Hendrik    Linus Oliver & Alfie Paul (twins) Jake Christopher Ellamae Winifred  Clara Yvonne Joseph Lars Per Alexander Amelia Anne Linus Pontus    Jules Oak E S & Solomon John Z S (twins) Linus Brent E R   2000s: Linus Asa Roxy Lily    Benedict Thomas O Linus Clement  P    Linus Gabriel Harlow Madeleine    Lucas Richard Linus George Maud Anne Josephine Effie Susie Ellen   Linus Cole Matilda Deda    Linus Marlais Finnegan Keir    Jonah Louis & Linus Ferdinand (twins) Linus Eduard G F Caspar Henning D U  Linus Marlowe Amelie Paige & Madison Arabelle (twins)    Florence Calypso Rose Linus Merlin Alexander

Name of the Week

Falling in nicely alongside popular Charlie, Harry and Harvey, 
Harley has stormed the Top 100 in E&W in the past decade with a count of thousands. 

 

Origin:

From the Old English elements hara "hare" and lēah "clearing, glade, meadow, wood". It was first used as a place name in both Shropshire and West Yorkshire, and later became a habitational surname.

Usage:

As a surname turned first name, Harley has been used since the 17th century. The surname itself was used by the aristocracy (much like Percy, Sidney, Cecil and Howard), particularly associated with the Earls of Oxford — the famous Harley Street and Oxford Street in London was named for Edward Harley "Lord Harley", 2nd Earl of Oxford. On the 1851 UK census, 54 males were named Harley. This number had risen to 159 by 1881, and to 306 in 1911. The name saw some usage for women in the late 19th century, but it was extremely rare. It did not come into more regular use for girls until the late 20th century, alongside similar sounding Hayley and Carly.  The popularity of Harley is a very recent phenomenon. In 2000 Harley ranked #183 with 186 births; in the previous four years it had plateaued at much the same rank. By 2003 it had crept up to #143 (312 births), and then took a dramatic leap to #102 (554 births) in 2004, and then to #70 (959 births) in 2005. To put that usage in perspective, in 1996 186 boys were given the name; in 2006, 1092 boys were registered — a 600% increase in just ten years.  Why the sudden leap in 2004/5? Similar-sounding Top 50 names such as Charlie, Harry, Harvey and Finley no doubt helped paved the way, while popular TV drama Footballers' Wives featured a character named Harley Lawson from 2004 - 2005. Since 2006, the name has steadily risen in the Top 100 in England and Wales. In 2010 it ranked #57 with 1304 births (#55 in Wales, #56 in England). Spelling variations included Harlee (18) Harlie (13), Harleigh (6), Harli (6) and Harly (3), with hyphens Harley-Jay (17), Harley-James (9), and 4 named Harley-Jack (4), and Harley-Joe (4). Back in 1996, the usage for boys (186 births) was very nearly matched for girls (111 births). Since then, however, the name has slightly declined as a feminine name. In 2010 Harley ranked #616 for girls in England and Wales with 62 births. Spelling variants included Harleigh (21), Harlie (17), Harlee (5) and Harli (5). In Scotland the name is far less popular and still very unisex, much like it was in England and Wales in the late 90s. In 2010 the name ranked #148 (36 births) for boys and #345 (10 births) for girls, shifting to #205 (21 births) for boys and #249 (16 births) for girls in 2011.

Famous Bearers:

History: * Robert Harley, 1st Earl of Oxford and Earl Mortimer(1661–1724) was Lord High Treasurer for Queen Anne. He was the first to hold the title of "Earl of Oxford and Earl Mortimer" which was passed down through the Harley family. *Harley Granville-Barker (1877–1946) was an English actor and playwright. * William Sylvester Harley(1880–1943) was an American mechanical engineer and co-founder of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company.  * Harley Parker (1915–1992) was a Canadian artist and professor. Popular Culture: *Harley Alexander-Sule (b.1991) is co-member of Brit act Rizzle Kicks. Other: * Harley-Davidson (or simply "a Harley") is a well-known brand of motorbike.  * Harley Benton is a well known brand of musical instruments, particularly guitars. * Harley Street is a famous street in London, known for its high concentration of private medical practices.

Variants:

Harlie, Harlee, Harleigh, Harly, Harli, Harlea

Pronunciation:

HAR-lee [key]

Possible Diminutives:

Hal, Lee

Sibling Names:

Skye     Lacey     Miley     Alexis     Megan     Alicia  Lewis     Bailey     Cole     Ryan     Kai     Corey

Name Lists:

Lively Lads

 

If you like Harley you may also like:   Harvey, Riley, Harrison, Marley, Taylor, Logan, Harris, Harlan, Charlie, Farley

 

Ancient Greek B and G Names for Girls

Apologies to those who read the Ancient Greek A Names for Girls post back in November and was interested in seeing more of the names I stored up from my undergraduage degree. I did intend for this to be a series but it seemed to fall off my radar. Time to rectify that, I think. 

Here are some of the "B" (beta) and "G" (gamma) names — the second and third letters of the Ancient Greek alphabet — used for women in Greek society, that you aren't likely to find in a baby name book. Most are taken from tomb reliefs or stelae. 

 

Basileia
βασίλεια (basileia) "rule, royal power, queen" 

Basilodika
βασίλεια (basileia) "rule, royal power, queen" + δικη (diké) "justice"

Basilokleia
βασίλεια (basileia) "rule, royal power, queen" + κλεος (kleos) "fame, glory"

Bendidora
"gift of (the goddess) Bendis"
Βενδις (Bendis) +  δωρον (doron) "gift"

Bio
βιος "life" 

Biote
βιοτή (bioté) "living, sustenance" 

Blaste
βλαστος (blastos) "a bud, sprout, shoot" 

Boulagatha
βουλη (boulé) "will, determination, counsel" + αγαθος (agathos) "good"

Boulakrateia
βουλη (boulé) "will, determination, counsel" + κρατος (kratos) "power"

Boulekrite
βουλη (boulé) "will, determination, counsel" + + κριτης (kritos) "judge"

Boularche 
βουλη (boulé) "will, determination, counsel" + ἄρχω (archo) "rule, command"

Galene
γαλήνη (galéné) "calm, gentle (sea)"

Geloi
γελάω (gelao) "laugh"

Gennaia
γενναίος (gennaios) "brave, courageous"

Glaphyra
γλαφυρός (glaphyros) "elegant"

Glauke
γλαυκός (glaukos) "gleaming, blue-grey" 

Glaukippe
γλαυκός (glaukos) "gleaming, blue-grey" + ‘ιππος (hippos) "horse"

Glaukothea
γλαυκός (glaukos) "gleaming, blue-grey" + θεα (thea) "goddess"

Glyke 
γλυκύς (glykys) "sweet taste"

Glykera
γλυκερός (glykeros) "sweet"

Glykinna
γλυκύς (glykys) "sweet taste" 

Glypte
γλυπτός (glyptos) "fit for carving, sculptured"

Gnome
γνώμη (gnomé) "opinion, counsel, intention"

Grapte
γραπτός (graptos) "written"

 

N.B. Final 'e' is always pronounced. Gnome is more like "gno-may" than "noam," for example

Arboreal Names

Take a moment to think about it, and tree inspired first names are actually more common than you might have first thought. Certainly, Hazel, Myrtle and Olive are well established tree-names-turned-first-names that became big hits back in the 19th century, and roll on through the 20th century and several other gems, such as Holly, Laurel, Linden, Rowan and Willow, were added their ranks. 

In recent years, more and more trees have been creaping into children's names: from the fruity Apple and Cherry, or almost-familiar Cassia, Maple and Alden. Keep a look out -- you may be seeing many more in years to come.

Listed below is a selection of common and scientific names for trees. 

Acacia Acer Albizia Alder Annona Apple Apricot Aralia Areca Argan Arolla Ash Aspen Balsam Banyan  Bay

Bayberry Beech Betula Birch Carya Cassia Cedar Cercis Cherry Cinnamon Clementine Copper Cordyline Cypress Douglas Durio

Ebony Elm  Evodia Fir Fern Fraser Halesia Hawthorn Hazel  Hickory Holly Jacaranda Jamun Jeffrey Juneberry Juniper

Kahikatea Karri Kauri Larch Laurel  Lemon Linden  Maclura  Magnolia Mahogany Maple Mulberry Myrica Myrtle Nyssa Oak

Olea Oleaster  Olive Palmyra Peach Pear Persea Persimmon Pine Pistacia Plum  Pyrus  Quince Redbud Rhus Robinia

Rowan Senna Sequoia Silverbell Snowbell Spruce Tara Teak Thorn Tilia Tulip Tupelo Willow Winterberry Yew Zelkova

The Methodist Wigleys

Let me introduce you to William and Lucy Ann Wigley. William was a Primitive Methodist Minister, and during their twelve year marriage, from 1839 up until William's death in 1851, the couple produced seven children, all with unconventional names. The family moved around the country a great deal, and only two children were born in the same county.

The Wigley family on the 1851 UK census

1. Theophilus James Wigley was born in 1840 in Cornwall. Theophilus, from the Greek theos "God" and philos "friend, dear, beloved", was most famously borne by a character in the New Testament. In relative terms, Theophilus had the most common name of all the Wigley brood when he joined over 1,600 other males named Theophilus on the 1841 UK census. 

2. Tryphena Ann Wigley was born in 1841 in Gloucestershire. Her name, taken from the Greek tryphe "delicate, dainty," was borne by another character in the New Testament.

3. Tryphosa Jane Wigley was born in 1843 in Hampshire. In the New Testament, Tryphosa was the sister of Tryphena whose name was also derived from the same source. 

4. Philologus William Wigley was born in 1844 in Somerset. Another Greek name, Philologus derives from philo "friend, dear, beloved" and logos "word, reason" which later came to refer to The Word of God. St Philologus appears in the New Testament as the bishop of Sinope. 

5. Lapidoth Stratton Wigley was born in 1846 in Berkshire. Her name appears to be masculine but I can confirm from further research that this Lapidoth was definitely female. Stratton was Lucy Ann's maiden name so, essentially, her middle name was for her mother. Lapidoth is more of a mystery. The name, derived from the Hebrew word lappid "torch, flame," can be found in the Old Testament. In the Book of Judges, Deborah is mentioned once as the "wife of Lapidoth" and, because of this, the name is often treated as masculine. Curiously, however, the name is rendered from a feminine plural, leading to a theory that "wife of Lapidoth" actually refers to Deborah herself, and has a meaning more akin to "woman of flames." Perhaps that is why the Wigleys bestowed the name on a daughter and not a son. 

6. Philetus John Wigley was born in 1848, also in Berkshire. St. Philetus was a senator who was martyred under Emperor Hadrian.

7. Keturah Clauda Wigley was born in 1851 in Buckinghamshire. Keturah is a Hebrew name meaning "incense" which was borne by the second wife of Abraham. Her middle name is only recorded on her birth entry; it may be a mistranscription of Claudia, though Clauda is mentioned in the Bible as the name of an island off the coast of Crete. 

 

Finds from 1858

Some finds from the GRO Birth Records for England and Wales in 1858. All are first names and middle names — the surnames are not included unless indicated by 'sn' — and have been checked against other records for accuracy.

Admiral Richard Warrin Alfred Napoleon Constantine Anstruther Thomas Anthony Adolphus Augustus Beilby Porteus Cornthwaite Hector William James Egypt Charles Emanuel Issachar Emeney John Ettori William Exion Exuperious Taylor Ferdinand Pakington John Granville Grey Marchmont Manners Plantagenet Harper Noble Hartless Heber Jerediah  Holehouse Storer (sn: Gore) Israel Christmas Lancelot Marmaduke Orlando Le Gendre Starkie Leonard Salvadore Jules Louis Von Beethoven Malachi West Nicholas Daniel Meadows Henry Moses Tertius Obededom Ocean Alfred Omar Rainbird Orden August Prodigal Robert Professor Abraham Richard Innocenzo Robinson Robert Roberts Rudkin Randolph Saint Andrew Sidney Edwy Smith Follows (sn: Smith)  St Evremond Elwin John Swithin Walter Titus Alexander Tom Octavius Valentine Virtruvius Harold Wyatt Walford Mozart  Wellington Wellesley

Ada Atlanta Mary Adamina Isabella Alcesta Maria Alberta Zatilla Eliza Amalitia Sarah Ann Collis Amanava Melbina Ambrosine Cornelia Annie Florine Alberta Kathleen Arata Elizabeth Arrowa Carnella Athaliah Jane Azubah Alfrida Bithia Comfort Britannia Minerva Matilda Calamena Amelia Constance Delicia Dinah Claradia Eliza Clotheia Sarah Ann Elizabeth Sindia Louisa Ella Zelia (sn: Ella) Emmeline Lasthenia Eusebia Dora Evelyn Darkey Octavia Felicite Jessica Margaret Ferdinande Lydie Fortunee Clarisse Florinda Emilia Fredericka Ernestina Hazelelponi Hebe Maria Heliah Elizabeth Herodias Augusta  Hopeful Merrison Julia Annabee Letcey Matilda Malvina Francisca Benedetta Mary Zillah Evelinda Meliora Alianor Cotgrave Minetta Blanche Hortense Minnie Snowdrop Newriana Pattie Nessie Petronella Antoinette Adriana Posthumous Eliza Richenda Mary Rosenia Amelia Sarah Ann London Patience  Silence Susanna  Soprano Margaret Thirza Hyacinth Mary Venetia Beatrice Vera Adelphia

Name of the Week

 

A long lost medieval gem that's part Bella, part Millicent. 
There are also tons of lovely variants to choose from: 
Belissant, Bellicent, Belsante and Belissenda.

  

Origin:

Belisent and Belisant are Old French forms of the Germanic name Belissendis. Recorded variants include Belissant, Belissent, Belissenda, Belisencia, Belsant, Belsante and Belesenta.  The meaning of the name is obscure, but further research does throw up highly plausible possibilities. Fortunately, Frankish and Old Germanic names were generally made up of two parts and so records of other early Frankish feminine names, such as Arsindis, Bilichildis and Hildesendis, help us to unlock the elements in Belissendis.  The first element of Belissendis is most likely derived from the Old High German bili meaning "suitable, proper, fitting, decent, amiable," which is related to the Old English bilewit "sincere, honest, calm, gentle, merciful, gracious." The same element is found in the Germanic name Biligard (later Bellegarde, Beliard and Beligard). The second element has two possibilities. The OHG word sind meaning "road, path" is descended from the Ancient Germanic *sinþa "going, walk, travel" and related to the Old English sið "way, journey" — ultimately the origin for the modern English word "send." One very plausible theory**, on the other hand, suggests that Frankish masculine names containing sind (e.g. Chlodosind, Chramnesind) represent sind "road, path," while feminine names ending in sind actually represent the specifically female element swind "strong, brave, powerful" (derived from the Ancient Germanic *swinþa). There is substantial evidence that supports this idea. Adalsind, for example, is also recorded as Adalswinda and Adalsuinda, (adal "noble + swind "strong"), while Mathasuenta (mahti "might" + swinþa "strong") later became Maisent and Maysant. The most significant supporting example is Amalaswintha (amal "work" + swinþa "strong"). We know her now as Millicent, but her earlier forms included Milisendis, Melisenda, Melisende, Melisant, Melissent and Millesenta. All are remarkably similar to Belisent and her variants.

Usage:

There are tantalising references in Old French chansons de geste, the epic poems that were very popular in the 12th century, of a Belisent, the daughter of Charlemagne. This Belisent is not a character of history — there is no evidence that the real Charlemagne actually had a daughter with this name — but she is certainly a character of lore and legend. Belisent "daughter of Charlemagne" appears in the epic poems of Ami et Amile, Otinel and Ogier the Dane, all of which had Anglo-Norman versions. Though the same name, and parentage, was used, the character is portrayed quite differently in the different tales. In some cases Belisent is feisty and determined, marrying for love; in others she is more docile and follows her father's dynastic wishes for her marriage. Interestingly, in Spanish versions she is called either Belisera or Melisenda. Many other contemporary works used the name (in various forms) for minor characters*. The name is also found in Arthurian legend. In the English account Of Arthour and of Merlin (c1330) and the Idylls of the King (1856) Belisent, or Bellicent, is the wife of Lot and mother of Gawain, Mordred, Gareth, Gaheris, and Agravain. She is alternatively known as Anna (in Latin text) or Morgause (in French text), the half-sister of Arthur. Unlike Morgause's later portrayal, Belisent is Arthur's kind and loving sister.  As a given first name, the name can be found in occasional use in England in the 12th and 13th century in the forms Belsant, Belsante, Belsent, Belesent and Belesenta. It fell out of use after the 14th century. Tennyson used the name Bellicent for Arthur's sister in his Idylls of the King (1856 — 1885). This, and the Victorian love of Arthuriana, may account for the rare usage of Belisent and Bellicent in the late 19th century. The name has not been used, in any form, in Britain since.

Famous Bearers:

Legend and Literature: * In Ami et Amile (c.1200) Belisent is the daughter of Charlemagne who falls in love with Amile and, determined to marry him, sets out to seduce him. This poem was a popular tale of miracle and sacrifice which eventually ends with Amile and Belisent happily married. It was later adapted into Middle English as Amis and Amiloun (c.1330) with the name Belisaunt. * In Otinel or Otuel a Knight (c.1330) Charlemagne promises his daughter Belisent in marriage to converted saracen Otinel. Otinel refuses to marry Belisent until he has proven himself as a Christian knight. When he does, the couple marry and rule Lombardy together. Both the continental and Anglo-Norman versions were widely performed. * In the English Romance Of Arthour and of Merlin (c.1330) Belisent is the half-sister of Arthur and wife of Lot. * Alfred, Lord Tennyson used the name in the form Belicent in his Idylls of the King (1856 — 1885).

Variants:

Belissendis (Germanic), Belisent, Belisant (Old French), Bellicent (Literature), Belesenta, Belesanda, Belsant, Belsante, Belsent

Pronunciation:

BEL-ə-sənt (UK) [key]

Possible  Diminutives:

Belle, Bella, Billie, Ellie, Elsie, Leni, Sela

Sibling Names:

Luned      Adeliza     Imayna     Aveza    Meliora     Liadan  Alaric     Theoderic     Drystan     Lanzo     Aldren     Corentin

Name Lists:

Long Lost Rarities   Gothic Victoriana   Names from Tennyson

 

If you like Belisent you may also like:   Elissent, Melisande, Briallen, Bellona, Maysant, Iselota, Tifaine, Belphoebe, Elsinore, Bessille