Message: "Ptolemy" - Behind the Name

[Opinions] Ptolemy

by Ohad Yigal

11/3/2023, 1:27 AM

What do you think of Ptolemy as a first or middle name in 2023? I think it was used by Roman-era christians and jews too so it's not to appropriative imo. I like it. Apparently one of Queen Elizabeth's friends was named Ptolemy Hugo Dean.

#Ptolemy

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- Myosotis +1

11/3/2023, 9:14 PM

It's my 2nd/3rd favourite name. The reason I find it usable, is that it genuinely sounds like it would suit a kid, as well as an adult imo. Like, I wouldn't have batted an eye at it if there was a Ptolemy in my class as a kid. Logically I know it's unusual in spelling and usage, but it just feels like an accessible name to me, and one of a few that feels like it would suit my kid.

- Ohad Yigal

11/4/2023, 9:33 AM

I've seen it used in ancient jewish texts as a greek form of hebrew Avshalom (Absalom). Since the greek Ptolemaios (when not referring to the king, whose name was changed to the biblical king's name Talmai) was rendered as Avtolmos.

it should also be noted that Talmai, the biblical king, was prince Absalom's maternal grandfather.

This message was edited 11/4/2023, 9:41 AM

- jemis17

11/3/2023, 2:57 PM

I worked at a a daycare once and met a kid named Ptolemy. My coworkers and I always loved it.

- number1212

11/3/2023, 11:08 AM

I think this is best as a guilty pleasure type name. It seems to out there in real life.

- Dracotorix

11/3/2023, 10:09 AM

I like it as a middle name.

- Wordsmith

11/3/2023, 9:43 AM

It’s lovably rakish. Tolly is a charming nickname.

- Anneza +2

11/3/2023, 5:23 AM

Which Queen Elizabeth - I'm guessing the First? Ancient Egypt is fascinating, but I'd rather spare the bearer a lifetime of explanations and use Ptolemy, and indeed Cleopatra, as a mn.

- Ohad Yigal +1

11/3/2023, 6:03 AM

I'm talking about Queen Elizabeth the Second, not the Queen Mother or the First. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ptolemy_Dean
I know of african-american women named Cleopatra, and I saw a memorial for a greek woman (who saved jews) at Yad Vashem named Kleopatra

This message was edited 11/3/2023, 6:03 AM

- Anneza

11/3/2023, 8:27 AM

Most interesting - thank you! I've never met a Cleopatra, though I do know a Cleone. And I honour your Greek Kleopatra.

- aussiechic04

11/3/2023, 3:53 AM

It used to be in my Top 10. It does remind me of the dynasty a bit. If I was going to use it irl it would be as a middle name and I think I’d spell it Tollemy (!).

Ptolemy Hugo is a great combo.

- kingdom_of_daydreams

11/3/2023, 3:45 AM

I think it's nice. Not too over-the-top.

- Kerilyntaryn21

11/3/2023, 1:28 AM

Too out there for me

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