Theatre Submitted Names

These names occur primarily in plays, musicals and operas. They are not commonly given to real people.
gender
usage
Submitted names are contributed by users of this website. The accuracy of these name definitions cannot be guaranteed.
Abesalom m Georgian, Literature, Theatre
Georgian form of Abessalom, which is the hellenized form of the Hebrew name 'Avshalom (see Absalom).... [more]
Abhorson m Theatre
From the English word abhor "to regard with horror or detestation". It is the name of the executioner in William Shakespeare's 'Measure for Measure' (written in 1603 or 1604; first published in 1623).
Abigaille f Italian (Rare), Theatre
Italian form of Abigail, used for a character in Verdi's opera 'Nabucco' (1842).
Acario m Italian (Archaic), History (Ecclesiastical, Italianized), Theatre, Spanish (Rare, Archaic)
Italian and Spanish form of Acharius. The 7th-century Frankish saint Acharius, bishop of Noyon-Tournai, is known as Acario in Italian and Spanish. This was used by Gigio Artemio Giancarli for a character in his play La Zingana (1545)... [more]
Adalgisa f Italian, Portuguese, Portuguese (Brazilian), Theatre
Feminine form of Adalgiso. Adalgisa is a character in Vincenzo Bellini's opera Norma (1831).
Adelasia f Medieval Italian, Theatre, Italian, Sardinian
Medieval Italian variant of Adelaide. ... [more]
Adelchi m Italian (Rare), Lombardic (Italianized), Theatre
Italian form of Adelgis. Adelchi was an associate king of the Lombards from August 759, reigning with his father, Desiderius, until their deposition in June 774... [more]
Adelphasium f Ancient Roman, Theatre
Meaning unknown. This is the name of a character in the play 'Poenulus of Plautus'.
Admeto m Italian (Rare), Portuguese (African, Rare), Theatre
Italian, Portuguese and Spanish form of Admetus.
Aglaura f Theatre
Aglaura is the eponymous character in a late Caroline era stage play, "Aglaura" written by Sir John Suckling.
Alarbus m Theatre
From the play The Tragedy of Titus Andronicus (late 16th century) by William Shakespeare. Alarbus is the son of Tamora.
Alcina f Theatre
Latinized form of a Greek name, of which the original spelling was possibly Alkyna or Alsyne. The name is said to mean "strong-willed, opiniated", but it is doubtful whether this is truly correct... [more]
Alcmaeon m Ancient Greek (Latinized), Greek Mythology (Latinized), Theatre
Latinized form of Alkmaion. This occurs in Greek mythology belonging to the son of Amphiaraus and Eriphyle.
Alexas m Ancient Greek, Theatre
Greek name, possibly originally a short form of Alexandros or another name beginning with the element αλεξω (alexo) "to defend, help"... [more]
Aliena f Theatre, Literature
Means "stranger" in Latin. This was the false identity of Celia in Shakespeare's play 'As You Like It' (1599) when she goes into hiding in the forest of Arden, presumably a pun on the word alias... [more]
Alithea f Theatre
Variant of Alethea. This is the name of a character in William Wycherley's Restoration comedy 'The Country Wife' (1675).
Almirena f Theatre
The name of a character in Georg Friedrich Händel's opera 'Rinaldo' (1711).
Aloma f Popular Culture, Theatre
A pseudo-Hawaiian name invented by LeRoy Clemens and John B. Hymer for the title character of their 1925 Broadway play Aloma of the South Seas, which was twice adapted to film, in 1926 and again in 1941... [more]
Alzira f Portuguese (Rare), Portuguese (Brazilian), Theatre
Latinate form of Alzire. This name was used in Verdi's opera Alzira (1845). It coincides with the name of a Spanish town.
Alzire f Theatre, Literature
Used by Voltaire for the heroine of his tragic play 'Alzire, ou les Américains' (1736), about a young indigenous Peruvian woman, daughter of a powerful chief. The heroine is named Alzira in Verdi's opera based on the play... [more]
Amazilia f Italian (Rare), Theatre
Possibly derived from name Amazili, (first?) used in the novel of Jean-François Marmontel "Les Incas, ou la destruction de l'Empire du Pérou" (1777), where it belongs to a Peruvian maiden. Most likely this name was artificially created to imitate exotic language and has no meaning... [more]
Aménaïde f Theatre, French (Rare, Archaic), French (Quebec, Rare, Archaic)
The name of the love interest of Tancrède in Voltaire's tragedy Tancrède (1760). The name itself might be an elaboration of Amena.
Amintor m Theatre
Variant of Amyntor. This was used by Beaumont and Fletcher for the hero of their play 'The Maid's Tragedy' (ca. 1608-11) and later by Isaac Bickerstaffe for a character in his comic opera 'Daphne and Amintor' (1765).
Amneris f Theatre
Possibly invented by the French Egyptologist Auguste Mariette for use in Verdi's opera 'Aida' (1871), where it belongs to a daughter of the Egyptian pharaoh, a jealous rival of the title character. Perhaps it was based on Amestris or a name of Egyptian origin.
Amoretta f American (Rare), Theatre, Afro-American (Slavery-era)
Latinate form of Amoret, from Edmund Spenser's epic poem The Faerie Queene (1590).
Anitra f Literature, Theatre, Norwegian (Rare), Swedish (Rare), Hungarian (Rare)
Coined by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen for an Ethiopian princess in his play Peer Gynt (1867).
Antioga f Sardinian (Rare), Theatre
Feminine form of Antiogu. It was used for a character in the Sardinian-language play Ziu Paddori (1918) by Efisio Vincenzo Melis.
Antipholus m Theatre
Possibly a variant of Antiphilus. The first element of this name is Greek αντι (anti) "against, compared to, like"; the second element is less certain, perhaps derived from Greek φωλεός (phôleos) "den, lair" (the source of the mythological name Pholus) or from Latin folium "a leaf; a sheet of paper; trifle, thing of no consequence"... [more]
Apemantus m Ancient Greek (Latinized), Theatre
Latinized form of Apemantos. This is the name of a cynical and misanthropic philosopher in the play Timon of Athens by William Shakespeare.
Areúsa f Theatre, Literature
Perhaps a feminine form of Areus. This is the name of one of the characters in the play 'La Celestina' (1499) by Mariano de Rojas.
Argan m Theatre (Gallicized, Rare)
This name was used by Molière in his play, 'The Imaginary Invalid' (1673) ('Le Malade imaginaire' in French), for the main character. ... [more]
Aricia f Greek Mythology (Latinized), Roman Mythology, Literature, Theatre
Latinized form of the Greek Άρικία (Arikia), probably derived from Latin aro "to plough". Aricia was a niece of King Aegeus of Athens and became the wife of Virbius - the name by which Hippolytos went after he came back to life as a demigod... [more]
Aricie f Greek Mythology (Gallicized), Theatre, French (Rare)
French form of Aricia used by Jean Racine in his play 'Phèdre' (1677).
Ārija f Latvian, Theatre
Feminine form of Ārijs, this name coincides with Latvian ārija "aria". Latvian poet and playwright Rainis used it as the name of the titular character in his play Indulis un Ārija (1911).
Arioldus m Germanic (Latinized), Theatre
Probably a variant of Arialdus. This is the name of a character from the 17th-century stage play The Swisser.
Aristéa f French, Theatre
Feminine form of Aristaeus. This is the name of a character in Vivaldi's opera L'Olimpiade (1734).
Artesia f Theatre, Arthurian Romance
Likely from Artois, the name of a region in France (for which "artesian wells" are named), itself derived from Atrebates, a Belgic tribe that inhabited the region of Gaul and Britain during Julius Caesar's time; Atrebates is cognate with Irish aittrebaid meaning "inhabitant".... [more]
Azenor f Breton, Breton Legend, Theatre
Breton name of uncertain origin and meaning.... [more]
Balladyna f Polish (Rare), Theatre
Used by the Polish writer Juliusz Słowacki for the heroine of his tragic play Balladyna (1834), about a fictional Slavic queen who is corrupted by her rise to power. Słowacki based the name on the Polish word ballada meaning "ballad".
Banco m Theatre
Italian form of Banquo used in the opera 'Macbeth' premiered in 1847 by Giuseppe Verdi and Francesco Maria Piave. This name is only used for this opera as banco coincides with the Italian meaning "bench; desk; bank".
Bardolph m Theatre, Medieval English (?)
Possibly from a Germanic name derived from the elements bard, meaning "small axe" or "beard", and wulf "wolf". Shakespeare used it for minor characters in several plays.
Barnardine m Theatre
Possibly an anglicized form of Bernardino, or perhaps a diminutive of Barnard. This was used by Shakespeare for a character in his play 'Measure for Measure' (1604).
Bassianus m Theatre, Ancient Roman
The given name of a character in the 1594 Shakesperian play 'Titus Andronicus'.
Béline f French (Rare), Literature, Theatre, History
Gallicized form of Belina. It was used by Molière in his play 'The Imaginary Invalid' (1673) ('Le Malade imaginaire' in French), where it belongs to the wife of Argan.
Bélise f French (Rare), Literature, Theatre
Gallicized form of Belisa. This name was used on one of the characters in Molière's play Les Femmes savantes (1672).
Bellamira f Theatre
Probably derived from the Latin elements bella "beautiful" and mira "wondrous" (cf. Mirabella). This name belongs to a courtesan in the play 'The Jew of Malta' (written c. 1589 or 1590) by English dramatist Christopher Marlowe.
Belvidera f Theatre
Derived from Italian belvedere meaning "a fair sight" (compare Belvedere). This was used by English dramatist Thomas Otway for a character in his tragedy Venice Preserv'd (1682).
Beneatha f Theatre
Meaning unknown, possibly invnted from the English word "beneath" and the feminine suffix "a". Beneatha Younger is character in the play "A Raisin in the Sun" by Lorraine Hansberry.
Berinthia f Theatre, Literature, English (Rare)
Meaning unknown, perhaps first used by Sir John Vanbrugh for a young widow in his play 'The Relapse' (1697). It was subsequently used by Richard Brinsley Sheridan for a widow in his play 'A Trip to Scarborough' (1777), and also appears in Dickens's 'Dombey and Son' (1848) belonging to Mrs Pipchin's niece.
Bérylune f Theatre
Perhaps an elaborated form of French béryl meaning "beryl", possibly blending it with the word lune "moon". This was used by the Belgian playwright and poet Maurice Maeterlinck for a fairy in his play 'The Blue Bird' (1908).
Biron m English (Rare), Theatre
Shakespeare used this name in one of the three companions of King Ferdinand in Love's Labour Lost (1594).
Bolette f Danish, Theatre, Greenlandic, Norwegian (Rare), Swedish (Rare)
Diminutive of Bodil. Bolette Wrangel is a character in the play 'Fruen fra havet' (Engl. 'The Lady from the Sea') written by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen in 1888.
Bona f Theatre, Medieval Italian, Polish, Corsican (Archaic)
Possibly derived from Latin bonus, -a, -um meaning "good, kind, pleasant, right, honest, brave, noble; valid, useful, healthy". This was the name of a 12th-century Italian saint... [more]
Brangäne f Theatre
The name of Brangaine, Isolde's handmaid, in Wagner's 'Tristan und Isolde'.
Brünnhilde f Theatre
Form of Brünhild, used by Richard Wagner in 'Der Ring des Nibelungen'.
Callidia f Theatre, Literature
Probably derived from the Latin adjective calidus, which may be translated as "warm, hot, fiery," or "passionate". Callidia is Queen Veremonda's maid in an Italian opera called "Veremonda, l'amazzone di Aragona" (with the English translation being "Veremonda, the Amazon of Aragon" also known as "Il Delio")... [more]
Callirhoé f Theatre
Variant of Callirrhoé used by French composer André Cardinal Destouches for his opera Callirhoé (1712).
Carmiana f Theatre (Italianized)
Form of Charmian used in Italian-language translations of Shakespeare's play 'Antony and Cleopatra' (1606).
Carmosina f Portuguese (Brazilian), Theatre
Diminutive of Carmosa. This is the name of a comedy play written by Alfred de Musset and premiered in 1865 in Paris.
Casca m Ancient Roman, Theatre
Roman cognomen which was derived from Oscan casca meaning "old". This was borne by one of the assassins of Julius Caesar: Servilius Casca. He features in Shakespeare's play 'Julius Caesar' (1599).
Casina f Theatre
Possibly derived from Greek kasia meaning "cinnamon". Casina is a beautiful slave girl in the Latin play Casina by the early Roman playwright Titus Maccius Plautus. The title has been translated as A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Wedding... [more]
Célimène f Literature, Theatre, French (Rare)
This name was invented by Molière for his play "The Misanthrope" (17th century). Given that many characters in his play bear names that are obviously of Greek origin (or inspired by the Greek language), the name Célimène must then at least be partly Greek as well... [more]
Chariclée f Theatre
French form of Chariclea which was used on one of the titular characters of Henri Desmarets's opera Théagène et Chariclée (1695).
Cherubino m Medieval Italian, Italian (Rare), Theatre
Derived from Latin cherubin meaning "cherubs, cherubim", which refers to a class of angels known as the cherubim. The term ultimately comes from Hebrew, but it has been theorized that the Jews borrowed the word from Akkadian kuribu meaning "to bless" or from Assyrian ܟܪܘܒܐ (karabu) meaning "great, mighty".... [more]
Chimène f French, French (African), Haitian Creole, Theatre
French form of Ximena. It was used by Pierre Corneille in his play Le Cid (1636) for the wife of El Cid, known as Jimena Díaz in Spanish.
Chu f Theatre
Mamma Chu is a character in the play Mummified Deer written by Luis Valdez.
Ciana f Theatre
Truncated form of Luciana. This name was borne by the titular character Madama Ciana of Gaetano Latilla's opera (1738).
Clärchen f German (Rare), Theatre
A German diminutive of Clara.... [more]
Clivia f German, Theatre
Derived from the English name of the plant (the German name for it being Klivie) which itself is a Latinization of Clive. The plant was named by botanist John Lindley (1799-1865) after Charlotte Florentina Clive (died 1866).... [more]
Cobweb m Theatre
From the English word cobweb meaning "spiderweb". In Shakespeare's comedy 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' (1595) this name is borne by a fairy attendant of Titania.
Coppélia f Theatre, French (Rare)
The name of a life-sized mechanical doll created by the mysterious Doctor Coppélius in Léo Delibes' comic ballet Coppélia (1870), based on two macabre stories by E. T. A. Hoffmann. The inventor's name is possibly a Latinized form of Yiddish Koppel... [more]
Coriolanus m Ancient Roman, History, Theatre
Roman cognomen which was derived from Corioli, the name of an ancient but now lost Volscian city. Although derived from the Volscian language, it is not known what the meaning of the city's name was in Volscian... [more]
Cülyetta f Theatre
Azerbaijani form of Juliet, used in translations of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet (1596).
Curan m Theatre
Used by Shakespeare in his tragedy King Lear (1606).
Dauntless m Theatre, Popular Culture
The word dauntless can be traced back to Latin domare, meaning "to tame" or "to subdue."
Deidamia f Ancient Greek (Latinized), Greek Mythology (Latinized), Theatre
From Greek Δηιδάμεια (Deidameia), possibly derived from δηιόω (dêioô) "to destroy" (cf. Deianira) and δαμάζειν (damazein) "to tame"... [more]
Déjanire f French (Rare), French (Cajun, Archaic), Theatre
French form of Deianeira (or Deïanira, Dejanira). Déjanire (1911) is an opera (tragédie lyrique) in 4 acts composed by Camille Saint-Saëns to a libretto in French by Louis Gallet and Camille Saint-Saëns.
Delina f Albanian, Theatre
Derived from Albanian delinj, a particle indicating a high degree of the characteristic quality of the following noun. Delina (1964) is a ballet composed by Çesk Zadeja.
Dicaeopolis m & f Ancient Greek (Latinized), Theatre
Latinized form of Dikaiopolis. This was the name of the male protagonist of Aristophanes' play The Acharnians, which was produced in 425 BC.
Dinorah f English, Spanish (Latin American), Spanish (Mexican), Portuguese (Brazilian, Rare), Theatre
Possibly derived from Aramaic dinur (also denur) meaning "of fire", derived from di "of" and nur "fire, light". Because of the similarity with the Hebrew word din "trial, judgement", this name is sometimes seen as a more elaborate form of the name Dinah... [more]
Dionyza f Theatre
Presumably a feminine form of Dionysos. This was used by Shakespeare for a character in his comedy 'Pericles, Prince of Tyre' (1607).
Divara f Theatre
Divara is the eponymous character in "Divara – Wasser und Blut" (Divara, Water and Blood) a German-language opera by Azio Corghi to a libretto by the composer after the play "In Nomine Dei" by José Saramago, which tells the story of the Dutch "Anabaptist queen" Divara van Haarlem and the Münster Rebellion of 1534.
Djamileh f Persian, Theatre
Possibly a Persian form of Jamila.
Dobinet m Medieval English, Theatre
Medieval English diminutive of Robert, as it is a double diminutive of Dob. This was used by Nicholas Udall for a character in his comedy Ralph Roister Doister (written ca... [more]
Dolabella m Ancient Roman, Theatre
Roman cognomen which was derived from the Latin noun dolabella meaning "small hatchet, small pick-axe".... [more]
Donalbain m Theatre, History
Anglicized form of Gaelic Domnall Bán meaning "Domnall the Fair", a nickname of Donald III, King of Scots, the second known son of Duncan I. This was the form used by Shakespeare in his tragic play 'Macbeth' (1606) for a character based on the historical figure, who allegorically represents moral order.
Dorabella f Theatre, American (South, Rare, Archaic)
Dorabella is a character in Così fan tutte, ossia La scuola degli amanti (All Women Do It, or The School for Lovers; 1790 ), an opera buffa in two acts by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Doralice f Literature, Theatre, Italian, Portuguese (Brazilian)
Name used by the poets Boiardo and Ariosto in their Orlando poems (1495 and 1532), where it belongs to a Saracen princess. Boiardo perhaps intended it to mean "gift of the dawn" from Greek δῶρον (doron) "gift" and λύκη (lyke) "dawn", or he may have formed it from a contraction of Dora and Alice.
Dorimène f French (Archaic), Theatre
Meaning unknown. It was used by Molière for a character in his play 'Le Bourgeois gentilhomme'.
Dorliska f Theatre, English (American, Archaic)
Torvaldo e Dorliska (1815) is an operatic dramma semiserio in two acts by Gioachino Rossini based on the novel Les Amours du chevalier de Faublas (1787–1790) by the revolutionary Jean-Baptiste Louvet de Couvrai, whose work was the source of the Lodoïska libretto set by Luigi Cherubini (1791), and Lodoiska set by Stephen Storace (1794), and Simon Mayr (1796).
Dromio m Theatre
This name belongs to two characters in William Shakespeare's play 'The Comedy of Errors' (1592): twin brothers Dromio of Ephesus and Dromio of Syracuse. It is possibly derived from Greek δρόμος (dromos) "a course, running, race", or a related word.
Duvessa f Theatre, Medieval Irish (Anglicized)
Anglicized form of the Gaelic name Dubh Essa, used by M. J. Molloy in his comic play The Wooing of Duvessa (1964).
Dynamene f Greek Mythology, Theatre
Means "she who can" or "the capable one" from Greek δυναμένη (dynamenê), a participle of the verb δύναμαι (dynamai) "to be able, to have power, be strong enough". In Greek mythology this name was borne by one of the Nereids... [more]
Egeon m Theatre
Variant of Aegaeon. This is the name of a Syracusan merchant in William Shakespeare's play 'The Comedy of Errors' (1592).
Egmont m German (Rare), Flemish (Rare), Hungarian (Rare), Theatre
German variant of Egmund and Flemish variant of Egmond. Egmont (1788) is a play by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
Eido f Greek Mythology, Theatre
Meaning 'beauty'.... [more]
Éliante f Theatre
Variant of Elianthe. The name was used on a character in Molière's play Le Misanthrope (1666).
Elisetta f Theatre, Italian (Rare)
Contracted form of Elisabetta. It was used for one of the main characters in Cimarosa's opera Il matrimonio segreto (The Secret Marriage) which debuted in 1792.
Ellida f Finnish, Swedish, Norwegian (Rare), Danish (Rare), Theatre
Variant of Elida, a feminine form of Elliði. Ellida Wangel is the title character in the play Fruen fra havet (The Lady from the Sea) written by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen in 1888.
Elyot m Medieval French, English (British, Rare), English (Canadian, Rare), Theatre
Old French diminutive of Elye or Élie. As an English name, it is derived from a surname that was a variant of Elliott... [more]
Epicure m Theatre
Form of Epicurus used by Ben Jonson for a character in his play 'The Alchemist' (first performed 1610), perhaps taken directly from the English word epicure meaning "one who gives himself up to sensual pleasure" (literally "follower of Epicurus").
Erissena f Italian (Rare, Archaic), Theatre
Italian form of Eryxene. This is the name of a character in Johann Adolf Hasse's opera seria Cleofide (1731).
Ernelinda f Theatre
Ernelinda (1726) is an opera by Leonardo Vinci.
Ernelinde f Theatre
Ernelinde, princesse de Norvège (Ernelinde, Princess of Norway in English; 1767) is a three-act operatic tragédie lyrique, by the French composer François-André Danican Philidor.
Eryxene f Theatre
Alteration of Eryxo used by Plutarch in his essay Virtues of Women, perhaps formed using the Greek element ξενος (xenos) "foreigner, guest"... [more]
Escalus m Theatre
Possibly a variant of Aeschylus. This was used by Shakespeare in his play 'Romeo and Juliet' (1596), where it belongs to Prince Escalus. He later used it for a character in his play 'Measure for Measure' (written 1603 or 1604; first published 1623).
Esilena f Theatre
This was the name of the wife of the title character in Georg Friedrich Händel's opera 'Rodrigo' (1707), which was loosely based on the life of Roderick, the last Visigothic king of Spain. It may be based on Egilona, the name of the wife of the historical figure.
Estragon m Theatre
Estragon is one of the two protagonists in Samuel Beckett's play Waiting for Godot. Estragon is a normal French word meaning "tarragon".
Evvamene f Theatre, Popular Culture
From the phrase "ever mean". This is the name of the Wicked Witch of the East in the Broadway musical 'The Wiz'.
Fantesca f Italian, Theatre
From Italian fantesca - "servant-girl". This name was used in some performances of Commedia dell'Arte for a character of a servant woman.
Farfalla f Theatre
Means "butterfly" in Italian. This is the name of the titular character of the ballet 'Le papillon' (1860). Farfalla is a Circassian princess who is kidnapped by a fairy and enchanted in the form of a butterfly.
Fasolt m Germanic Mythology, Theatre
In Richard Wagner's opera cycle "The Ring", Fasolt is the brother of Fáfnir (here called Fafner) and is killed by him in an argument.
Fedra f Greek, Azerbaijani, Bosnian, Bulgarian, Catalan, Croatian (Rare), Galician, Italian, Lithuanian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Serbian, Sicilian, Slovene, Spanish, Ukrainian, Theatre
Modern Greek form of Phaidra (see Phaedra) as well as the standard form in various other languages.... [more]
Fenena f Theatre
Variant of Fenenna used in the opera Nabucco (1842) by the Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901).
Fevroniya f Russian (Rare), Ukrainian (Rare), Theatre
Russian and Ukrainian form of Febronia. It was used by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov in his opera 'The Legend of the Invisible City of Kitezh and the Maiden Fevroniya' (1907).
Fiammette f Theatre
Gallicized form of Fiammetta. La reine Fiammette (1903) is an opera in four acts by composer Xavier Leroux.
Fidelio m Italian, Spanish, Literature, Theatre
Italian and Spanish form of Fidelius.... [more]
Fiordiligi f Literature, Italian (Archaic), Theatre
Means "flower of the lily", from Italian fiore di giglio, loan-translation of French fleur de lys. It was used by the poets Boiardo and Ariosto in their 'Orlando' poems (1495 and 1532), where it belongs to the wife of Brandimarte... [more]
Fleance m Theatre
A character in the play 'Macbeth' by William Shakespeare.
Fleanzio m Italian, Theatre
Italian form of Fleance. This is the form used in the opera 'Macbeth' premiered in 1847 by Giuseppe Verdi and Francesco Maria Piave.
Florestan m French (Rare), German (Rare), Theatre, Literature, Polish (Archaic)
Obscure southern French name probably derived from Latin florescere "to flower; to put forth blooms".... [more]
Florimel f Literature, Theatre
Combination of Latin flos meaning "flower" (genitive floris) and mel "honey". This name was first used by Edmund Spenser in his poem The Faerie Queene (1590; in the form Florimell)... [more]
Florimund m German (Archaic), Dutch (Archaic), English (Archaic), Popular Culture, Theatre
Derived from Latin florens meaning "prosperous, flourishing" (see Florence) combined with Old High German mund meaning "protection."... [more]
Fluellen m Theatre
Anglicized form of Llywelyn used by Shakespeare for a Welsh captain in his history play 'Henry V' (1599).
Flute m Theatre
Transferred use of the surname Flute.
Freder m German (Rare), Theatre
Short form of names containing the element "Fred-".... [more]
Froth m Theatre
The name of a character in Shakespeare's play 'Measure for Measure', believed to have been written in 1603 or 1604.
Ftatateeta f Theatre
This name was invented by George Bernard Shaw for a character in his play Caesar and Cleopatra. She is Cleopatra's nurse. The name was used by ventriloquist Jimmy Nelson for a puppet of his, a cat. Though she was female, her voice was based on Ed Wynn's... [more]
Gerhilde f Theatre
Variant of Gerhild, used by Wagner as a name for a valkyria.
Girnara f Theatre
Girnara is the eponymous character in 'Die Prinzessin Girnara' (The Princess Girnara) an opera in two acts by Egon Wellesz based on an Indian legend.
Giunia f Italian, Theatre
Italian form of Junia. It was used for the female lead character in Mozart's opera Lucio Silla (1772).
Godot m Theatre
Probably derived from the French surname Godeau. This was the name of the main protagonist in the play 'Waiting for Godot' by Samuel Beckett, a man who, as the title suggests, two men are waiting for, but never arrives.
Gonerill f Theatre
Variant of Goneril which occurs in some copies of 'King Lear' (1606) - perhaps a misprinting.
Gossamer f Theatre
From the English word, which means "spider threads spun in fields of stubble in late fall" (apparently derived from Old English gos "goose" and sumer "summer"). A fictional bearer is Gossamer Beynon in Dylan Thomas' 1954 play 'Under Milk Wood' (Butcher Beynon's schoolteacher daughter).
Gratiano m Theatre
Form of Gratianus (see Gratian) used by Shakespeare for characters in his plays The Merchant of Venice (written between 1596 and 1598) and Othello (ca... [more]
Gremio m Theatre
In William Shakespeare's play "The Taming of the Shrew," Gremio is the elderly suitor of Bianca... [more]
Grimgerde f Theatre
Composed from the Germanic name element grimo "mask" and the name Gerd 2. Grimgerde is one of the valkyries in Richard Wagner's opera 'Die Walküre'.
Grisélidis f Theatre
French form of Griselda used by Jules Massenet in his opera 'Grisélidis' (1901). This was borne by Grisélidis Réal (1929-2005), a writer and sex worker from Switzerland.
Grizabella f Theatre
From the musical Cats
Grumio m Theatre
This name was used for a slave in the play Mostellaria written by Titus Maccius Plautus (c. 254-184 BC). It is also found in Shakespeare's play The Taming of the Shrew (written between 1590 and 1592) and in the Cambridge Latin Course.
Grusche f Theatre
One of the main female characters in Bertolt Brecht's play Der kaukasische Kreidekreis.
Guiderius m Theatre
Guiderius is the son of the eponymous character in 'Cymbeline, King of Britain' by William Shakespeare.
Guildenstern m Theatre
Guildenstern was a childhood friend of Hamlet in William Shakespeare's famous play, Hamlet.
Gurli f Danish, Swedish, Finland Swedish, Norwegian (Rare), Literature, Theatre
The name of a character in the German play Die Indianer in England (1788) by Augustus von Kotzebue, explained as either a mistake for Gauri (from Sanskrit "white") or as the Persian for "rose"... [more]
Harpagon m Theatre
From the character created by French playwright Molière, the name Harpagon is derived from the Latin harpago "harpoon, raptor", itself derived from the ancient Greek ἁρπαγή (harpagế) "greed, rapacity".
Helmwige f Theatre
Derived from the Germanic name elements helm "helmet" and wig "battle". Helwige is the name of one of the valkyries in Richard Wagner's opera 'Die Walküre'.
Hemlock m English (Rare), Romani (Archaic), Theatre
Transferred use of the surname Hemlock. Hemlock Marreau is a fictional Francophone detective created by Robert Farrow who appeared in eleven plays (1991-2014).
Hernani m & f Spanish, Theatre
Often considered a diminutive of Hernán or Hernando. The French author Victor Hugo used it for the title hero of his play Hernani (1830) (which Verdi adapted into the opera Ernani in 1844), though in this case it was taken from the Spanish place name Hernani, a town in the Basque Country, which allegedly means "top of an illuminated hill" from Basque.
Herzeleide f German, Literature, Theatre
From the German word for "heart sorrow, heartache". Herzeloyde was its original form, created by Wolfram von Eschenbach for the Queen of Wales and mother of Perceval in his Middle High German romance Parzival (1200–1210), probably to express the queen’s sorrow for losing her husband and later her son (when Perceval leaves her lands for King Arthur's court, she dies from a broken heart)... [more]
Imeneo m Biblical Italian, Theatre
Italian form of Hymenaeus.... [more]
Imogène f Theatre (Gallicized)
French form of Imogen. In France, this mostly refers to the character from Shakespeare's play Cymbeline and is rarely, if ever, used as a given name.
Imoinda f Literature, Theatre
Used by Aphra Behn for a character in her novel Oroonoko, or The Royal Slave (1688). Imoinda or She Who Will Lose Her Name (2008), a re-writing of Behn's novel, is the first libretto to be written by an African-Caribbean woman, Dr Joan Anim-Addo.
Indulis m Latvian, Theatre
Originally a diminutive of Indriķis, now used as a given name in its own right. Latvian poet and playwright Rainis used this name on the titular character of his play Indulis un Ārija (1911).
Iras f Theatre
Meaning unknown. This name was used by Shakespeare for one of Cleopatra's maids of honour in his tragedy 'Anthony and Cleopatra' (1607).
Isoletta f Italian, Theatre
Diminutive of Isola. This name is borne by a character in Vincenzo Bellini's opera La straniera (1828).
Isoline f French (Rare), French (Belgian, Rare), Theatre
French form of Isolina. This name was used in André Messager's opera Isoline (1888), where it belongs to a princess.
Jaele f Portuguese (Brazilian, Rare), Italian (Rare), Theatre
Brazilian Portuguese variant of Jael and Italian variant of Giaele. Debora e Jaele (1922) is an opera in three acts composed by Ildebrando Pizzetti who also wrote the libretto... [more]
Jaina f Theatre
This is used as the German translation of Jane in the 1881's opera Patience.
Jaquenetta f Theatre
A feminine form of Jaques. Jaquenetta is a character from Shakespeare's 'Love's Labour's Lost'.
Javara f Georgian (Rare), Literature, Theatre
Derived from the Arabic noun جوهر (jawhar) meaning "jewel" as well as "pearl" and "gemstone".... [more]
Jennyanydots f Theatre
It is the name of a principal cat in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats. She is a seemingly lazy Jellicle cat, who is active only by night.
Jenůfa f Czech (Rare), Theatre
'Jenůfa', also known as 'Její pastorkyňa' ("Her Stepdaughter"), is an opera in three acts by Leoš Janáček based on the play 'Její pastorkyňa' by Gabriela Preissová... [more]
Jessonda f Theatre
Used for the heroine of Louis Spohr's Romantic opera 'Jessonda, or the Rajah's Wife' (1823), about a young royal widow who is rescued from the funeral pyre by the Portuguese general Tristan, her former sweetheart.
Jokanaan m Theatre
Form of Yochanan used by Oscar Wilde for John the Baptist in his play 'Salomé' (1891). Unlike most depictions of John the Baptist, Jokanaan is young and clean-shaven, with black hair, white skin and red lips... [more]
Kasperl m Medieval German, Folklore, Theatre
Diminutive of Kasper. This name fell out of use a long time ago, possibly due to close association with the famous character from German puppet theatre. In this day and age, the name only survives as a patronymic surname.
Käthchen f German (Rare), Theatre
Variant of Kätchen. In theatre, Das Käthchen von Heilbronn (1810) is a well-known play by Heinrich von Kleist (1777-1811).
Katisha f Theatre, African American (Rare)
Meaning unknown. This was used for a character in Gilbert and Sullivan's comic opera The Mikado (1885), set in Japan. Since the 1970s it has also been used as a blend of the prefix ka with the name Latisha.
Khivrya f Ukrainian (Rare, Archaic), Theatre
Ukrainian variant of Fevroniya. The name was borne by a character in Modest Mussorgsky's comic opera 'The Fair at Sorochyntsi' (1874 - 1880) which was based on Nikolai Gogol's short story of the same name, from his early (1832) collection of Ukrainian stories 'Evenings on a Farm near Dikanka'.
Kleonike f Ancient Greek, Theatre
Derived from Greek κλεος (kleos) "glory" and νικη (nike) "victory". This was used by the 5th-century BC Athenian playwright Aristophanes for a character in his play Lysistrata.
Koštana f Serbian, Theatre
Koštana is a popular play, written by Borisav Stanković, which features many themes of Serbian folklore and patriarchal customs which were still present in the late nineteenth century.
Kundry f Theatre, German (Rare)
The female protagonist in the opera 'Parsifal' by Richard Wagner.
Kusi-quyllur f Quechua, Theatre
Means "joyful star" in Quechua, from Quechua kusi "joyful, happy" and quyllur "star". Kusi Quyllur is the name of the princess in the Quechua-language play 'Ollantay' (the oldest known manuscript of which dates to the 18th century).
Laimdota f Latvian, Literature, Theatre
From Latvian laime "joy, luck, happiness" (compare Laima) combined with dota "given" (from the verb dot "to give"). This was coined in the late 19th century... [more]
Lamira f English (American), Literature, Theatre
This name was used (possibly invented) by Jacobean-era dramatist John Fletcher for characters in his plays The Honest Man's Fortune (c.1613) and The Little French Lawyer (1647). It does not appear to have been used in England; it came into use in the early United States, occurring as early as the 1780s in New York, perhaps influenced by the similar-sounding name Almira 1.
Larita f African American, Theatre
Combination of the popular prefix la with the name Rita. This was used by Noël Coward for a character in his play Easy Virtue (1924), which was adapted into a silent film in 1928 as well as a 2006 film.
Launcelot m Theatre, Arthurian Romance
Variant of Lancelot. This spelling was used by Shakespeare in his play The Merchant of Venice (written between 1596 and 1598) for the character of Launcelot Gobbo.
Lelde f Latvian, Theatre
1920s phonetic coinage which was first used in the play Spēlēju, dancoju (1915) by Latvian poet and playwright Rainis.
Leonato m Spanish, Portuguese, Theatre
Spanish and Portuguese form of Leonnatus. This is the name of the father of Hero and/or Beatrice in William Shakespeare's romantic comedy 'Much Ado About Nothing' (1599).
Leporello m Theatre
Name of Don Giovanni's servant in W. A. Mozart's opera Don Giovanni.
Licida m Italian (Archaic), Theatre
Italian form of Lycidas. It is chiefly used in the opera libretto L'Olimpiade (1733), which was written by the Italian poet and librettist Pietro Metastasio (1698-1782).
Lindor m Theatre, Afro-American (Slavery-era)
Of uncertain origin and meaning; theories include a corruption of Leander. This name first featured in medieval romances, often for lovelorn shepherds, later appearing in Jean-Baptiste Niels's ballet Les Romans (1736), Egidio Duni's opera Nina et Lindor (1761) and Mozart's Variation in E-flat Major on the romance "Je suis Lindor".
Lindora f American (South, Archaic), Theatre
Feminine form of Lindor. This name was used in the comic operas Le donne vendicate (Revenge of the Women in English; 1763) by Piccinni and La maga Circe (Circe the Witch in English; 1788) by Anfossi.
Lindoro m Theatre, Spanish (Mexican)
Variant of Lindor. Lindoro is a character in the opera L'italiana in Algeri (The Italian Girl in Algiers in English; 1813) by Gioachino Rossini and Angelo Anelli.
Lizinka f Russian, Croatian, Theatre
Diminutive of Yelizaveta. This was the title character of an opera by Croatian composer Ivan Zajc, Lizinka (1878).
Lodoïska f Theatre, French (Rare), Louisiana Creole, French (Quebec, Archaic)
Lodoïska is a French opéra comique (1791) by Luigi Cherubini. It was inspired by an episode from Jean-Baptiste Louvet de Couvrai’s novel Les amours du chevalier de Faublas and is considered one of the first Romantic operas... [more]
Lodoiska f Theatre, Louisiana Creole
Borne by the titular character of Simon Mayr's opera La Lodoiska (1796). The name itself is a variant of Lodoïska.
Lodoletta f Italian, Italian (Tuscan), Theatre
Probably coined by Pietro Mascagni for the titular character of his "dramma lirico" or lyric opera Lodoletta (1917), which was based on the novel Two Little Wooden Shoes by Marie Louise de la Ramée, (Ouida).... [more]
Lothario m Theatre
Used in The Fair Penitent by Nicholas Rowe and The Impertinent Curious Man by Quixote.
Lucentio m Theatre
Possibly the Italian form of Lucentius. This was used by Shakespeare for one of the romantic male leads in his play 'The Taming of the Shrew' (1593).
Lychorida f Theatre
Form of Lycoris used by Shakespeare for a character in his play Pericles, Prince of Tyre (published 1609).
Macbetto m Theatre (Italianized)
Italian form of Macbeth. This is the form used by Giuseppe Verdi for the main character in the opera 'Macbeth' premiered in 1847 based on Shakespeare's masterpiece.
Macduff m Theatre, History
A character from William Shakespeare's play 'Macbeth'
Magdelon f French (Archaic), Theatre
Older French variant of Madelon, most famously used in Molière's work Les Précieuses ridicules.
Magdelone f Danish (Archaic), Theatre
Variant of Magdalena, possibly influenced by Madelon. This name is bone by a character in Carl Nielsen's opera 'Maskarade' (1906), which is considered to be the country's national opera.
Magenta f English, Theatre
Named for the mauvish-crimson colour. The dye to make the colour was discovered and named shortly after the Battle of Magenta in 1859 (the town is situated in northern Italy). The colour may have been inspired by the colour of the uniforms worn by the French troops, or by the colour of the land soaked in blood after the battle... [more]
Maitena f Basque, Spanish (Latin American), Theatre
Maitena is the title of a Basque-language opera written and composed by Étienne Decrept and Charles Colin.
Malthace f Ancient Greek (Latinized), Theatre, History
Latinized form of the Greek name Μαλθακη (Malthake), from Greek μαλθακός (malthakos) "soft" (compare Amalthea). This name was used by Menander for a character in his 4th- or 3rd-century BC play Sikyonioi... [more]
Mamilius m Ancient Roman, Theatre
Of uncertain origin: it could be derived from Latin mamilla ("nipple"), or from the Celtic elements mam ("strength") and hil ("seed"), thus "seed of the strong".... [more]
Manelich m Theatre, Spanish (Mexican, Rare)
Catalan diminutive of Manel 1. This was used by Àngel Guimerà for a character in his Catalan-language play Terra baixa (1896)... [more]
Mardochäus m German (Archaic), Theatre
German form of Mardochaeus (see Mardocheus).... [more]
Marzelline f Theatre, German (Rare)
Feminine form of Marzellin. This name is borne by a character in Ludwig van Beethoven's only opera, Fidelio (1805).
Mavra f Greek (Rare), Georgian, Russian (Archaic), Ukrainian, Moldovan, Romanian, History (Ecclesiastical), Theatre
Modern Greek form of Maura 1, which has spread to Eastern Europe and the Caucasus region via the Eastern Orthodox Church.... [more]
Medoro m Literature, Theatre
Used by the poet Ariosto in his 16th-century epic Orlando Furioso, where it belongs to a Saracen or Moorish knight who falls in love with the princess Angelica.
Mélite f Theatre
French form of Melite. Mélite, ou les fausses lettres (1625) is a comedy by Pierre Corneille.
Mellida f Theatre, English
Likely coined by the playwright John Marston for his plays 'Antonio and Mellida'(1599) and 'Antonio's Revenge' (1601). It was presumably intended as a cross between Melissa and Phyllida.
Mimì f & m Italian, Theatre
Italian form of Mimi as well as diminutive of other names with a m sound of any gender. Mimì, a seamstress, is a main character in 'La bohème' (1896) by Giacomo Puccini, based on 'Scènes de la vie de bohème' (1851) by Henri Murger.
Minona f Literature, Theatre, German (Rare, Archaic)
Coined by Scottish poet James Macpherson for his 18th-century Ossian poems where the name is borne by Minona, a singer who sings before the king the song of the unfortunate Colma. Macpherson names the alleged Scottish Gaelic words Min-ónn "gentle air" as an etymological explanation of the name (compare Scottish Gaelic mìn "gentle; soft (of a sound)" and fonn "tune, melody").... [more]
Mistoffolees m Literature, Theatre
Altered form of Mephistopheles used for a character in T.S. Eliot's poetry collection 'Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats' (1939). Mr. Mistoffolees also appears in the musical 'Cats' (1981), a stage adaptation of Eliot's poetry book.
Monimia f Theatre, Literature, Afro-American (Slavery-era)
Probably a Latinate form of Monime, first used by Thomas Otway for the title character in his tragic play The Orphan (1680). It was subsequently used by the Scottish author Tobias Smollett (also for an orphan character) in his novel The Adventures of Ferdinand Count Fathom (1753), and later by English poet and novelist Charlotte Smith for the heroine of her novel The Old Manor House (1793), which was a huge bestseller in the last decade of the 18th century... [more]
Montano m Theatre, Italian (Archaic)
Italian form of Montanus. Montano has been used by William Shakespeare for a character in 'Othello' (1603).
Mopsa f Theatre, Literature
Possibly a feminine form of Mopsus, or a derivative of the Dutch word mops "pug dog" (and formerly, by extension, "country lout"). This was used by Sir Philip Sidney for a character in The Countess of Pembroke's Arcadia... [more]
Moria f English (Rare), Theatre
Modern instances of this name may be misspellings of Maria or Moira. In the case of the character in Ben Jonson's satirical play Cynthia's Revels (1600), who 'talks anything of anything', it was probably intended to be a feminine derivative of Greek μωρός (moros) meaning "simpleton".
Motezuma m Theatre
Motezuma is an opera in three acts by Antonio Vivaldi with an Italian libretto by Alvise Giusti. The libretto is very loosely based on the life of the Aztec ruler Montezuma who died in 1520.
Mrika f Albanian, Theatre
Variant of Mrikë. Mrika (1958) is an opera in three acts composed by Prenkë Jakova with a libretto in Albanian by Llazar Siliqi.
Mucedorus m Theatre
Possibly a variant of Musidorus (compare Musidora). In theatre, Mucedorus is the eponymous character of an anonymous Elizabethan romantic comedy: A Most pleasant Comedie of Mucedorus the Kings Sonne of Valentia, and Amadine the Kinges daughter of Aragon, commonly called Mucedorus, first performed around 1590 and regularly revived until the Restoration... [more]
Munkustrap m Literature, Theatre
This name belongs to a Jellicle cat in T.S. Eliot's poem, Naming of Cats. He is a principal character in the musical, Cats.
Murman m Georgian, Literature, Theatre
Meaning uncertain, as the available sources each provide a different etymology for this name. According to a Georgian source, Murman is a phonetic variant of Murvan... [more]
Musetta f Theatre, Italian (Tuscan)
Latinate form of Musette, which was possibly based on the dance style, popular in Paris in the 1880s, which took its name from a kind of small bagpipe. It was used by Puccini for the lover of Marcello in his opera La Bohème (1896), which was based on La Vie de Bohème (1851) by Henri Murger (who named the character Musette).... [more]
Mustardseed m & f Theatre
Shakespearean fairy character in "A Midsummer Night's Dream"
Mytyl f Theatre
Meaning unknown. This is the name of a character from the 1908 play 'The Blue Bird' (French: 'L'Oiseau bleu') by Belgian playwright and poet Maurice Maeterlinck.
Naïs f Greek Mythology (Gallicized), Theatre
French form of Nais. Naïs is the main character of Jean-Philippe Rameau's 1749 Naïs: Opéra pour La Paix, a play about the god Neptune falling in love with the titular nymph.
Nedda f Sicilian, Theatre, Hungarian
Sicilian diminutive of Antonietta as well as a Sicilian form of Nella. The name was also adopted into Hungarian usage. Furthermore, this name is borne by the main female role in the opera 'Pagliacci'.
Nichette f Theatre, Literature
Nichette is the name of a character in Alexandre Dumas's (fils) 1848 novel and play named "Camille" (also known as "The Lady of the Camellias"). The name Nichette was also featured in the title of a movie short from 1911 named "The Heart of Nichette"... [more]
Nille f Norwegian, Danish, Theatre
Short form of Pernille. Nille is a character in Ludvig Holberg's play 'Jeppe på Bjerget' (1722).
Ninabella f Theatre
Combination of Nina 1 and Bella, or perhaps from the Spanish phrase niña bella meaning "beautiful girl"... [more]
Numps m Theatre
Diminutive of Humphrey.... [more]
Onintza f Basque, Theatre
This name was used on a character in Jose Olaizoal's opera Oleskari zaharra.
Operetta f Theatre
Italian diminutive of "opera" and was used originally to describe a shorter, perhaps less ambitious work than an opera. Operetta provides an alternative to operatic performances in an accessible form targeting a different audience... [more]
Orbella f Theatre
Queen Orbella was a character in Sir John Suckling's play 'Aglaura' (1637).
Oroveso m Theatre
Possibly based on an Ancient Celtic name. Oroveso was used by Vincenzo Bellini and Felice Romani for the character in 'Norma' (1831), based on the play 'Norma, ou L'infanticide' by Alexandre Soumet... [more]
Ortlinde f Theatre
The name can be interpreted as a dithematic Germanic name formed of the name elements ort "point (of a sword or a lance)" and linta "linden tree, lime; shield (made of lime wood); gentle, soft"... [more]
Osmin m Theatre, Spanish (Latin American), Gascon
Osmin is a figure in the Mozart opera Die Entführung aus dem Serail.... [more]
Ozmin m Theatre
Hungarian form of Osmin.
Paija f Latvian (Rare), Literature, Theatre
Derived from the obsolete Latvian word paija "toy". This is the name of a character in the play Maija un Paija by Anna Brigadere.
Pamina f German, Theatre
Pamina is a character in Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's opera The Magic Flute (Die Zauberflöte in German, 1791).
Pandarus m Greek Mythology (Latinized), Literature, Theatre
Latinized form of Greek Πάνδαρος (Pandaros), which was possibly derived from παν (pan) "all" and an uncertain second element. This is the name of a mythical archer who appears in stories of the Trojan War, and "who by an arrow-shot violates the truce between the Trojans and Greeks, and is afterwards slain by Diomedes." In Homer's 'Iliad' he is portrayed as an energetic and impetuous warrior, but in medieval literature he becomes a witty and licentious figure who facilitates the affair between Troilus and Cressida... [more]
Paquette f Literature, Theatre, French (Rare)
Feminine form of Pasquet or Paquet, medieval French pet forms of Pascal. Folk etymology links the name with modern French paquet (Middle French pacquet) "parcel, package"... [more]
Peaseblossom m Theatre
From English pea's blossom, referring to the small flower of a pea plant. This name was used by Shakespeare in his comedy 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' (1595), where it belongs to one of the servants to the fairy queen Titania.
Penthea f Theatre
Feminine form of Pentheus. This was used (perhaps invented) by John Ford for a character in his tragic play 'The Broken Heart' (1633).
Persinette f Literature, Theatre
"Persinette" is a 1698 French fairy-tale by novelist Charlotte-Rose de Caumont de La Force adapted from earlier 'Petrosinella' by Giambattista Basil and later adapted by the Grimms brothers to become 'Rapunzel'... [more]
Pert f Literature, Theatre, English (American, Rare)
Meaning uncertain, but likely derived from the English word pert.... [more]
Philidel f & m Literature, Theatre
Perhaps based on Philadelphia or Fidelis. It was used by John Dryden in his opera 'King Arthur; or, the British Worthy' (1691), where it belongs to an air spirit in the service of Merlin who saves Arthur from the evil schemes of Osmond, a Saxon sorcerer, and Grimbald, an enemy earth spirit.
Philinna f Ancient Greek, Theatre
Means "darling" in Greek, a term of affection derived from Greek φίλος (philos) meaning "friend, lover". A famous bearer was Philinna of Larissa in Thessaly (4th century BC), the third wife of Philip II of Macedon and mother of Philip III Arrhidaeus... [more]
Philumena f Ancient Greek (Latinized), Late Roman, Theatre
Latinized form of Philoumena. In theatre, this is the name of a character from two different comic plays written by the Roman playwright Terence (2nd century AD), namely Andria and Hecyra.
Phrosine f French (Archaic), French (Quebec, Archaic), Theatre
Truncated form of Euphrosine. Mélidore et Phrosine (1794) is an opera by the French composer Étienne Méhul. It is considered an important example of early Romantic opera.
Phrynia f Theatre
Variant of Phryne used by Shakespeare in his play Timon of Athens (first performed between 1607 and 1608).
Polichinelle m Theatre (Gallicized)
French form of Pulcinella, a character from the Italian commedia dell'arte. This can also refer to the little clown dolls that run out from under Mother Ginger's skirt in The Nutcracker.
Polinesso m Theatre
Means "many islands", derived from Greek πολύς (polys) "many, much" combined with νῆσος (nesos) "island"... [more]
Pollione m Italian, Theatre
Italian form of Pollio. This name was used by Vincenzo Bellini and Felice Romani for the main masculine character in the opera 'Norma' (1831), based on Alexandre Soumet's play 'Norma, ou L'infanticide'.
Poppea f English (Rare, Archaic), Theatre, Italian (Rare, Archaic, ?)
Variant of Poppaea. This name was used for the title character of Claudio Monteverdi's opera 'L'incoronazione di Poppea' (1642).
Prouhèze f Theatre
Central character in Paul Claudel's play The Satin Slipper (1929).
Pulcinella m Theatre
Possibly derived from a diminutive of Italian pulcino "chick". This is the name of a character (male, despite the name form) that appeared in the commedia dell'arte in the 17th century.
Quisara f Theatre
Origin uncertain. This was used for the title character in John Fletcher's play 'The Island Princess' (written ca. 1619-1621): a princess of Tidore (an Islamic state in Indonesia) who vows to marry the man who frees her brother, the king, who has recently been captured by a local rival.
Radames m Theatre
Radamès is a character, the captain of the guard, in the opera 'Aida' (1871). The setting of the opera is ancient Egypt, and the creators of the play likely invented the name to sound vaguely Egyptian by integrating Ra into the name.
Raymonda f English, Dutch, Theatre
Feminine form of Raymond. It is the name of the titular character in the ballet 'Raymonda'.
Rhagnell f Welsh Mythology (?), Theatre
Possibly a Welsh form of Ragnailt. This is the name of Blodeuwedd's maid in the play Blodeuwedd (The Woman Made of Flowers) (1923-25, revised 1948) by the Welsh dramatist Saunders Lewis.
Rodelinda f Lombardic, Theatre, Spanish (Mexican)
Hungarian, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian and English form of Rodelind. Rodelinda (6th century) was a Lombard queen by marriage to king Audoin, and the mother of king Alboin... [more]
Roderigo m Theatre
Variant of Rodrigo used in Shakespeare's tragedy Othello (1603).
Rosaure f Theatre (Gallicized)
French form of Rosaura used in French-language translations of Pedro Calderón de la Barca's play Life Is a Dream (1635).
Rosencrantz m Theatre
Anglicized form of the noble Danish surname Rosenkrantz. Shakespeare used this name for a childhood friend of Hamlet in his play The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark (1600).
Rosilena f Theatre, Italian (Rare), Portuguese (Brazilian)
Possibly a variant of Roselina. Rosilena ed Oronta (1728) is an opera by Antonio Vivaldi.
Rosmina f Theatre
Possibly a variant of Rosmunda or Romina. This name was used by Francesco Cavalli for a character in his opera Giasone (1649).
Rosmira f Theatre, Spanish (Latin American)
Rosmira (also known as Rosmira fedele, 1738) is an opera by Antonio Vivaldi.
Rosse m Literature, Theatre
This is the name of a thane in William Shakespeare's Macbeth (also spelled Ross).
Roßweiße f Theatre
Probably a reinterpretation of Roswitha analysed as hros "horse" and hwit "white"... [more]
Rusalka f Slavic Mythology, Theatre, German (Rare)
A water nymph in Slavic Mythology. Also the name of an opera written by the Czech writer Antonín Dvorák.
Sânziana f Romanian, Romanian Mythology, Theatre
Sânziana, also known as Iana Sânziana, is a fairy in Romanian mythology. Her name is a contraction of Romanian sfânt "holy" and zână "fairy" - but, according to Mircea Eliade, ultimately also influenced by the Latin phrase Sancta Diana "Holy Diana"... [more]
Scar m Theatre
Name of the antagonist in The Lion King, believed to be named for his evil intentions.
Schwertleite f Theatre
Transferred from the name of an early form of accolade. Schwertleite is the name of one of the valkyries in Richard Wagner's opera 'Die Walküre'.
Setebos m Theatre
Seen in Shakespeare's play 'The Tempest' (1611), in which Setebos is the god worshipped by Caliban and Sycorax.
Sganarelle m Theatre
Possibly from Italian sgannare "to disillusion" or derived from Italian Zannarello, a diminutive of Zanni. Molière used characters named Sganarelle in multiple plays, including his one-act comedy 'Sganarelle, or The Imaginary Cuckold' (1660).
Siegrune f Theatre
Variant of Sigrun used by Richard Wagner as name for a valkyria.
Sillabub f Theatre
A type of English frothy drink made of milk, cream, and wine.... [more]
Skimbleshanks m Theatre
It is the name of a principal cat in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats. He is the Railway Cat.
Suzel f Portuguese, Portuguese (Brazilian), Spanish, French, Theatre
Suzel is the name of a main character in 'L'amico Fritz', an opera by Pietro Mascagni, premiered in 1891 from a libretto by P. Suardon (Nicola Daspuro, with additions by Giovanni Targioni-Tozzetti) based on the French novel 'L'ami Fritz' by Émile Erckmann and Pierre-Alexandre Chatrian.
Tamino m German (Rare), Theatre
Descends from the Greek word tamias which means "lord" or "master". There is a Tamino in Mozart's "The Magic Flute".
Tamora f Theatre
This name was used by Shakespeare for the evil queen of the Goths in his tragedy Titus Andronicus (1593). Shakespeare's source for the play is unknown, but he may have based the name on Tomyris... [more]
Tchelio m Theatre
Tchelio is a magician and the king's (and prince's) protector in "L'amour des trois oranges", a 1921 satirical French-language opera by Sergei Prokofiev.
Telaira f Theatre
The name was used by Jean-Phillippe Rameau in his 1737 opera 'Castor et Pollux'. It is used as the name of a Greek princess whom both Castor and Pollux are in love with.
Thaisa f Theatre, Portuguese (Brazilian)
Latinate form of Thais. This was used by Shakespeare in his play 'Pericles, Prince of Tyre' (1608), where it belongs to the wife of the title character.