80. Names: Novels & Theatre
04/06/25 • 14 min
This episode traces the origins of names from classic novels and theatre plays, uncovering the stories behind characters and their creators. You may not recognise the name Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, but you'll know his pen name, which was crafted from variants of his own. Learn the likely reason Oscar Wilde chose the name Dorian for his character, how the name Macbeth is linked to an alcoholic beverage, and how Ophelia connects to a mosquito. Also explored are the surname origins of characters from Jane Austen stories, including Darcy, Ferrars, Bennet and Price.
This episode traces the origins of names from classic novels and theatre plays, uncovering the stories behind characters and their creators. You may not recognise the name Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, but you'll know his pen name, which was crafted from variants of his own. Learn the likely reason Oscar Wilde chose the name Dorian for his character, how the name Macbeth is linked to an alcoholic beverage, and how Ophelia connects to a mosquito. Also explored are the surname origins of characters from Jane Austen stories, including Darcy, Ferrars, Bennet and Price.
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79. Animals
This episode traces the origins of animal names, from the orangutan, whose name has nothing to do with its fur colour, to the pangolin, named for its ability to curl into a ball. Discover the etymology behind mythical human-animal hybrids like the minotaur, werewolf and mermaid, as well as how names like Rachel, Callum, Arthur and Ursula have animal-inspired roots. Plus, uncover the surprising histories behind phrases like 'let the cat out of the bag' and' curry favour', the latter of which has equine origins and no connection to Indian cuisine.
Until April 10th 2025, get 15% off animal-themed socks at Bare Kind, a company that donates a portion of its profits to animal conservation organisations. Minimum purchase £20. Use the code Etymoleon15 at checkout: https://barekind.co.uk/
Next Episode
81. Art | ArtMuse: Elizabeth Siddall
This episode reveals the etymology behind art-related terms, tracing words like draw, sketch, mural, canvas and sepia to their origins. Discover how 'canvas' shares an etymology with a drug, how 'pastel' links to pasta, and why an easel is connected to a donkey. We also uncover the name meanings and origins of iconic artist names like Van Gogh, Leonardo Da Vinci and Pablo Picasso, whose full name is surprisingly long.
The episode concludes with an excerpt from the ArtMuse podcast, telling the story of Elizabeth Siddall, a 19th century artist and model.
Find the ArtMuse podcast:
Online: https://www.artmusepodcast.com/
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/artmuse/id1666669080
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Czv1RuVGJQBimVCyCO19a
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@artmuse3717
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