[HPforGrownups] Re: Weird names (back on topic)

[John Walton]

No: HPFGUIDX 12046

Amy Z ululated:

> I've been wondering why the latest wizarding generation has such
> boring Muggle names.  Earlier generations seem to be a mix--you've got
> your Mollys and Arthurs and Jameses, sure, but also your Siriuses and
> Minervas and Severuses.  Just off the top of my head, Draco is the
> only younger wizard with an unusual name.  Does this trend reflect a
> desire to blend in better with the Muggle world?  Or what?

Perhaps it's a way JKR uses to get readers to empathise more with the
younger characters. Y'know, as in "people will empathise more with
characters named Jim and Mary than with characters named Qaris and Minalla."
Especially with all the weird and wonderful things that go on at Hogwarts.
Don't forget that kids with unusual names tend to get picked on (Female,
Garbage (garBAHzhey), Orangejello and friends don't know the half of it).

Of course, "unusual" names would include Hermione, Neville and Lavender. The
first two are "old people names", not widely used in today's UK, and
Lavender is a little on the hippie side.

Heck, I don't know if it makes sense, but it seemed like a good theory at
the time ;)

--John
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John "Diet Coke Addict" Walton                 john at walton.to

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