Anecdotes Behind Names

“One of the world’s most familiar girls’ names was virtually unknown before a single play.”

“This elegant name was custom-built as a secret pet name for one woman.”

“The earliest known record of this hugely popular name is a single Shakespeare play.”

“A name literally meaning “to be wondered at” — created for a character raised on an island.”

“This name was made up for a poem — and people even argued over how to say it.”

“This beloved name may only exist because of a typesetter’s mistake.”

“An entire name was created to headline a best-selling romance.”

“A national bestseller launched a name that started as a slip of the pen.”

“A plain Latin word for “star” became a name through a sequence of love poems.”

“This Scottish-sounding name was largely spread by a man writing as a woman.”

“A rare classical word became a first name through one unforgettable novel.”

“A mid-century favourite traces back to an industrialist and a Hollywood star.”