The origins of character names in Harry Potter novels provide hidden clues to their nature. JK Rowling’s extensive research and inclusion of mythology from various nations suggest the importance of name origins. Dumbledore’s name reflects his character, while Harry’s name means power. Hermione’s name is associated with magic and the earth, while Ron’s name suggests he is an advisor to kings. Other characters’ names also have interesting origins, including Bellatrix Lestrange, Fleur Delacour, and Remus Lupin.
Many readers have looked at the origins of character names in the Harry Potter novels, suggesting they may provide hidden clues to the nature of the characters. Given JK Rowling’s extensive research and inclusion of mythology from a wide variety of nations, it seems likely that the origins of the name for her characters are important. Some of the names are plain clever or funny puns, like Peeves, while others have deeper meanings that reflect their characters and actions, like Minerva McGonagall, with a double name that reflects strength, courage, and warlikeness.
One of the longest names in the novels is, of course, that of Dumbledore. His full name is Albus Percival Brian Wulfric Dumbledore, and each name individually adds a general description of who Dumbledore is. In Old English, Albus means white and is a commonly used name to reflect age and wisdom. Percival was one of the Knights of the Round Table and the name is used to suggest bringing peace and enlightenment. Brian is a traditional Irish name that literally means tall, but it could also be used to suggest noble birth. The origins of the name Brian probably derive from Brian Boru, an Irish king who died defending his people. St. Wulfric was a hermit, reflecting Dumbledore’s sometimes lonely position in life, and Dumbledore is an old English word meaning bumblebee. Rowling said she chose “Dumbledore” because her mental image of Dumbledore included him wandering around the castle, humming to himself.
The origins of the name of Harry and his family are also interesting. Potter is a relatively common name in England, and one that Rowling says she has always been fond of. Harry’s name means power, while the name James means “subplanter”. Lily Evans, Harry’s mother, also has a very interesting name. Lilies are flowers traditionally associated with death and rebirth, because they die each year but sprout fresh leaves from the bulb buried in the ground. Evans means “young warrior”. The frequent inclusion of the resurrection in the name origins of Rowling’s characters also provides some insight into the books.
Harry’s friends and advisers also have interesting name origins. Hermione is an Anglicized form of Hermes, the Greek messenger, and a name that is also associated with magic and the earth. A granger is a common farmer, but also the name of a popular movement that was supposed to bring rights to farmers in the 17th century. Ron’s name suggests that he is an advisor to kings, while his father, Arthur, has a name that means “chief”. Guinevere is an ancient name that means evergreen, while the origins of Rubeus Hagrid’s name are a mixture of Celtic and Latin. In Latin, Rubeus means red or ruddy, probably a reference to Hagrid’s complexion, while Hagrid may be a Gaelic pun on ha, half, and Grid, the name of a fearsome giantess.
Other significant origins of the name include Alastor, or “defender of mankind” and Severus, which is probably a pun on the word “separate”, suggesting that Severus Snape cut himself off. Bellatrix Lestrange also has an interesting name; Bellatrix means “warrior”, while Lestrange could be a play on “stranger” or “alien”. Fleur Delacour is the flower of the court, or the heart, depending on how you read it, and Remus Lupin’s name is a nod to his wolf nature, as Romulus and Remus were raised by a wolf and Lupine means ‘wolf’ in Latin.
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