What's Genny For?

What's In a Name?

Welp, I finally decided on a name for this here blog: What's Genny For? Named in honor of my favorite uncle, who used to tease me with that very question every time I saw him.

I had debated about calling this thing Gabby Babylon after the reporter I wrote to life, but I figured that'd only make y'all think my name was Gabby. It's not. It's Genipher. Or, rather, Jennifer. But that's the boring way to spell it.

Fun fact: The name Jennifer means "white wave" in the Celtic tongue. It comes from the name "Guinevere" who, as we all know, became famous due to her relationship with King Arthur.

I am neither famous nor a wave. However, I do have Celtic blood running through my veins, so if y'all ever need a Gaelic infusion, let me know!

I love names. That's why I gave one to each of my kids.

They're not just any 'ol names, either. They're names with meaning. As opposed to all those other names that, you know, don't have meanings.

Ahem.

And it's not just my kids that I've bestowed meaningful names to. I do the same with my characters. If I don't have the right name for a character then no matter how hard I try to manipulate the story, it won't go anywhere. It just flat-out refuses. Pop in the perfect name, however, and that story will run off on its own two legs.

If stories had legs, that is.

There are some names that will stick out for all eternity. Romeo and Juliet? Everyone knows that cute couple. Or how about Adolf? Booooo! That name is ruined forever. As is Jezebel and Delilah.

Perhaps one day Gabby Babylon will be as well known as Miss Marple, Odysseus, Nancy Drew, Anne Shirley, and Winnie the Pooh.

Ah, one can dream!

What's the best name you ever picked for a character in your story?