Very Late Baby Name Advice Part 1: Sibling for Pepper

People! I am so far behind on requests that I have two requests for name advice for upcoming pregnancy that are months old! This one in particular came to me in July for a baby that was due...early December. Ugh. Blog fail.

For the sake of fun and creativity, let us pretend that I am not a moron and that this is actually vaguely on time. I'll start with Chloe and, once again, I'm very sorry. They have one daughter already: Pepper Karen Pnina Albertine. Karen is a family name, Pnina is her Hebrew name, and Albertine is a French name honoring the grandmother's origin. The last name rhymes with "almond." The gender of the new baby was at the time unknown. She was looking for a gentle name that evoked plants and the high dessert. They've thought a lot about Fox, but that seemed way too "playful and wily."

Pepper makes me think of Forest, which could work for a boy or a girl. Or Cedar. Or Cypress. I like Pepper and Cypress for two little girls. Bryony, Clover, Juniper, Meadow, and Fawn all have potential.

If it's a boy I really like Hawthorne. Pepper and Hawthorne. Or Sage. I love Sage on a boy. Others that could work are Ash, Cyprian, Indio, Hickory, and Harvest.

The attraction to Fox makes me think of Foxbelle, which is another term for the Foxglove plant. I've heard of Foxwell and Foxworth used for boys. Reynard is a fox name that also incorporates France.

But it sounds like you want to stay away from that rascal fox energy altogether. Perhaps birds are more your thing. Bird/Birdie, Lark, Wren, Sparrow, Avi, Dove, Finch, Jay, Nightingale, Paloma, Swan, and Whimbrel work great with Pepper.

You're probably not going to like Wolf, but how about Lupin/Lupine? It's a plant name too. Pepper and Lupine.

The idea of the desert makes me think of Sirocco immediately, but perhaps it's too energetic. The desert also makes me think of shades of yellow like Saffron, Goldenrod, and Sunglow. It also makes me think of shades of brown like Copper, Tawny, and Fallow.

The attraction to Hebrew names makes me think of Zohara, Adalia, Seraphim, Zipporah, Zilpah, Salome, Tobias, Enoch, Gideon, Gershom, Malachi, Nathaniel, Ishmael, Ira, and Jethro. These will also help give the name a desert feel.

Albertine makes me think of Marcel/Marceline. Or Genevieve. Or Phillipa. Eponine is daring while still being gentle. You can also use Capucine, Celeste/Celestine, Clemence, Clotilde, Delphine, Florence, Gisele, Noemie, Ophelie, Patrice, Raphaelle, Sabine, Zephyrine, and Violette for girls. For boys I like Anatole, Auguste, Clovis, Honore, Isidore, Jules, Laurent, Phillipe, Sylvain, and Theo. Valentine could work for either gender.

Chloe didn't mention if there were any family names that she wanted to incorporate so I can't weigh in there.

Finally, here are some combinations. Somehow I don't think I have to worry about it being a mouthful considering the first child's name. I am assuming that you want to include a Hebrew, French, and nature name into the child's name:

Lupine Zipporah Raphaelle
Cypress Zohara Ophelie
Lark Salome Valentine
Delphine Goldenrod Seraphim

Whimbrel Jethro Isidore
Hawthorne Ishmael Phillipe
Wren Tobias Laurent
Theo Hickory Auguste

So that is my very, very, very late collection of ideas that will probably not help the requester at all on this point, but I hope they appreciate the thought anyway. There's always the possibility that the baby was born today.

Image Credit:
http://www.piccentre.com/2013/07/boynton-canyon-sedona-arizona.html#.UqpcssjTlLN

Catkin

Have you read or seen Cloud Atlas? There's a lot of great names there. Meronym, Jocasta, Autua, Somni, and Catkin caught my eye. The last one in particular. Let's take a deeper look at this unusual botanical name.

A catkin (pronounced "KAHT-ken") is a type of flower cluster that is meant to be air pollinated. Willows, hickories, birches, sweet chestnuts, oaks, hazels, alders, and mulberry bushes all have catkins. The name is derived from the Dutch katteken, meaning "kitten," because they resemble tails.

This name has appeared in some works of fiction. There is a children's book called Catkin by Antonia Barber. It's about a tiny cat that is adopted by a farming family and protects their baby from the "little people." And then there's Cloud Atlas.

Cloud Atlas is a book/movie that jumps between time periods and places. The character of Catkin lives in a post-apocalyptic future in which most of mankind has died off (what happened is never fully explained and not really important). Small pockets of the world still have technology, but much of human society has regressed into Pagan-like tribal behavior. Catkin is a minor character, she's the young niece of one of the main characters played by Tom Hanks in the movie version.

It's hard to write about this name and not think about the other, more well known futuristic botanical name that reminds me of felines. But I find Catkin more usable than Katniss. Katniss is stuck with the fictional association that invented it in the first place. Catkin doesn't have that problem.

Catkin has never been a common name in the United States, but I really like it. The nickname "Cat" or "Kat" isn't so unusual, so it feels familiar while being completely quirky. I think that it's one of my new favorites.

Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catkin
http://midwinternames.wordpress.com/2011/10/21/catkin/

Image Credit:
Found via http://www.pinterest.com

Yarrow

Blessed Beltane, everyone! And a Blessed Samhain to everyone in the Southern Hemisphere! Since flowers are very important in this festival let's talk about Yarrow.

Yarrow (pronounced "YEH-row") is an English word derived from the Proto-Germanic garwo. It has never meant anything other that "yarrow." It is possibly related to the word "yellow" but no one is certain of that. The scientific name for this plant is Achillea millefolium, but people also call this plant Milfoil, Seven Days Love, Woundwort, Plumajillo ("little feather") and Devil's Nettle (the later comes from it's association with Witches).

Yarrow is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere specifically in Europe, Asia, and North America. The plant is known for it's strong, sweet smell and it's featherlike leaves. It's flowers come in many different colors. It is considered a great plant to have in a garden because it repels insect pest and attracts predatory insects that eat insect pests.

But that's not the only benefit yarrow gives us. This plant has a long tradition of being used for medicinal purposes, and most of its healing properties have been proven. Yarrow was often used in battle during ancient and medieval times because it encouraged clots and stopped the flow of blood. It's naturally dark blue essential oil can be used as an anti-inflammatory and is classically used to treat colds and the flu. Yarrow is traditionally used in Native American medicine by tribes all across the country. Yarrow is also edible, and was a very popular dietary staple in Europe during the middle ages (although pregnant women should not eat yarrow). It was also occasionally used as a flavoring for beer. Even birds know that this plant is useful. The common starling uses yarrow to line their nests because it keeps parasites away.

It should be no surprise that yarrow shows up a lot in mythology. Yarrow features heavily in Chinese culture where it is considered lucky. For example, they say that they grow around the grave of Confucius. In Greek mythology, the centaur Chiron taught Achilles how to use yarrow on the battle field, knowledge that he later used in Troy. In Britain, they were commonly placed in Saxon amulets for protection.

Yarrow is especially connected to Beltane because of it's use in love and fertility spells. This plant is associated with Aphrodite, one of the goddesses of this holiday. In nursery rhymes, placing a satchel of yarrow under your pillow will make you dream of your true love. Using it as wedding decorations and placing it over the marriage bed will guarantee at least seven years of love and passion. An old British tradition dictates that shaking a yarrow leaf inside ones nostril determines the devotion of a lover. If it bleeds, his love is true (this is not particularly reliable, yarrow is a nasal irritant so if you stick it up your nose it's going to bleed no matter what). Yarrow is also used to boost courage and self esteem, things you also need in order to have a healthy relationship with someone. If a large patch of yarrow grows in a field it is believed that there's a lot of energy grounded in that space. They are good places to relax and meditate. Yarrow can also be used to drive away negativity.

Yarrow has never been a common name in the United States. I don't even see any indication that it was used during the Victorian flower craze. But the popularity of Willow makes me think that it's not so crazy. In Neo-Pagan tradition the plant is considered feminine, but lots of baby name resources that I've seen will list this as a boys name. This is most likely due to it's history as a surname. I think it works just fine for either.

Yarrow is interesting to me. I don't think I would ever use it, but the plant's history only shows good things. It's a great unusual botanical name for a little Witchlet.

Sources:
http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=yarrow
http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/bookofshadows/ig/Magical-Herbs/Yarrow.htm
http://www.magicspells.in/magical_herbal_enclyclopedia_y.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achillea_millefolium
http://www.ancestry.com/name-origin?surname=yarrow
http://www.babynamewizard.com/baby-name/boy/yarrow

Image Credit:
Found via http://pinterest.com

Ito

Taking a break from my mountain of requests to profile this Japanese gem.

Ito (pronounced "ee-too-oh," I think) is the sixth most common family name in Japan, which makes finding real-life namesakes fairly easy. And, as far as I can tell, it is also occasionally used as a given name. Like all Japanese names, the meaning of Ito varies depending on the characters used to write it.

First, it could mean "this wisteria," and if that is the case then there's some back story. The fact that it references that flower indicates a connection to the Fujiwara clan. I believe that I've mentioned this family before on this blog. Historically, they were very influential. This family was well known for dominating Japanese politics from the 700s to the 1100s, which they achieved by marrying off their daughters to emperors.

Ito could also mean "thread," "yarn," or "string." This also needs some explanation. There is a very old tradition in Japanese culture that originated in Chinese culture called the "red string of fate." According to legend, the gods tie a red thread around the little finger of two (not biologically related) people who are destined to meet each other. Depending on who you ask, these two people become lovers. This is very similar to the western concept of soulmates.

Ito has never been a common name in the United States. I like this name because of it's second meaning. Even though I'm not so certain that I believe in the concept of "the one" I still find it romantic. However, one should expect this name to be mispronounced constantly in America. Looking at this name I thought it would be easy to figure out how to say, but apparently not. Variations on the English spelling include Itou and Itoh.

I know that the name appears in some manga (graphic novels), so it might be of interest to Japanese enthusiasts. I don't find it very likely that this name will be used with any regularity in my country, but I still find it beautiful.

Sources:
http://surnames.behindthename.com/name/ito
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It%C5%8D_(name)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_string_of_fate

Image Credit:
I don't remember where I got this.

Fern

Sorry for the long absence. Did you miss me? The botanical Fern was requested by Bree.

It should come to no surprise to anyone that has actually seen a fern that it's name comes from the same root as "feather" and "wing:" the Proto-Indo-European por-no. No doubt it was given to the plant in reference to the delicate appearance of it's leaves. Ferns are an ancient species of plant with fossils dating back to 360 million years ago. That would make them older than dinosaurs. There are many species of ferns that can live in a wide variety of habitats. The most common places are woodlands, mountains, swamps, tropical forests, deserts, and fields. In some places, they can be a very serious weed.

In Neo-Paganism and spell casting, ferns are predominantly used for protection. An English tradition says that hanging dried fern leaves inside the house will protect the inhabitants. They can also be carried by travelers for this purpose. Due to the plant's ability to grow as if from thin air (ferns reproduce via spores), it was believed that ferns could grant invisibility. Ferns have no flowers or seeds, but that doesn't stop such things from appearing in mythology. There are many Northern European traditions that say that fern flowers and seeds grant happiness or riches. Ferns have very few practical uses, although they can be eaten and used for decoration.

Many baby name resources might say that Fern first appeared as a given name in the classic children's book Charlotte's Web by E. B. White, but that is simply not possible. The book was published in 1952 and the name's peak in the United States was before that. Remember the Victorian flower craze? Well, there was a similar craze for all things fern going on at the same time called "Pteridomania." Fern motifs were printed onto everything. I'm willing to bet that that's when the name first came into use. Speaking of the Victorians, in their "language of the flowers" ferns symbolize magic, sincerity, and fascination.

Fern is a name with a retro vibe. It peaked in the 1910s at #197 and dropped sharply off the charts during the 1950s. Ferne peaked during the same time at #450. It has never been used as a boy's name with any regularity, which is somewhat surprising to me. We use Fernando, Fernand, and Vern, so why not Fern?

I really like this name. I think the time is ripe for a revival on this one. What do you guys think?

Sources:
http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=Pteris+cretica
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fern
http://www.babynamewizard.com/baby-name/girl/fern
http://www.angelfire.com/journal2/flowers/f.html

Image Credit:
Found via http://pinterest.com

Briar

Saranel requested Briar because she knows someone who is considering it for their son.

Briar (pronounced "BRIY-er") is an English nature name. It comes from the West Saxon language and it means "bramble" or "prickly bush." Originally this word was used to refer to all thorny bushes, but now it's used specifically for wild roses.

This name could also be a variant of Briareus. In Greek mythology, Briareus was a giant and a god of sea storms. The son of Uranus and Gaia, he had fifty heads and one hundred hands. He's credited with inventing warships. In the Iliad, Homer stated that only the gods could call him Briareus. Mortals could only address him as Aegaeon. His name comes from the Greek word briaros, meaning "strong" or "sturdy."

But when you mention this name, most people will think less about giants and more about princesses. "Briar Rose" or "Little Briar Rose" is a fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm, but the story is more commonly known by it's French title: "The Sleeping Beauty." I assume most everyone knows the story, so I won't rehash it here. But some might not know why she is called Briar Rose. The reason she has that name is because during the one hundred years when the princess was in an enchanted sleep briars slowly grew around and encased the castle. So the princess was the "rose" in the briar. The original versions of the story involved a Part II in which the prince takes Briar Rose and their two children to visit his mother who has ogre heritage. In typical ogre mother-in-law fashion, she tries to eat Briar Rose and her children while her son is away. In retellings of Sleeping Beauty she's not always named Briar Rose (she's Aurora in the Disney version) so not everyone is familiar with the fairy tale connection.

Briar has never been a common name in the United States. This name is traditionally given to girls but, as I said before, it feels more like a boy's name to me because of the thorny meaning and it's similarity to Brian. That seems to be a growing opinion as I see it suggested as a boy's name more and more. Variations include Brier, Briarly, and Brierly. I've also seen Briarose.

Even though I can't imagine using it for a daughter at all I think it's a great name for both genders. It's strong, has a connection to the natural world, and can be found in literature. What more could a Witch want?

Sources:
http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=brier&allowed_in_frame=0
http://www.babynamewizard.com/baby-name/girl/briar
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleeping_Beauty
http://www.theoi.com/Titan/HekatonkheirBriareos.html
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/79185/Briareus

Image Credit:
http://nadyabird.deviantart.com/

Rue

Rue was one of my favorite characters in the Hunger Games, and I know I'm not the only one that adored her. Her name has been getting some attention too. I don't want to give away too much, but judging from what I've found on this name, it's pretty fitting for the character.

Rue (pronounced "ROO") is an English word ultimately derived from the Latin ruta, which has pretty much always been associated with the shrub. My experience with this name was similar to Katniss in that before the book I had never heard of the plant. It is native to Southeastern Europe, specifically the Balkans area, but can now be found throughout the world. Rue is an evergreen shrub with small yellow flowers and blueish leaves. It is sometimes known by it's other name, herb-of-grace.

This plant has many practical uses. Traditionally, the plant has been used to induce abortions in humans and livestock. Despite that, it can still be used in cooking, although sparingly. Used in excess it will cause vomiting. While it used to be quite a common ingredient in Ancient Roman and Middle Eastern food, rue has fallen out of favor in most of the Western world (it is very bitter tasting) and you can't even find it in a grocery store. Italian Renaissance painters commonly ate rue and cress sandwiches to sharpen their eyesight. Cats don't like the smell of rue, so this plant can be used to deter them. Unfortunately, exposure to rue can also cause severe blisters on the skin.

The plant's association with regret goes back a long way. Supposedly the expression "rue the day" comes from the old practice of throwing rue at an enemy while cursing him. But rue as a verb meaning "to feel regret" has a different etymology from rue the herb. It is ultimately derived from the Proto Indo European kreae, meaning "to push" or "to strike."

In any case, regret is not rue's only association. Rue is important to many different religions. This plant is considered sacred to Mars, Diana, and Aradia. Rue is the only herb to be blessed by the Prophet Mohammad. During the Middle Ages it was hung in doorways to protect against evil spirits. It was also thought to protect against the plague, which it probably did as rue repels fleas. Rue was sometimes called witchbane because people carried it around to protect against witches. This plant is the national herb of Lithuania, where it is associated with virginity. Today, Neo-Pagans use the plant to develop second sight and for protecting the home.

Rue has never been a common name in the United States, although it has occasionally been used as a form of Ruth. American Actress Rue McClanahan is one well known namesake. I've also heard of one variant: Ruey. There is no relation to Roux, although they sound exactly the same.

I can definitely see Rue being used more in the future. I don't see the "regret" meaning as much of a problem although that might put some people off. Rue is also French for "street," I don't know if that makes a difference. Perhaps the Hunger Games film will give this name a push.

Sources:
http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=rue
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruta_graveolens
http://www.alchemy-works.com/herb_rue.html
http://www.babynamewizard.com/baby-name/girl/rue

Image Credit:
http://lapetitemag.com/

Clove

This name got some attention thanks to The Hunger Games. Let's take a look at it's more magickal associations.

Cloves are dried flower buds that come from a tropical plant native to Indonesia. They can also be harvested in India, Madagascar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zanzibar. Clove trees can be recognized by their large leaves and red flowers. These flower buds were at one time one of the most valuable and expensive products in the world. Clove is derived from the Latin word clavus, meaning "a nail," because that's what the flower buds look like.

Cloves are most commonly used in Asian, African, and Middle Eastern cooking as a spice. They have a very strong taste, so you never need a large quantity. Cloves are traditionally used in dentistry because they numb the mouth when you chew it. They can also be used to treat nausea and have been used as ingredients for perfume, cigarettes, and cosmetics. In Neo-Paganism, cloves are associated with prosperity, banishing, purity, and sensuality.

My first thought when I heard this name was actually a clove of garlic. That type of clove has a different etymology. It comes from the same source that the word "cleft" comes from, the Proto Indo European gleubh, meaning "to tear apart." Like the clove, garlic is a popular and strong-tasting ingredient for cooking, particularly in the Mediterranean. The plant is native to central Asia, but ever since the Ancient Egyptian era it has grown and eaten throughout the world. The bulb is what is typically used, but the plant is technically a flower.

Garlic has a strong association with protection. Thanks to contemporary pop culture, it is most well known for warding off vampires. But garlic has been used for protection against any kind of negative force. The plant is commonly used for exorcisms, and they were hung in door frames to protect the home. It is also believed to increase strength and endurance, which most likely comes from it's long history of medicinal use of treating nearly everything.

As previously stated, the name Clove was introduced via The Hunger Games. Clove is not a very nice character. And she doesn't last very long. And, needless to say, her name has never been a common one in the United States. But her name has some new fans. I adore unique nature names that haven't been used that much. It could also be used as a nickname for either Clovis or Clover. And hey, Clove is a better name than Garlic.

Sources:
http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=clove
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clove
http://www.janih.com/lady/herbs/magick/C.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garlic
http://spiritwalkministry.com/plants_and_herbs

Image Credit:
Found via http://pinterest.com

Maple

This botanical option is something of a new favorite in the name enthusiast community.

The etymology of maple is Old English derived from mapultreow, meaning "maple tree." The word could either come from the Pre Germanic malto or maplo, but the meaning behind both words is a mystery. It is interesting to note that this word first appeared in print in Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Knights Tale." This word has an obsolete adjective form as well, mapelin. That could work as a name, too.

Most species of maple trees are native to East Asia. The Japanese maple is probably the most well known because it's leaves stay red year round. But, of course, the tree can also grow in North America, Europe, and North Africa. It is not considered to be one of the super-important Celtic trees because maples are definitely not native to Ireland. They have very distinctive leaves that have three points.

In Neo-Pagan culture, maple is considered to be one of the most spiritual trees. Therefore, wands made from this wood are used predominantly for spiritual healing. It is also a great wood for travelers, and will help with magickal work that has to do with focus, learning, and love. In mainstream culture, the maple has long been a symbol of strength and endurance. The maple tree has a strong association with Canada as the leaf appears on their flag. In Japan, there is an Autumn tradition of viewing maple trees as their leaves change color.

As far as practical uses go, maple trees are famous for their syrup. Syrup can be collected from a few species but the sugar maple is the most popular. The dried wood is often used for smoking food. The wood is also used to make bowling pins, pool cues, butcher's blocks, and bows for archery. Maples are also a popular choice for Japanese bonsai, the art of growing and cultivating miniature trees.

Maple is still a new name and has never appeared in the American top 1,000. Most people read this name a feminine because of it's similarity to Mabel. But there is some history of it being used as a surname, which would traditionally point it towards being used for boys. But there isn't enough use for it to be claimed by either gender.

It's not one of my absolute favorite tree names, but I think that Maple sounds sweet and thoughtful. I look forward to seeing it used more.

Sources:
http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=maple
http://www.dragonoak.com/Magical-Wood-Properties.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maple
http://paganwiccaforum.com/node/19

Image Credit:
http://weheartit.com

Foxglove

Does it really count as a request if I had it lying around my unfinished profiles anyway? Whatever, I'll give xxdiediedie credit for it.

Foxglove is one of the oldest names for the plant formerly known as digitalis purpurea. It means pretty much what you think it means. The Anglo Saxon foxes glofa is the earliest known form of the word. This name comes from the shape of the flowers which resemble the fingers of a glove. Some believe that the name came from a different meaning. In English, the plant was originally called folksglove, the "folk" part referring to "fairy folk." "Folks," "fox," they sound pretty similar.

Foxgloves originated in Europe and is an especially popular wildflower in Britain. The plant was then introduced to the North America, and they have settled in pretty well here. They don't need a lot of soil to thrive, preferring to grow in wooded areas. Like the lupine, foxglove improves the soil for other plants to use. The life of a foxglove is short as they only live for two seasons. This plant is a favorite to bees, who hide inside the flowers when it's raining. The flowers typically come in shades of purple but sometimes are pink, yellow, rose, or white.

As it's earlier name suggests, foxgloves are heavily associated with fairies. It was believed that fairies used the flowers as mittens. Another legend says that they gave the flower to foxes so they can use the flowers as shoes that would muffle their footsteps. Some other names of the plant are witch's gloves, bloody fingers, gloves of our lady, dead man's bells, or fairy thimbles. The Norwegian name for this plant is revbielde, meaning "foxbell" (which would make a great name as well). In Christian traditions, the plant is associated with the Virgin Mary. This is probably a coded reference to the plant's earlier connection to Venus.

Foxglove is poisonous when eaten, and can cause cardiac arrest and death. But it is also used in heart medication, so it can be beneficial if you know how to use it. But I wouldn't take any chances. The Ancient Greeks and Romans used foxglove juice to heal sprains and bruises. Rumor has it that Medieval Witches would use this plant for death potions. I don't know if that's true, but it would work. Giving foxglove tea to your plants will improve their health.

Foxglove has never been a popular name in the United States. I don't see any indication that it was used during the Victorian flower craze either. It does, however, appear to be a popular magickal name in the Neo-Pagan community. It has a well-known Neo-Pagan associated with it. Katrina "Foxglove" Kessler, a young woman who died suddenly earlier this year, was well known for her video podcasts.

Foxglove keeps getting added and deleted from my favorites list. It's a very interesting botanical name and it's very unique. It also feels like the name for a fairy, which isn't really the vibe that I would want to go for for my own children. But if you're into that sort of thing, Foxglove is a fantastically witchy name.

Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digitalis_purpurea
http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/f/foxglo30.html
http://www.angelfire.com/journal2/flowers/f.html
http://www.dancingleaves.com/allison/environment/foxglove_folklore.html
http://www.tulipsinthewoods.com/flowering-plants/digitalis-purpurea-3/
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/wildhunt/2012/04/katrina-foxglove-kessler-1989-2012.html

Image Credit:
Found via http://pinterest.com

Bluesette

It's a blue moon tonight! For those not familiar with the term, a blue moon is when a full moon occurs twice in one month. It happens every two and a half years, so I hope you're planning to magick up something important tonight. But it also makes it the perfect time for me to profile Bluesette.

The name Blue has been getting a lot of press lately thanks to Beyonce. Her daughter Blue Ivy got immediate attention from name enthusiasts, and the reaction ranged from ambivalence to mild dislike. Personally, if I was the mother and I had to use those elements I would have pushed for Ivy Blue, because it sounds more like a name and not like a species of ivy, but whatever. In the scheme of "crazy" names, not a big deal. And ever since Blue Ivy, other little Blues have born too.

With that type of press it might look like the parents of a Bluesette are trying too hard. But it's more likely that they're just really into jazz music. "Bluesette" (sometimes written as "Blues-Ette") is a jazz standard written by Toots Thielemans in 1962. He does instrumental work, and is famous for his harmonica playing as well as his guitar and whistling. Lyrics written by Norman Gimbel were later added, and it became a worldwide hit when it was sung by Ray Charles. The song is about a girl Bluesette and the singer is comforting her by saying that "love's 'round the corner."

Bluesette has never been a common name in the United States. But with Blue now getting so much attention, someone is bound to come across it. And it's even got a botanical reference: bluesette is a variety of dahlia.

Bluesette presents a bit of an aesthetic challenge. The song has since faded into obscurity and to people who don't know anything about jazz music, the name looks...fake. It looks made up. Technically it is made up, but some people equate "made up" with "thoughtless and meaningless" when it comes to naming children. That's not meant to deter anyone, I like Bluesette. But if you get some negative reactions that's probably why.

Blue or Blusette would be a meaningful choice for any child born during a blue moon. A rare name to go with a rare night.

Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toots_Thielemans
http://www.babynamewizard.com/baby-name/girl/bluesette

Image Credit:
http://eveningarwen.deviantart.com/

Phoebe

Moving along with the requests, this one was suggested by geekboy62.

Why did I think that Phoebe meant "bird"? Phoebe (pronounced "FEE-bee") is a feminine form of the Greek name Phoibos and it means "bright" or "shining." This origin makes sense if you think of the name Phoebus.

Phoebe is another name for Artemis. It was also the name of a Titan. Phoebe, sometimes called Phoibe, was the goddess of the moon before the Olympians were born. She is the daughter of Uranus and Gaia and the mother of Leto (who gave birth to Apollo and Artemis) and Asteria (who gave birth to Hecate). This name appears on other characters in Greek mythology as well. Phoebe was one of the Amazons that fought against Heracles. Another Phoebe was the sister of Helen of Troy.

People started to use Phoebe as a given name in England during the Protestant Reformation. A character with this name appears in the New Testament on a female minister in the Church at Cenchreae. Some Theologians believe that Phoebe was responsible for delivering Paul's epistle (a type of formal letter) to the Roman Catholic Church.

As it turns out, there is a bird called a phoebe. It lives in North and South America that prefer to hunt for insects in open areas. So it is a bird, but it doesn't mean "bird." This name also has a botanical namesake as well. Phoebe is a genus of evergreen trees belonging to the laurel family. Phoebe is also one of the moons of Saturn.

Phoebe has always been in the top 1,000 except for the 1960s through the 1980s. It rose dramatically in the 1990s. What happened in the 1990s? The television show Friends happened in the 1990s. Phoebe was the quirky one in the bunch. It still shows no signs of really slowing down. It peaked in 2010 at #309 (although if we just look at the numbers it was highest during the 1880s at #246). It's up at #310 currently. It's also popular worldwide. In 2008 it ranked #31 in England, #53 in Australia, and #94 in Scotland.

Although it's peaking right now, I associate it with my parent's generation because it's the name of one of my mother's college friends. Which is odd, since she was born in the 1960s and the name would not have been popular then. I also have a problem with spelling it, always switching the "o" and "e". But that's just me personally. Phoebe is a great Wicca-lite name that most everyone is familiar with but still has tons of witchy cred.

Sources:
http://www.babynamewizard.com/baby-name/girl/phoebe
http://www.behindthename.com/name/phoebe
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoebe

Image Credit:
Found via http://pinterest.com

Laurel

Another name that is Olympics related is Laurel. A laurel wreath was the traditional prize of the Ancient Olympic games. So let's take a look at Laurel.

Laurel (pronounced "LAW-ruhl") is an English name ultimately derived from the Latin laurus, and it's always been in reference to the plant. Laurels are evergreen trees that grow in the Mediterranean region. The plant is actually called the bay laurel, and this is where the bay leaves used in cooking come from. Although the flavor is popular, the leaves can damage internal organs when eaten, so they are typically removed after cooking. They also make berries and small yellow flowers.

In Greek mythology, laurels have a strong connection to Daphne. Daphne was the one who took a vow of chastity and turned into a tree when Apollo pursued her. The tree she turned into was a laurel tree and daphne is the Greek name for this species. Laurels are particularly sacred to Apollo and they should adorn any altar dedicated to him. The famous wreaths were symbols of high status. This association was adopted by the Romans as well, who believed that the laurel was a symbol of victory. In Christian tradition, it is a symbol of the Resurrection as well as prosperity and fame.

Today, Wiccans can use the plant for banishing. When an unwanted person in your home finally manages to leave, smudging the house with laurel will ensure that they never find their way back. It cal also be used for dream magick, protection, or luck in athletic competitions. People who practice traditional medicine might know that the plant's essential oil is often used in massage oil. It is also used for women's troubles like tearing during birth and vaginal infections.

Since the name first saw use in the 1800s, Laurel has switched genders throughout the ages. It experienced some use as a boys name in the United States during the 1920s, where it peaked at #972. Depending on how old you are or how eclectic your film tastes are, you might remember the names Laurel and Hardy, a comedic pair in Hollywood's early cinema. Laurel is considered a masculine plant in Neo-Pagan traditions. But it has been used far more as a girl's name, particularly in the 1950s when the variant Laura was also popular. It peaked at #283. It now ranks at #927 after a two year hiatus from the charts. The feminist historian Laurel Thatcher Ulrich is famous for uttering the phrase, "Well behaved women seldom make history."

Unfortunately, I can pretty much assure anyone who wants to use this name that it will constantly be confused with Laura or Lauren. But if you really love it, go for it. It's a name I could never use because I have a hard time pronouncing it, but I love it for other people's witchlets.

Sources:
http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=laurel
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bay_Laurel
http://wiccanslair.com/Herbal_Bay.html
http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/0/Laurel
http://www.babynamewizard.com/baby-name/laurel

Image Credit:
http://blessedwildapplegirl.tumblr.com/

Heather

Blessed Litha, Midsummer, Summer Solstice, or whatever you want to call it! I hope our friends south of the equator are having a Blessed Yuletide! Heather is the Celtic tree for this holiday, and it's a lovely name as well.

Heather (pronounced "HEH-ther" or "HEH-dher") is derived from the Old English haddyr, and as far as I can tell it has always been in reference to the plant. Heathers aren't really trees, they're more like shrubs. They're well known for their purple flowers, but they also come in white, red, and copper. The plant's Celtic name is Ura (pronounced "OOR-uh"). Technically, it's proper scientific name is calluna, but no one calls it that in casual conversation. It is a hardy plant that can pretty much grow anywhere, but it is not welcome everywhere and is considered an invasive species in some parts of the world.

Heather was sacred to the Druids and has many magickal uses. It is a goddess herb sacred to Isis, Venus, Cybele, and Guinevere to name a few. Heather can be used in magick regarding maturity, love, luck, conjuring ghosts, healing, rain-making, and consummation. It's used to make talismans that protect against violent crimes like rape. Some believe that Heather Pixies live in this plant. They can be mischievous but are drawn to shy humans. Red heather historically has the most negative connotation because it was believed that they were stained red by the blood of heathens killed by Christians in battle. However, red heather is good for love spells. White heather in particular is associated with the dead. This plant has a strong relationship with bees. The Danes brewed beer made from honey and heather, and today heather honey remains popular. Heather also has a strong relationship with Scotland. There it is an iconic plant often sold as charms. Heather represents solitude because it thrives in wide, open spaces. It can be especially powerful when used with mistletoe, the sacred plant of the Winter Solstice.

This plant has many practical applications. Heather is a valuable resource for farmers who can use it for fodder, roofing, tea, and dye. Heather thrives on barren land and makes soil healthy and fertile. There was a time when this plant was hated to to this association with rural poverty. Nowadays it's a very popular ornamental plant. If you're interested in herbal medicine, only the flowering shoots of the plant should be used. You can use it to treat stomach aches, insomnia, and skin problems. Heather tea is slightly diuretic and is sometimes used to treat urinary infections.

Heather as a name may sound a bit dated to Americans. It's peak was during the 1970s at #8. It's not completely out of the charts, it now rests at #708. It fares a bit better in Scotland and Ireland, in 2008 it ranked at #86 and #91, respectably. But it will seem a bit momish to a lot of people in the United States. Aside from the plant, the name also describes a color. Heather is a light, grayish purple. Despite the "-er" ending, I don't see any evidence that this has ever been used for boys. However, the Heath can be used.

Despite it's potential for sounding slightly "old," I really like this name. I have actually never met anyone named Heather (although I know there's a lot of actresses with this name), so it feels new to me. It's a good name for someone who wants a name that's familiar but not overdone.

Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heather_(name)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calluna
http://www.magicspells.in/magical_herbal_enclyclopedia_h.htm
http://dutchie.org/heather-lore/
http://www.babynamewizard.com/baby-name/girl/heather

Image Credit:
Found via http://pinterest.com

Violante

Nameberry recently released a list of baby names that have to do with the color purple. Here's one that they missed.

Violante (pronounced "vee-oh-LAHN-tay") is the variant form of Violanthe and it means "purple flower." Most sources state that it's Latin, but the "anthe" would suggest that it's Greek. It is a relative of other names like Violaine, Yolanda, Yolante, Jolantha, Viola, and Violet.

This name was bestowed on several Medieval princesses and children of nobility. Violante Beatrice of Bavaria was the Grand Princess of Tuscany. She was appointed the Governor of Siena after the death of her husband. Violante Visconti was the daughter of the Lord of Milan and Pavia, and she had very bad luck with marriage. She was betrothed three times (the first was to the third son of King Edward III of England, Lionel of Antwerp) and they all died within two years of the wedding. Violant of Bar was an Iberian (Spanish and Portuguese) Queen who gave birth to six children. But only her daughter, Yolande of Aragon, survived childhood and wound up playing an important role in the Hundred Years War: she financed Joan of Arc's army.

This name also has artist cred. Sor Violante de Ceo was a celebrated poet from Lisbon, Portugal. Violante Beatrice Siries was an Italian painter. "Violante" is also the name of a portrait supposedly by Italian Renaissance artist Titian.

More recently, this is the name of Italian actress and singer Violante Placido. (Two of my most favorite names on one person? What madness is this?) I bring that up because, even though she is not exactly a household name in the United States, she did pose for some revealing pictures for a magazine. That would make the name off-limits according to some. I say so what? You know, as much as I love America, there are time when I think I was born in the wrong country. I think people need to lighten up when it comes to breasts. I've seen photos of her. She looks beautiful and the photos are tastefully done. We're not talking about porn here. And let's not forget that breasts in advertising is nothing out of the ordinary in her native Italy.

Viola may be ripe for a revival, but Violante will probably remain an unusual name in the United States for the time being. Some believe that it sounds too much like "violent," and while I can see that for the variant Violant I think it's reaching for Violante. My only real issue with it is that it is a little bit long, which I think makes it more difficult to pair with a middle name. But that's just my personal aesthetic.

Violante is one of my favorites, although I also love Viola and Violaine. It's hard to pick just one. Pronunciation might be a little tricky, but if you have a passing familiarity with Italian or even Spanish pronunciation it's not that difficult. So if it never becomes popular, more for us unique name lovers I guess.

Sources:
http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/0/Violante
http://www.behindthename.com/name/violante
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?search=violante&title=Special%3ASearch

Image Credit:
Found via http://pinterest.com

Magnolia

This flower name isn't used all that much anymore, but I wouldn't be surprised if that changed in the future.

Magnolia (pronounced "mahg-NOH-lee-ah") doesn't have much of an interesting meaning. It was coined by botanist Charles Plumier, and it comes from the name of the botanist Pierre Magnol. Pierre Magnol is notable for inventing the current botanical scheme of classification. What he has to do with this flower in particular, I haven't a clue. The obvious follow-up question is, "Where does Magnol come from?" Well, I've hit a dead end there. The other obvious follow-up question is, "What were magnolias called before they were magnolias?" In Martinique, an island in the Caribbean, it was known as talauma.

Magnolias are an ancient flower. Fossilized specimens have been dated at 20 million years ago. They've been around even before bees evolved. They are designed to be pollinated by beetles instead. Magnolias generally grow in warm to areas like East and Southeast Asia; the West Indies; and Central, South, and parts of North America. They do well in some temperate areas, but are not overly abundant there. They come in white, yellow, purple, and pink.

I expected magnolias to show up more in Wiccan herbal sources, but not really. There is some mention of the bark, which has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine as well. Fidelity, love, and hair growth are possible magickal applications. Extract from magnolia bark has been proven to inhibit the growth of bacterial plaque, so dentists are now interested in it.

Historically magnolias have been strongly associated with the Southern United States, particularly Mississippi and Louisiana where it is the state flower. One of the nicknames for Houston, Texas is "The Magnolia City" because quite a lot of them grow there as well. Magnolias are also associated with nobility and perseverance.

Magnolia peaked in the 1900s at #490. It left the charts completely in the 1940s. It might sound dated to some people, particularly to someone who actually knew a Magnolia in that age range. But I doubt that many Americans have met a Magnolia before. For most it could sound like a fresh yet timeless name.

Magnolia is a good name for someone who's looking for a name that's familiar but unique. I would expect a Magnolia to have a "southern belle" personality, charming and proper.


Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnolia
http://www.behindthename.com/name/magnolia
http://wiccaweb.com/herbs.php
http://www.livingartsoriginals.com/infoflowersymbolism.htm#magnolia
http://www.babynamewizard.com/baby-name/girl/magnolia

Image Credit:
http://ymefreak.deviantart.com/

Lennox

For my last entry into my Neo-Pagan movie theme, I'm going to cover the name Lennox and how Paganism shows up in more coded ways.

Lennox (pronounced "LEHN-iks") is a Scottish and English place name derived from the Gaelic leamhanach, meaning "elm grove." There is actually some variation to the original source of Lennox depending on what reference you're looking at, but it seems like no matter what it has something to do with elm trees. It was the surname of an influential aristocratic Scottish landowning family during the 1500s.

The first time I, and probably a lot of other girls, came into contact with this name was in The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. In the book, Mary Lennox is an angry little girl who is constantly ignored by her parents. The parents die from cholera, and Mary gets shipped off from India to England. She settles into the creepy mansion of her absent uncle, Archibald Craven, by wondering around a secret garden. The garden used to belong to her aunt, but since she died no one took care of it. Mary's demeanor gradually improves as she becomes friends with Dickon and Colin, who is Archibald's bedridden son, and she nurses the garden back into it's former glory. I actually loved the Broadway musical more than the book.

So you might be thinking, "What's so Pagan about that?" Watch the movie version that came out in 1993. There is one scene that really stands out to a Neo-Pagan audience. The children get together and cast a spell around a fire in order to bring Archibald back home. I can't remember exactly, but I'm pretty sure that wasn't in the book. I think Mary just wrote him a letter. That's how it goes in the musical anyways. That's beside the very general Pagan springtime themes of healing and renewal. I've seen many Neo-Pagans online bemoaning the lack of Pagan friendly material in popular culture, and there's some truth to that. But you cannot keep Paganism out of the movies. That would be like keeping it out of all culture in general. If you dig deeper, you can find some hidden treasures.

The first time Lennox showed up on the top 1,000 was in 2010 at number #933 for boys. I would be very surprised if it wasn't in the charts for 2011 as well. Surnames, and in particular Scottish/Irish/English surnames, are in vogue for boys at the moment. Plus, it falls in line with other names that end in "x" like Knox and Rex, which are becoming increasingly popular. I can also see this being picked up by the girls as well. Not only because surnames are fashionable for girls too, but because of The Secret Garden.

Lennox is a very current choice. I would expect to see many more children with this name in the coming years.

Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Secret_Garden
http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/1/Lennox
http://www.babynamewizard.com/baby-name/boy/lennox

Image Credit:
http://blessedwildapplegirl.tumblr.com/

Eglantine

This unusual botanical name is almost always listed as a "witch's name" and there's a good reason why.

Eglantine (pronounced "EHG-lan-teen") is generally accepted as a fancy word for rose, which isn't completely true. It's actually another word for a sweet brier, which is technically a species of rose but it doesn't have the typical rose look. They almost look more like little pink daisies on a bush. Eglantine is a French name derived from the Latin aquilentus meaning "thorny" or "rich with prickles." They are native to Europe and West Asia and are considered an invasive species elsewhere. I couldn't find much about this plant's magickal uses, all everyone says is that it's for "pleasure" which is rather vague.

The first person to use Eglantine (in the form of Eglentyne) as a first name was Geoffrey Chaucer, who gave it to a character in The Canterbury Tales. She appears in "The Prioress's Tale" and she is a nun. She is described as gentle and soft-spoken, and it suggests that she joined the clergy in order to raise her social status. What happens in The Canterbury Tales is that all of these travelers have a story telling contest. Unfortunately, the story Eglentyne tells is anti-Semitic, which would not have been uncommon during that time but is still pretty unsavory.

But the Eglantine that's of more interest to Neo-Pagans in the one in Bedknobs and Broomsticks. In a pretty obvious attempt to repeat the success of Mary Poppins, Disney adapted the books The Magic Bedknob; or How to Become a Witch in Ten Easy Lessons and Bonfires and Broomsticks written by English author Mary Norton. The story takes place in Britain during World War II. Three siblings are sent away from their home in London and into the countryside in order to keep them safe from the bombings. The children are thrust upon Eglantine Price (played by Angela Lansbury) who thinks that they are going to be a nuisance. Eglantine is secretly studying witchcraft as a means to protect the country from the Nazis, but is only an apprentice witch. The children very quickly find out and Eglantine is forced to take them with her on her various adventures.

One of the reasons why Neo-Pagans love this movie so much (aside from the positive witch portrayal) is that there is a real Pagan in-joke going on here. According to legend, the New Forest coven gathered together in a forest on Lammas night 1940 in order to perform a ritual known as Operation Cone of Power. The purpose of the cone of power was to send the message into the mind of German leaders that they could not cross the English Channel. Gerald Gardner claimed he was there, which is how we know this. But I doubt that there is any way to prove that this meeting actually took place.

But back to Eglantine. It has never been a common name in the United States. I have to admit that the sound is a bit clunky. Not that that's a bad thing. I think it would appeal to Renaissance Fair folks in particular. It's an interesting option for those that like Medieval names.

Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eglantine_rose
http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=eglantine
http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/0/Eglantine
http://www.behindthename.com/name/eglantine
http://www.witchontherocks.com/herbal-correspondences.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Prioress's_Tale
http://culture.pagannewswirecollective.com/2012/03/good-witch-series-eglantine/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Forest_coven

Image Credit:
Her deviantart account has been deactivated, but the artist was felicefawn.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a perfectly lovely name, but some Neo-Pagans might be a little squeamish about it.

The origin of Rosemary appears to be obvious: it must be a combination of Rose and Mary. And it technically is. Because it it's name, the plant became involved with some stories involving the Virgin Mary. But it's also based on a much older name from Latin. Rosemarinus is derived from the elements ros, meaning "dew," and marinus, meaning "sea." Together it means "dew from the sea." This name refers to the rosemary plant, which only needs the water in a sea breeze to survive.

The herb can grow quite large, with evergreen-like leaves and white, pink, purple, or blue flowers. It originated in the Mediterranean and Asia, although it is hardy and can withstand most climates. It also has a very strong scent. Rosemary is a popular cooking ingredient. It is often mixed with meat and stuffing, potatoes, and wine. It is often planted in gardens because they are pretty and drought tolerant. Although it does occasionally cause allergic reactions, and you should avoid eating too much of it while pregnant or breastfeeding, it is generally a very safe plant.

Rosemary is used for many magickal applications. It has a very old reputation for improving memory (in Hamlet, Ophelia says the line "There's rosemary, that's for remembrance"). It is an old medieval wedding tradition for the bride to wear a wreath made from rosemary, and for the groom and all of the guests to wear a small piece of it pinned to their clothing. For this reason, it is also associated with fidelity, and was often given as a wedding gift. Because it was often cooked in kitchen gardens, rosemary was seen as a symbol of the wife's dominance in the house. By the 1500s, it was not uncommon for husbands to dig up the rosemary in order to show that they, and not their wives, were in charge. According to Greek mythology, Aphrodite was covered in rosemary when she arose from the ocean. Rosemary is used in incense for both Pagan and Christian ceremonies, and it is believed that it protects against evil. Burning this plant in your home can banish negativity.

So why am I profiling this name during my theme week? I'm talking about it because it's in the lexicon of Pagan culture due to a very controversial work: Rosemary's Baby. Rosemary's Baby is a novel by Ira Levin and movie by Roman Polanski that most Neo-Pagans find very offensive. I'm going to give away the ending here, so if you don't want to know skip to the next paragraph. The story starts when Rosemary Woodhouse (played by Mia Farrow in the film) and her actor husband move to a new home in the New York suburbs. They meet their neighbors who appear to be an eccentric elderly couple. Rosemary doesn't like them, but her husband develops a worrying attachment and visits constantly. On the night that the couple try to conceive a child, the neighbors give Rosemary some chocolate which makes her pass out. She has a vivid dream of being tied to the bed and being raped by a demonic entity while her naked neighbors look on. Rosemary becomes pregnant. As time passes, she suspects that her neighbors are part of a sinister witch's coven and that her husband made a deal with them in exchange for a successful acting career. When she awakes after being sedated during her labor she is told that the baby died, but she doesn't believe that. She walks into a coven meeting in which the witches are gathered around her newborn son who, lo and behold, is the child of Satan.

These types of movies express and amplify society's fear and hatred of us. Some people might say, "Oh, don't be so sensitive, it's just a movie. Nobody actually thinks these things of you." But I know that that's not true. I just need to listen to Newt Gingrich to know that I'm correct. Rosemary's Baby is not special, there are literally hundreds of movies and books like this. This movie was made in the 1970s, and not much has changed since then. Evil witches in non-fairy tale settings have not left the screen (The Wicker Man remake and The Wicker Tree are prime examples). It is going to take a very long time to eradicate these kind of harmful depictions. There are centuries worth of baggage here.

Rosemary has never left the top 1,000 in the United States, but it was most popular in the 1940s when it peaked at #91. It's now at #721. If you don't like the "devil-baby carrier" tag (and really, who does?), there is another literary work in which this name appears. The Giver by Lois Lowry takes place in a Utopia-like community. Rosemary was the Receiver before Jonah who is mysteriously not discussed anymore. Her name is even forbidden from use on another child. I suppose that you have to have read the book to know what I'm talking about, but for this one I'm trying not to give anything away. This book actually made me like the name when I read it as a child.

I'm not sure how easily Neo-Pagans can shed the terrible association of this movie. Many of us like botanical names so...possibly? Rosemary is a nice name, so it's a shame.

Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosemary
http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/bookofshadows/ig/Magical-Herbs/Rosemary.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosemary's_Baby_(film)
http://www.babynamewizard.com/baby-name/girl/rosemary

Image Credit:
Found via http://pinterest.com

Prunella

I've found this name intriguing ever since I've first heard it. But this particular "Ella" moniker might be an acquired taste.

Prunella (pronounced "proo-NEH-lah") is Latin name meaning "little plum." Prunella is the name of an Italian fairy tale that features a heroine of the same name. I've already told most of the story when I profiled the name of the hero, Bensiabel. But I left out how she got to be the witch's slave in the first place. Prunella loved to eat plums, which is how she got her name, and she ate plums off of a particular tree. This particular tree happened to be owned by the witch, who was infuriated that someone would steal her property. So she hid and waited for whoever was taking her food, and caught Prunella in the act. The witch kidnapped her and took her as a slave. She has her for a few years before Bensiabel shows up and the story really begins.

Those that have read the story might question Prunella's status as a heroine. Gods, she's a little miss issues-with-tissues, isn't she? She breaks down and cries at every little obstacle in her path, Bensiabel does everything for her. I find that very interesting. It might be Prunella's fairy tale, but Bensiabel and his mother are much more interesting and (I think) more sympathetic. Also, looking at this tale in particular, it's very clear why people gravitate towards witches. The witch might be punished in the end, but the good girl is punished throughout the whole story.

Another plant associated with this name (besides the plum tree) is Prunella vulgaris, which lives in temperate regions throughout Europe, North America, and Asia. This plant has purple flowers, which is probably why it has that name. It is also known as the self heal, heal-all, or heart-of-the-earth. As it's nicknames suggest, this plant has long been used to cure many ailments. Some of them include fever, internal bleeding, diarrhoea, and infection. Christians believed that it was a holy herb brought down by God, and Native Americans would drink heal-all tea in order to sharpen their senses before hunting. It is edible as well and is often used in salads, stews, and soups.

Prunella has never been a common name in the United States. One one level, it seems like it would be perfect for those looking for an uncommon name that can be shortened to Ella. But some people might have a problem with the word "prune" in it. Many associate it with wrinkly old people. The only two namesakes I could find were both English actresses, Gee and Scales, but they're both above the age of sixty. There is only one variant form: Prunelle.

Prunella is somewhere between exotic and clunky. It might appeal to those that like names like Earnestine or Opal. It has appeal but it won't be popular anytime soon.

Sources:
http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/0/Prunella
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prunella_(fairy_tale)
http://www.babynamewizard.com/namipedia/girl/prunella
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prunella_vulgaris

Image Credit:
http://weheartit.com