The Beauty of Names

I've written another post for Nameberry on silent screen names , please go and check it out!

"Medea" by Anthony Frederick Augustus Sandys Hello all, and happy Halloween! For the holiday I've chosen to make a post featuring names of both fictional and factual witches from history and media, and myth. Fictional: Agatha Cackle (The Worst Witch) Penelope Clearwater (Harry Potter) Erichtho (Pharsalia) Miss Davina Bat (The Worst Witch) Elphaba (Wicked) Serafina Pekkala ( His Dark Materials) Jadis (The Chronicles of Narnia) Cordelia Foxx (American Horror Story: Coven) Bellatrix Lestrange (Harry Potter) Maharet and Mekare (The Vampire Chronicles) Jane Smart (The Witches of Eastwick) Mildred Hubble (The Worst Witch) Sycorax (The Tempest) Cho Chang (Harry Potter) Vanessa Dahl (Engelsfors) Susan Sto Helit (Discworld) Fleur and Gabrielle Delacour (Harry Potter) Enid Nightshade (The Worst Witch) Minoo Falk Karimi (Engelsfors) Ruta Skadi (His Dark Materials) Padma and Parvarti Patil (Harry Potter) Empusa (Stardust) Sybill Trelawney (Harry Potte...

Zooey Actress Zooey Deschanel recently gave birth to a little girl who she has named Elsie Otter. She is married to producer Jacob Pechenik. On the choice she said: " Well, we just really like the name Elsie, and then we both love otters. They're really sweet, they're also smart, they use tools to keep their favorite tools, they hold hands while they sleep. There's so many amazing things about otters. They're wonderful animals."

Marcus and Carey Actress Carey Mulligan and husband, Marcus Mumford, the lead singer of the band Mumford and Sons, have revealed the name of their baby girl - Evelyn.

Lily Cole The beautiful model and actress Lily Cole has just given birth to her first child, a little girl she named Wylde Cole Ferreira, with boyfriend Kwame Ferreira.

Edith Sitwell and her brothers Osbert and Sacheverell by Cecil Beaton This is essentially a companion to the "For the Shabby Aristocrat Family" , but less modern. I love these sort of names, the ones I can imagine on rich families from the 1900's to the 20's, that perhaps didn't fit in with their peers. The Aunt was probably wild and traveled the world, always bringing gifts for the children and never settling down. The father was obsessed with finding first edition classics and spent all his money on it, while the mother was a celebrated beauty who rubbed elbows with artists and intellects. The daughter had a fling with a jazz musician, and the son lived modestly renouncing his aristocratic roots. They all have weird little nicknames for each other, derived from their actual names or not, and most of their names could only be pulled off by someone as strangely cool as them. Ladies: Ursula Eadie Diantha Hermione Imelda Romola Lobelia Prudenti...

Darcey Bussell                                     Fitzwilliam Darcy ( P & P 2005) I'm back with a name game. It was really interesting seeing the results of my two "This or That's", so I figured I would continue on and come up with another. In this one, for each name listed you will add what gender you prefer it on or see it as. Let me know yours and I'll list mine. Morgan Devon Hollis Greer Taylor Winter Sasha Joss Shannon Aubrey Briar Harper Darcy Flannery Mel River Jaimie Nikita Indiana Kelly Jordan Rory Alex Casey Kit Riley

Gisela of Austria Archduchess Gisela of Austria was born Gisela Louise Marie to Franz Joseph I of Austria and Elisabeth of Bavaria. She married Prince Leopold of Bavaria , who was born Leopold Maximilian Joseph Maria Arnulf. Their children were: Elisabeth Marie Auguste, " Princess Elisabeth of Bavaria " Auguste Maria Luise, " Princess Auguste of Bavaria " Georg Franz Joseph Luitpold Maria, " Prince Georg of Bavaria " Konrad Luitpold Franz Joseph Maria, " Prince Konrad of Bavaria "

I totally forgot to post about this, but I did a post on a few more obscure names from Arthurian myth over at Nameberry ! Please go and check it out.

"Brünnhilde" by Arthur Rackham I have so many guilty pleasure names, and they are some of my favorite to talk about. These are the names I absolutely love but (probably) wouldn't use in real life. This post will probably be really long, so I apologize in advance. Please post some of your guilty pleasures in the comments! Girls: Veruca Hortensia Dymphna Myfanwy Atalanta Aviatrix Nimue Belphoebe Romola Iphigenia Bloom Noomi Tanaquil Bidelia Hero Priya Garland Thisbe Bathsheba Andromeda Thistle Dahl Persia Valkyrie Nasrin Virgilia Brunhilde Nym/Nim Calpurnia Ursula Truly Clothilde Gosling Eglantine Dagmar Tinúviel Celandine Sidonia Eilonwy Hecate Delphi Mirabeau and Isabeau Fiammetta Evening Moth Abbott Bliss Fairuza Coppélia Temple Rosegold Mauve Scholastica Heatherbell Nebula Easter Haruka Tuesday Cassiopeia Illyria Rosevine Boys: Sigurd Ivar Aneirin/Aneurin Bede Haytham Eamonn Leopold Ferdinand...

Grand Duke Konstantin Konstantinovich Grand Duke Konstantin Konstantinovich was born to Grand Duke Constantine Nikolaevich and Princess Alexandra of Saxe-Altenburg. He married Princess Elizabeth of Saxe-Altenburg , or  Elizaveta Mavrikievna ,   who was born Elisabeth Auguste Marie Agnes. Their children were: John Konstantinovich, " Prince John Konstantinovich of Russia ", or "Ioannchik" Gabriel Konstantinovich, " Prince Gabriel Konstantinovich " Tatiana Konstantinovna, " Princess Tatiana Konstantinovna " Konstantine Konstantinovich, " Prince Konstantine Konstantinovich ", or "Kostia" Oleg Konstantinovich, " Prince Oleg Konstantinovich " Igor Konstantinovich, " Prince Igor Konstantinovich " Georgy Konstantinovich, " Prince Georgy Konstantinovich " Natalia Konstantinovna, " Princess Natalia Konstantinovna " (Died at 2 months) Vera Konstantinovna, " Princess Vera...

Grand Duchesses Olga, Tatiana, Maria, and Anastasia Nikolaevna This is the sister post to my Short But Sweet one. These are the long, dramatic, and frilly names that I adore, and would absolutely love to see someone use. What are your favorite long and dramatic names? Do you have any reservations about using one? Girls: Anastasia Perdita Celestine Gwendolen Theodosia Josephine Thomasina Wilhelmina Eugenia Tatiana Ophelia Ursula Georgina Romilly Perpetua Henrietta Cecilia Lucinda Fortuna Demelza Angelica Evangeline Fenella Rowena Hesperia Felicity Casilda Sibylla Rosamund Penelope Adelaide Lavinia Cosima Ottilie Artemisia Zenobia Violetta Cressida Aurelia Boys: Rafferty Frederick Horatio Emmanuel Llewellyn Leander Orlando Thaddeus Casimir Amadeus Octavian Montgomery Florian Everard Lucius Ignatius Cillian Gideon Benedict Leopold Nicodemus Sebastian Cornelius Atticus Ferdinand Constantine Solomon Lysander Pere...

Duchess Cecilie of Mecklenburg-Schwerin Duchess Cecilie of Mecklenburg-Schwerin was born Cecilie Auguste Marie to Frederick Francis III of Mecklenburg-Schwerin and Grand Duchess Anastasia Mikhailovna of Russia. She married Wilhelm, German Crown Prince , who was born Friedrich Wilhelm Victor August Ernst. Their children were: Wilhelm Friedrich Franz Joseph Christian Olaf, " Prince Wilhelm of Prussia " Louis Ferdinand Viktor Eduard Albert Michael Hubertus, " Prince Louis Ferdinand of Prussia " Hubertus Karl Wilhelm, " Prince Hubertus of Prussia " Friedrich Georg Wilhelm Christoph, " Prince Friedrich of Prussia " Alexandrine Irene, " Princess Alexandrine of Prussia ", or "Adini" Cecilie Viktoria Anastasia Zita Thyra Adelheid, " Princess Cecilie of Prussia "

Princess Maria Antonietta of Bourbon-Two Sicilies Princess Maria Antonietta of Bourbon-Two Sicilies was born Maria Antonietta Giuseppina Leopoldina to Prince Francis, Count of Trapani and Archduchess Maria Isabella of Austria. She married Prince Alfonso, Count of Caserta who was born Alfonso Maria Giuseppe Alberto. Ferdinando Pio Maria, " Prince Ferdinand Pius, Duke of Calabria " Carlo Maria Francesco d'Assisi Pasquale Ferdinando Antonio di Padova Francesco de Paola Alfonso Andrea Avelino Tancredi, " Prince Carlos of Bourbon-Two Sicilies " Francesco di Paola, " Prince Francesco di Paola of Bourbon-Two Sicilies " Maria Immaculata Speranza Pia Teresa Cristina Filomena Lucia Anna Isabella Cecilia Apollonia Barbara Agnese Zenobia, " Princess Maria Immaculata of Bourbon-Two Sicilies " Maria Cristina Carolina Pia Carmela Giuseppa Antonia Anna Luitgarda Speranza Lucia Caterina Apollonia Cecilia Agata, " Princess Maria Cristina of...

A Young Lady Moorea Hastings Moorea - I've been looking at paintings and one was of Marchesa Luisa Casati (born Luisa Adele Rosa Maria Amman), a popular artist's model. She had one grandchild via her daughter Cristina, a girl named Moorea. An island in French Polynesia called Mo'orea (or sometimes simply Moorea), which means "yellow lizard", is where she was conceived and was subsequently named after. Pericles and Octavius - Moorea went on to have two sons with her two husbands, the Hon. Pericles Plantagenet James Casati Wyatt and Octavius Orlando Irvine Casati Black. To me they sound like characters out of "Harry Potter". Pericles comes from the Greek peri , "around, in excess", and kleos , which means "glory". Pericles was most famously an Athenian general. Hecate - I'm so thrilled Showtime's "Penny Dreadful" is back on. It premiered last night, and it was as sumptuous and wild as the first season was. Thi...

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, with HRH Princess Charlotte of Cambridge I've been waiting and waiting to see what the Duke and Duchess would be naming their little girl, and it has finally been announced: Charlotte Elizabeth Diana. A perfect name for a little princess. I was quite surprised at the choice of Diana - I didn't think they would be able to slip that one past! But I'm happy they did. Their first baby is HRH Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge.

So I totally missed when this was posted, but here is my post over at Nameberry about names of models! Thank you so much to Pamela and Linda for letting me write for them. High Fashion Baby Names

Priyanka Chopra - India - 2000 Starting in 1980, here are the rest of the winners. Gabriella Brum - Germany - 1980 (Resigned) Kimberley Santos - Guam - 1980 (Took the place of Gabriella Brum) Pilín León - Venezuela - 1981 (Carmen Josefina León Crespo) Mariasela Álvarez - Dominican Republic - 1982 Sarah-Jane Hutt - United Kingdom - 1983 Astrid Carolina Herrera - Venezuela - 1984 Hólmfríður Karlsdóttir - Iceland - 1985 Giselle Laronde - Trinidad and Tobago - 1986 Ulla Weigerstorfer - Austria - 1987 (Ulrike Weigerstorfer) Linda Pétursdóttir - Iceland - 1988 Aneta Kręglicka - Poland - 1989 (First Eastern European woman to win) Gina Tolleson - America - 1990 Ninibeth Leal - Venezuela - 1991 Julia Kourotchkina - Russia - 1992 Lisa Hanna - Jamaica - 1993 Aishwarya Rai - India - 1994 (Now an accomplished actress) Jacqueline Aguilera - Venezuela - 1995 Irene Skliva - Greece - 1996 Diana Hayden - India - 1997 Linor Abargil - Israel - 1998 Yukta Mookhey...

Madeleine Hartog-Bel - Peru - Miss World 1967 I don't watch beauty pageants as closely as I did when I was little, but I do like to look at the names of the contestants. They are all so fascinating, just like the women who bear them, and I have to admit, I love the gossip and scandals as much as the next person. In our first installment I'll be covering the Miss World winners from the first pageant in 1951 all the way up to 1979. Kiki Håkansson - Sweden - 1951 (Kerstin Håkansson) May-Louise Flodin - Sweden - 1952 Denise Perrier - France - 1953 Antigone Costanda - Egypt (Greek-Egyptian) - 1954 (First African woman to win) Susana Duijm - Venezuela - 1955 (Carmen Susana Duijm Zubillaga; First Latin-American woman to win) Petra Schürmann - Germany - 1956 (Hildegard Petra Susanna Schürmann) Marita Lindahl - Finland - 1957 Penelope Coelen - South Africa - 1958 Corine Rottschäfer - The Netherlands - 1959 Norma Cappagli - Argentina - 1960 Rosemarie Frankland - United...

Eugène de Beauharnais Prince français Eugène de Beauharnais or Eugène de Beauharnais, 1st Duke of Leuchtenberg was born Eugène Rose de Beauharnais to Alexandre de Beauharnais and Joséphine de Beauharnais. He married Princess Augusta of Bavaria who was born Augusta Amalia Ludovika Georgia. Their children were: Joséphine Maximiliane Eugénie Napoléone, " Princess Joséphine de Beauharnais ", " Louise of Leuchtenberg ", later " Queen Josefina of Sweden " Eugénie  Hortense Auguste Napoléone, " Princess Eugénie de Beauharnais ", " Eugénie of Leuchtenberg ", later " Eugénie, Princess of Hohenzollern-Hechingen " Auguste Charles Eugène Napoléon, " Prince Auguste de Beauharnais ", later " Auguste de Beauharnais, 2nd Duke of Leuchtenberg " Amélie Auguste Eugénie, " Princess Amélie de Beauharnais ", " Amélie of Leuchtenberg ", later " Amélie, Empress of Brazil " Théodolinde...

Janet Gaynor Origin : English Gender : Female Meaning : Diminutive of Jane Pronunciation : JAN-it Other forms : Jeannette, Jane, Jeanne, Zsanett Thanks to my very own sister, Abby, for suggesting Janet! It's always strange to me how in the future names like Janet, Barbara, and Lois will be fashionable just like Evelyn, Ruby, and Matilda are now. On a semi-related note, it's also a strange thought that there will be Grandmother Neveah's and Grandfather Jaxon's, and that this will totally normal to them. It begs the question of what names do you think will become ultra fashionable in the future? I'm betting on Pamela, Eugene, Nancy, Leonard, Deborah, and Janet. What do you think will become popular? Moving back on to the main topic, which is Janet itself. I remember being really surprised when I started watching "Salem" how one of the main characters was played by an English actress named Janet Montgomery, who is only twenty-nine. When I think o...

Princess Marie-Cécile of Prussia Princess Marie-Cécile of Prussia was born Marie-Cécile Kira Viktoria Luise to Louis Ferdinand, Prince of Prussia and Grand Duchess Kira Kirillovna of Russia . She married Duke Friedrich August of Oldenburg , who was born Friedrich August Wilhelm Christian Ernst. Their children were: Paul-Wladimir Nikolaus Louis-Ferdinand Peter Max Karl-Emich, " Prince Paul-Wladimir of Oldenburg " Rixa Marie-Alix Kira Altburg, " Princess Rixa of Oldenburg " Bibiane Marie Alexandra Gertrud, " Princess Bibiane of Oldenburg "

WAMPAS Baby Stars of 1928 The WAMPAS Baby Stars was a campaign that ran from 1922 to 1934, which usually honored thirteen actresses, and was sponsored by the United States Western Association of Motion Picture Advertisers. The actresses that were chosen were thought to be just on the cusp of stardom, and those that got the honor of an award got extensive coverage in the media and went to the "WAMPAS Frolic" party. I find this whole thing extremely fascinating, and wanted to post the names of the girls chosen. 1922: Marion Aye, Helen Ferguson, Lila Lee, Jacqueline Logan, Louise Lorraine, Bessie Love, Kathryn McGuire, Patsy Ruth Miller, Colleen Moore, Mary Philbin, Pauline Starke, Lois Wilson, and Claire Windsor. 1923: Eleanor Boardman, Evelyn Brent, Dorothy Devore, Virginia Brown Faire, Betty Francisco, Pauline Garon, Kathleen Key, Laura La Plante, Margaret Leahy, Helen Lynch, Derelys Perdue, Jobyna Ralston, and Ethel Shannon. 1924: Clara Bow, Elinor Fair, Carmelita ...

Nicholas II with his wife and children Tsar Nicholas II of Russia was born Nikolai Alexandrovich Romanov to Alexander III of Russia and Marie Feodorovna, or Dagmar of Denmark. He married Alix of Hesse and by Rhine , later known as Alexandra Feodorovna , who was born Victoria Alix Helena Louise Beatrice. The Romanovs are sadly best remembered for being murdered by the Bolsheviks. Their children were: Olga Nikolaevna Romanova, " Grand Duchess Olga Nikolaevna of Russia ", "Olishka", "Olenka", or "Olya" (Killed at age 22) Tatiana Nikolaevna Romanova, " Grand Duchess Tatiana Nikolaevna of Russa ", "Tanya", "Tatya", "Tatianochka", or "Tanushka" (Killed at age 21) Maria Nikolaevna Romanova, " Grand Duchess Maria Nikolaevna of Russia ", "Marie", "Masha", or "Mashka" (Killed at age 19) Anastasia Nikolaevna Romanova, " Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolae...

Isild Le Besco Just so people know for further posts - I can't always come up with three names for each gender, so sometimes there may be a few less, as is the case today! Isild - I came across French actress Isild Le Besco and loved her name. She is Breton, Algerian, Vietnamese, and French. My instincts are telling me it's a form of Isolde, via it's (possible) original form Ishild, meaning "ice battle". She also has a sister who is an actress and a director named Maïwenn, a brother named Jowan, and half-siblings Kolia Litscher (m), and Léonor Graser. Spyridon - A couple have been battling over the name of their baby, so they took the internet for help. The father wants Spyridon, the name of his father, and she wants Michael, the name of her father. So now he has a petition, hoping that he can win her over. Which would you pick? Enya - The Irish singer, who contributed music to "The Fellowship of the Ring", was born Eithne Ní Bhraonáin, but is...

Harry Potter                        Henry VIII I had a lot of fun seeing the results for the girls "this or that". I'm curious to see which will be the popular choices for the boys. Leave a comment with your preferred picks! Rowan or Roman Levi or Leo Emmett or Everett Finn or Flynn August or Augustus Jude or Julian Edmund or Edwin Harry or Henry Albus or Sirius Evander or Leander Sage or Basil Otto or Arlo Asher or Archer Deacon  or Bishop Loki  or Thor Charles or William Alistair or Angus Thatcher or Sayer Albert or Alfred Avery or Hadley Rafe  or Rafferty

Leona Lewis                      Leonie Aviat I thought it would be not only fun but interesting to do a "this or that" and see what names people generally preferred. Please comment your answers, and maybe I'll leave my own! Ada or Ava Ruby or Pearl Leona or Leonie Amelia or Emilia Vivian or Vivienne Stella or Luna Rose or Violet Mary or Marie Adeline or Emmeline Winter or Snow Octavia or Olympia Theodora or Dorothea Ethel or Esther Jane or Joan Cecily or Cecilia Nora or Nova Harriet or Henrietta Verity or Charity Gretchen or Hilda Delia or Dahlia Eden or Edith

Romy Schneider in "Ludwig" I've always preferred shorter names, and while I love the elegance and drama of a long name like Anastasia or Theodosia, I just could never imagine myself actually using one in real life. So this list is dedicated to the sort of name I like, short but sweet, refined, and with a hint of spark. Girls: Ivy Adele Una/Oona Faye Eve Rue Selma Freya Zelda Cora Iris Vega Thea Opal Greta Mira Sybil/Sibyl Ada Vera Juno Vida Nina Fern Clio Esme Edie/Eadie Lyra Olive Romy Jane Blythe Greer Elle Dora Eliza Alba Neve Pearl Frida Meryl Rita Hollis Arya Pia Tilda Mina Nova Margot Rilla Boys: Beau Ike Jude Asher Kai Rafe Jack Niles Flint Clive Nash Tate Lev Joss Boaz Cosmo Gale Thane Bram Luca Cato Hugo Rex Heath Aldo March Ives Kit Roman Dante Sage Linus Rory Quint Lane Finn and Flynn

Elsa's Room Girls: Vivienne and Gemma Charlotte Poet Vivienne Rose Elsa Mae Evangeline Ivy (Sister to Reid) Beatka Eleni Grace Paige Eloise Henrietta Adrienne Tilly Eleanor (Sister to Atticus and Ike) Scarlett Grace Ever Maya Juliet Vivienne and Gemma Winifred and Penelope Boys: Shep Emmett Luca Beau Atticus and Ike (Brothers to Eleanor) Kasjan Parker James Finn Evan Oliver and Leo Clinton Reid (Brother to Ivy) Liam Campbell Henry Leo  Oliver and Leo's Room

Shahbanu Farah Pahlavi Shahbanu Farah Pahlavi was born Farah Diba to Sohrab Diba and Farideh Ghotbi . She married Shah Mohammad Rezâ Pahlavi . Their children are: Reza Pahlavi, " Reza, Crown Prince of Iran " Yasmin Farahnaz Pahlavi, " Princess Farahnaz of Iran " Alireza Pahlavi, " Prince Ali-Reza of Iran " Leila Pahlavi, " Princess Leila of Iran "

 "Spring" by James Jacques-Joseph Tissot This is a little bit late! It's spring now, though it certainly doesn't feel like it here. One day it's cold and the next muggy. We just had a short rain, and it felt like a shower out there. I've always liked spring, despite my poor allergies and the unruly weather, as I'm a spring baby myself. Please, let me know what you think of these names and which you would add! Spring Names: Anthea - Greek, "blossom" Flora Euthalia - Greek, "flower, bloom" Idun/Idony - Norse Goddess of spring and immortality Aviv/Aviva - Hebrew, "spring" Oscar - Gaelic, "deer lover" Tuulikki - Finnish, "little wind" Chloe - Greek, "green shoot" Fauna Anfisa - Russian, "flower" Calanthe - Greek, "beautiful flower", also the name of an orchid Jarilo - Slavic God of spring, fertility, and vegetation Nouvel - French, "new" Madhava - ...

 "Cynthia", 1947 Origin: Greek Gender: Female Meaning: "Woman from Kynthos" Pronunciation: SIN-thee-uh Other forms: Kynthia, Cinzia, Cintia While most would say Cynthia is hopelessly dated, I think it's just about time for her to be brought back. It also has a great pedigree and long history, has a nickname practically built in, and for me, is the name of my grandmother. Cynthia is the Latinized form of Kynthia, a Greek name meaning "woman from Kynthos". Kynthos, or Cynthus as its known today, is a mountain on the island of Delos. According to mythology, Leto gave birth to the twins Artemis, Goddess of the hunt, wild animals, and virginity, and Apollo, God of the sun, prophecy, and music, on the island. Because of this, Artemis is sometimes called Cynthia. It started being used as a name sometime around the Renaissance, but didn't really become popular until the 19th century. It's been in the top 1000 since 1880, and peaked at #7...

  Evgeni Plushenko   Rolf Österreich - Germany Fedor Klimov - Russia Gillis Grafström - Sweden Toller Cranston - Canada Emmerich Danzer - Austria Petri Kokko - Finnish Gösta Sandahl - Sweden Olivier Schoenfelder - France Mariusz Siudek - Poland Elvis Stojko - Canada Povilas Vanagas - Lithuania Tassilo Thierbach - Germany Fabian Bourzat - France Courtney Jones - United Kingdom Daisuke Takahashi - Japan Jeffrey Buttle - Canada Artur Gachinski - Russia Javier Fernandez - Spain Mervin Tran - Japan Charlie White - USA Ilia Kulik - Russia Stéphane Lambiel - Switzerland Florent Amodio - France Patrick Chan - Canada Evan Lysacek - USA László Nagy - Hungary Maurizio Margaglio - Italy Yuzuru Hanyū - Japan Evgeni Plushenko - Russia Robin Szolkowy - Germany

Mao Asada I am so fascinated by ice skaters, it is probably my favorite part of the Winter Olympics and I always look forward to it. One of the reasons I also have a slight obsession with the Olympics (aside from the fact I have no skill in any sport, ever) is all the great names. I thought it was a perfect time for me to channel my obsession into a post, starting with female ice skaters. Mao Asada - Japan Galit Chait - Israel Herma Szabo - Austria Manuela Groß - Germany Albena Denkova - Bulgaria Sonja Henie - Norway Micheline Lannoy - Belgium Surya Bonaly - France Tenley Albright - USA Sjoukje Dijkstra - Netherlands Ekaterina "Katia" Gordeeva - Russia Narumi Takahashi - Japan Tanith Belbin - USA Melitta Brunner - Austria Ksenia Stolbova - Russia Romy Kermer - Germany Svea Norén - Sweden Liselotte Landbeck - Austria Fumie Suguri - Japan Tessa Virture - Canada Federica Faiella - Italy Dagmar Lurz - Germany Cecil Smith - Canada Heidemarie Steiner - ...

Princess Märtha and Olav V Olav V of Norway was born Alexander Edward Christian Frederik to Haakon VII and Maud of Wales . He married Princess Märtha of Sweden , who was born Märtha Sofia Lovisa Dagmar Thyra. Their children were: Ragnhild Alexandra, "Princess Ragnhild of Sweden", later Mrs. Lorentzen Astrid Maud Ingeborg, "Princess Astrid of Sweden", later Mrs. Ferner Harald, " Prince Harald of Sweden", later "Harald V of Norway"

Cate and Andrew I was so excited to see what she would choose; she already has three boys, Dashiell John, Roman Robert, and Ignatius Martin, with husband Andrew Upton. For a girl she chose Edith Vivian Patricia.

Sorry it took me forever to post this. I had been out of town with my family and haven't been on the internet much. Lastly we have "The Best Intentions" or "Den goda viljan". Note: this film was written by Bergman, but directed by Bille August. Women: Anna Akerblom Bergman Svea Akerblom Beda Bergman Karin Akerblom Alma Bergman Blenda Bergman Martha Akerblom Ebba Bergman Frida Standberg Men: Henrik Bergman Johan Akerblom Ernst Akerblom Gustav Akerblom Oscar Akerblom Carl Akerblom Fredrik Bergman Svante

Today's film is "The Virgin Spring" or "Jungfrukällan". Women: Märeta Ingeri Karin Frida Men: Simon Töre

Today's we have "All These Women" or "For att inte tala om alla dessa kvinnor". Women: Humlan - "Bumblebee" in Swedish Isolde Traviata Adelaide Cecilia Beatrica Men: Tristan Cornelius Jillker

Today's film is "Summer Interlude" or "Sommarlek". Women: Marie Kaj Maja Elisabeth Men: Erland Henrik Karl Nisse David Nyström

Today's film is "Wild Strawberries" or "Smultronstallet". Women: Sara Agda Marianne Borg Berit Alman Karin Borg Kristina Borg Birgitta Borg Olga Charlotta Borg Sigbritt Borg Eva Akerman Angelica Borg Men: Professor Isak Borg Evald Borg Viktor Anders Sten Alman Henrik Akerman Aron Sigfrid Borg

Ingmar Bergman is perceived as one of the greatest and most influential directors of all time. His films were dark, dealing with things people were afraid to talk about; death, insanity, betrayal, and women's sexuality, just to name a few. Among his many awards are three Academy Awards, and a nomination for a Palm d'Or. He directed over sixty productions, his last movie was made when he was eighty-four. Today's film is "Fanny and Alexander" or "Fanny och Alexander". Women: Fanny Ekdahl Emilie Ekdahl Maj Rosa Lydia Ekdahl Helena Ekdahl Alma Ekdahl Emma Tander Karna Petra Eva Ekdahl Jenny Anna von Bohlen Miss Vega Siri Pauline Elsa Bergius Blenda Vergerus Alida Justina Selma Lisen Berta Henrietta Vergerus Miss Ester Esmeralda Hanna Schwartz Grete Holm Men: Alexander Ekdahl Carl Ekdahl Oscar Ekdahl Edvard Vergerus Isak Jacobi Gustav Adolf Ekdahl Putte Ismael Retzinsky Filip Landahl Tomas Graal Aron Retzinsky ...

"Maria Josepha of Saxony, Dauphine of France" by Jean-Marc Nattier Maria Josepha, of Saxony, Dauphine of France , also known as Marie Josèphe ,   was born Maria Josepha Karolina Eleonore Franziska Xaveria to Augustus III of Poland and Maria Josepha of Austria . She married Louis, Dauphin of France , who was born Louis Ferdinand. Their children were: Marie Zéphyrine, " Marie Zéphyrine of France ", "Madame Royale", or "la Petite Madame" (Died at age 5) Louis Joseph Xavier, " Louis, Duke of Burgundy " (Died at age 9) Xavier Marie Joseph, " Xavier, Duke of Aquitaine " (Died at 6 months) Louis-Auguste, " Louis-Auguste, Duke of Berry ", later " Louis XVI of France " Louis Stanislas Xavier, " Louis, Count of Provence ", later " Louis XVIII of France " Charles Philippe, "Charles, Count of Artois ", later " Charles X " Marie Adélaïde Clotilde Xavière, ...

Marie Cabel We're changing it up a bit by doing a post on a opera singer, Marie Cabel. Born Marie-Josèphe Dreulette in Liège, Belgium, to an officer father who eventually came to work as an accountant for a few differnet theatres. After the death of her father, she started giving music lessons to help support her family. She married the brother of one of her voice teachers, but it was an unhappy marriage that ended in divorce. Her operatic debut came in 1848 at Théâtre Chateau des Fleurs, where she was hardly noticed. In Lyon, she was discovered by Jules Seveste who then hired her to work at Théâtre Lyrique, where she debuted in "Le bijou perdu", originating the role of Toinon. François-Joseph Fétis, a composer, musicologist, and critic described her as such: "young, fresh, winsome, cheerful, having the devil of a body, lacking at the time taste and musical style, but blessed with an adorable voice, of a marvelous purity, whose brilliant and silvery timbre produc...

Princess Louise with Alexandra Louise, Princess Royal and Duchess of Fife was born Louise Victoria Alexandra Dagmar to Edward VII and Alexandra of Denmark . She married Alexander Duff, 1st Duke of Fife, Viscount Macduff  who was born Alexander William George Duff. Their children were: Alastair Duff, " Alastair Duff, Marquess of Macduff" (Stillborn) Alexandra Victoria Alberta Edwina Louise Duff, "Lady Alexandra Duff", later "Princess Alexandra, 2nd Duchess of Fife" Maud Alexandra Victoria Georgina Bertha, " Lady Maud Duff", later "Princess Maud, Countess of Southesk"

Origin: Germanic Gender: Male Meaning: ah-geh-LULF Pronunciation: N/A Other forms: Egilulf Thanks to KW cash for requesting Agilulf! Agilulf's meaning is somewhat complicated, but what is known is that the second half comes from the Gothic vulfs , meaning "wolf". Depending on what you believe it could fully be "sharp wolf", "sword wolf", or something like "terror wolf". Agilulf was a 7th century King of the Lombards , a Germanic people who ruled in Italy. His wife was the widow of the former King Authari, a Christian woman named Theodelinda. He was baptized for her, and eventually adopted the Catholic faith. They built the cathedral of Monza, where his crown, dedicated to St. John, still rests with the inscripition rex totius Italiae, "king of all Italy". He ruled for more than a quarter of a century and after his death his son, Adaloald, became King. Later the husband of his daughter Gundeberga, Arioald, would also reign....

"Tristan and Isolde with the Potion" by John William Waterhouse In honor of Valentine's Day I've made this post on names of famous lovers, all the way from Tristan and Isolde to Jack and Rose. Fictional Romance: Tristan and Isolde/Iseult - Arthurian Legend; Opera Lancelot and Guinevere - Arthurian Legend Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet - "Pride and Prejudice" Majnun and Layla - "Layla and Majnun" Pyramus and Thisbe - "Metamorphoses" Paris and Helen of Troy - Greek Mythology; "The Illiad" Jack Dawson and Rose DeWitt Bukater - "Titanic" Paolo and Francesca - "Dante's Inferno" Odysseus and Penelope - "The Odyssey" Newland Archer and Countess Ellen Olenska - "The Age of Innocence" Heathcliff and Cathy Earnshaw - "Wuthering Heights" Westley and Buttercup - "The Princess Bride" Edward Fairfax Rochester and Jane Eyre - "Jane Eyre...

Origin: Germanic Gender: Female Meaning: "Beloved of God" Pronunciation: N/A Other forms: Godelieve, Godeleva, Godelina Thanks to KW cash for requesting Godeliva! This heavy, ancient name is the feminine form of the Germanic Goteleib, which comes from god, "God", and leub, " dear, beloved". If I was going to suggest a pronunciation it would be "go-dih-LEE-vah", but I have no idea if that's correct.  Saint Godeliva, more commonly known as Godelina or Godelieve, was a Flemish woman from the 11th century. She was said to be very beautiful, and also pious, and was a sought after bride by many men, but she dreamed of becoming a nun. A man Bertolf of Gistel would not accept this, and was absolutely determined to marry her. Using the power of the suzerain Eustace II, Count of Boulogne, he forced her into marriage. She was imprisoned by her mother-in-law in a small cell and the little food she was given she gave to the poor. Godeliva was able...