Names

[devika261]

Hi everyone!
It's been a VERY long time since I've posted to this list, or even 
read the messages.  Hopefully some of you remember me, although there 
seem to be a lot of new people here.  Anyway, I just saw this post and 
it seemed like a good way for me to get back into some discussions.
I think my name (Devika) is a good one to talk about.  It's an Indian 
name, and a fairly common one, I think, so it's not really an odd name 
in general.  However, it's definitely uncommon when you live in 
Pennsylvania.  Personally, I like my name, but it's so incredibly 
aggravating when people mispronounce or misspell it.  And that happens 
a lot.
As far as I've read, Devika comes from the Sanskrit root Devi, which 
means "goddess."  (If you think I'm wrong please correct me.) The -ka 
is supposed to be a diminutive ending, which means that the whole name 
means something like "little goddess," which I think is kind of cute.
The main problems, though, come when I introduce myself to people.  I 
always end up repeating my name two or three times, and even then most 
people mispronounce it.  It's supposed to be pronounced DAY-vi-ka, but 
most people say de-VI-ka, especially when they read it.  And then 
people insist on spelling it Davika, which drives me crazy.
It's all right, though; I'm finishing my second year of college, and 
I've never gotten the crap kicked out of me <g>.
So anyway, that's not exactly a good answer to the questions you were 
asking, but I needed to let that all out--not to mention the fact that 
I always wished someone would use my name in a story.  I'm not really 
sure what kind of impression the name Devika gives you... maybe some 
of you could let me know :)
That's about it for now...I'm hoping I'll have more time to post more 
in a few weeks (after finals).
Back to studying,
Devika (accent on the FIRST syllable!!!) 



--- In HPFGU-OTChatter at y..., "Kathryn" <kcawte at k...> wrote:
> I've been wandering around the net looking at sites dealing with 
names because i need some for my writings and I wanted inspiration 
(and btw anyone who can suggest good sites I would appreciate it) but 
anyway I came across one which suggested using unusual spellings.
> For example Tiffany could be spelt Typhaneigh.
> Now firstly this is clearly a suggestion for parents who really hate 
their child and want them to spend their entire school and college 
career getting the crap kicked out of them (apologies if by some 
chance there's someone on this list with that name, but I doubt it 
somehow).
> But secondly I was wondering if you guys had any thoughts on the 
subject, knew people who had given their kids odd names, have names 
you love/hate, suggestions for names and what sort of impression the 
name would give you. 
> Anyway I'll go and shut up again now having rambled on for longer 
than I meant to.
> 
> K
> 
> Say it with flowers; buy her a triffid. 
> 
> 
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]