Unique Baby Boy Names from Shakespeare
Unusual Names for Babies inspired by Shakespeare Plays
Oct 1, 2009
Choosing a name for a baby is a big decision. Expecting parents know the best baby names are often not the most popular names, but rather interesting, distinctive names with character and class. The perfect names for a baby are unique and versatile – a name that’s catchy and fun but will mature well with the child, especially a name that’s refined and sophisticated but also lends itself to charming nicknames.
William Shakespeare, the inimitable Elizabethan wag, and one of the most prominent figures in all of Western literature, was a master of choosing unique names for his characters. Shakespeare plays can provide excellent inspiration to parents trying to find the perfect name for their newborn.
Below is a list of unique baby boy name ideas from Shakespeare plays.
Unique Baby Boy Names from Shakespeare Plays
- A: Aegeon, Amiens, Antipholus, Arviragus
- B: Balthazar, Barnardo, Bassanio, Belarius, Benedick, Benvolio, Bertram, Boyet, Brabantio
- C: Caliban, Caphis, Cassio, Claudio, Claudius, Cleomenes, Curan, Curio
- D: Demetrius, Dion, Dogberry, Donalbain, Dromio
- E: Egeus, Escalus
- F: Fabian, Fenton, Flavius, Fleance, Florizel, Fortinbras
- G: Gratiano, Guiderius
- H: Hamlet, Holofernes, Horatio, Hortensio, Hortensius
- I: Iago
- L: Laertes, Lancelot, Launce, Lennox, Leonardo, Leonato, Leontes, Lodovico, Lucentio, Lucilius, Lucio, Lysander
- M: Malvolio, Marcellus, Mercutio, Montano
- N: Nym
- O: Oberon, Orsino, Osric, Oswald, Othello
- P: Panthino, Paris, Parolles, Petruchio, Philostrate, Pisanio, Pistol, Polixenes, Polonius, Pompey, Prospero
- R: Rinaldo, Roderigo, Romeo
- S: Salanio, Salerio, Sampson, Sebastian, Seyton, Silvius, Siward, Solinus, Stephano
- T: Theseus, Thurio, Timon, Tranio, Trinculo, Tybalt
- V: Vencentio, Verges
Considering a Shakespearean Name for a Baby Boy
There are many factors to consider when naming a baby boy, especially when considering a Shakespearean baby name or deriving inspiration from Shakespeare plays.
The most basic considerations are aesthetic, and thus somewhat instinctual: does the name have positive sonic qualities, does it have "a certain ring to it" that seems distinctive, strong, and endearing? Though the question is vague, parents often have a gut intuition about these things that should be indulged: does the name "sound like" a person they'd want their child to grow up to become? These feelings can be very strong and emotional and certainly cannot be ignored.
Parents should also consider associations other people might have with the name. If it's a particularly famous name from Shakespeare, are there going to be the inevitable associations, positive or negative, with the actual Shakespearean character? Names like Romeo and Hamlet are loaded with meaning because of how canonical the characters have become. That's baggage that must be considered when naming a baby boy.
Baby Names and Nicknames
Many Shakespearean names might seem too antiquated or elaborate for a baby boy, but often, in order to stand out among the crowd, it’s nice to have a unique full first name to put on official documents and applications, while friends, family and most acquaintances can use a simple nickname derived from the longer Shakespearean one.
Because many Shakespearean names are simply Elizabethan English or Italian predecessors to common contemporary names, it’s easy to turn a lot of them into fun, familiar nicknames. Some names need simply be shortened; others one can easily switch one consonant to arrive at something well-known. Or, to preserve that unique Shakespearean flair, try coming up with unusual nicknames that can really catch on.
Here are some good examples:
- Benvolio to Ben
- Bertram to Bert
- Brabantio to Brad
- Caliban to Calib or Cal
- Donalbain to Don
- Lancelot to Lanny
- Lennox to Lenny
- Leonardo or Leontes to Leo
- Lucentio or Lucilius or Lucio to Luke
- Lysander to Zander
- Marcellus to Mark
- Orsino to Orson
- Philostrate to Phil
- Rodergio to Roger
- Salanio or Salerio to Sal
- Sampson to Sam
- Sebastian to Seb
- Timon to Tim
- Vencentio to Vince
More Unique Baby Boy Names
Great ideas for unique baby boy names can come from anywhere; Shakespeare plays are just the beginning. If Shakespearean names for babies seem too antiquated, try looking for names in contemporary popular films and literature.
Parents can find inspiration from characters in their favorite Shakespeare plays or from any other characters that have meant something in their life. Naming a baby boy after a unique, lively character is a great way to lend personality and personal meaning to the name.
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Unique Baby Names from Films and Literature
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