[HPforGrownups] Gilderoy (was also ..., DADA, Quotes)

[Neil Ward]

No: HPFGUIDX 19584

Angela Burgess said:

<<Someone had written about meanings behind the name Gilderoy.  It's already
been pointed out that "roy" is medeival French for "king".  I checked my
memory and then my dictionary, but couldn't find a listing for "gil" or
"jil" (since the letters "g" and "j" are pronounced opposite in the French
alphabet), but the closest thing I could find was "gilet" which meands a
cardigan or waistcoat.  I couldn't find any meaning there, but maybe someone
else can?>>

I think of the first part of the name is derived from the word "gild".
Although gilding is associated with applying gold or a gold tint to
something, another meaning of "to gild" is "to give a specious or false
brilliance to," which certainly fits with Lockhart's high opinion of
himself.

"-roy" could be derived from the French for king, but "-eroy" may be a
twisting of Eros - referring to sexual love.  Both would work, because
Lockhart appears to regard himself as a 'king' among men, and comes across
as a pinup that no woman (or some men) can resist*, but he is making false
claims - gilding - in both departments.  In fact, we can see that he's not
the solid gold he claims; but fool's gold.

"Lockhart" is simpler: Gilderoy's heart is locked (like a gilded cage?) with
only his love for himself inside it.

Well... that's my view on it.  I'm sure even JKR would be startled to learn
just how much research she did on the names of her characters ;-)

Neil

*[speculative moment] - I've always assumed that Gilderoy used an
'Aphrodisia' spell to captivate those around him.  Depending on their
potential to be attracted, this would cause some people to be charmed by him
and others to fall head over heels in love with him.

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