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Help[Opinions] Athena and Austen
Two questions:
WDYTO Athena nn Thea? I know there isn't exactly a direct link between the two, but I have a special association with the name Athena, though I wouldn't want to actually call a daughter that all the time. I hadn't really considered it as a possibility until I came across Thea and loved it as a nn, but didn't think it could stand on its own. So, would the nn be too confusing since it doesn't come directly from the fn, or does it still work out okay?
Second, WDYTO using Austen for a girl as a way of honoring Jane Austen? (Austen would be a mn only, never a fn)
WDYTO Athena nn Thea? I know there isn't exactly a direct link between the two, but I have a special association with the name Athena, though I wouldn't want to actually call a daughter that all the time. I hadn't really considered it as a possibility until I came across Thea and loved it as a nn, but didn't think it could stand on its own. So, would the nn be too confusing since it doesn't come directly from the fn, or does it still work out okay?
Second, WDYTO using Austen for a girl as a way of honoring Jane Austen? (Austen would be a mn only, never a fn)
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Replies
Tbh I don't like Athena at all. To me it conjures up an image of a fat middle-aged woman into witchcraft and stars or something! I really don't know why though, but yeah, that's what comes to mind!
Austen could be alright as a way of honouring Jane Austen. But like you said, only for a mn, definitely not for a fn.
Austen could be alright as a way of honouring Jane Austen. But like you said, only for a mn, definitely not for a fn.
This message was edited 10/5/2008, 10:54 PM
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I love Athena, but I don't think it needs a nickname, especially not Thea as it isn't related.
I really dislike the sound of Austen. Jane is much nicer.
I really dislike the sound of Austen. Jane is much nicer.
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LOVE IT.
I think that Athena is a bit lofty for a girl, but your nickname is fitting. You cannot dislike the name Athena for a girl since she represents wisdom, strength, and invention, but that doesn't mean she has to tell everyone that it is her full name.
As for Austen, I was all prepared to tell you how much I dislike it as it has become such a trendy name, until you explained your reason. I adore Jane Austen, and she deserves namesakes. I have always thought it unfortunate that Jane is such a plain name.
I named my own daughter after a female author of about 35 years later than Austen, and I admire your choice. Funny how sometimes the explanation of a name's choice completely changes other people's perceptions of it.
I think that Athena is a bit lofty for a girl, but your nickname is fitting. You cannot dislike the name Athena for a girl since she represents wisdom, strength, and invention, but that doesn't mean she has to tell everyone that it is her full name.
As for Austen, I was all prepared to tell you how much I dislike it as it has become such a trendy name, until you explained your reason. I adore Jane Austen, and she deserves namesakes. I have always thought it unfortunate that Jane is such a plain name.
I named my own daughter after a female author of about 35 years later than Austen, and I admire your choice. Funny how sometimes the explanation of a name's choice completely changes other people's perceptions of it.
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I actually don't think Jane is plain at all, not sure why, but I love it. Since I already like the name Jane, I thought Austen would be better for honoring purposes. Jane would be a combination of my admiration of Jane Austen, Jane Eyre, Jane Bennett and just the name itself! Bascially classic literature in general. I definitely agree with you on the loftiness (good word!) of Athena. I met a little girl named Athena once, and it was cute I guess, but seemed a little...overpowering? Don't quite know how to describe it, but she was kind of in need of a nickname. Its a lot for a tiny, blonde, wispy looking gal to live up to!
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Jane Eyre is why I named my own daughter Charlotte, so I totally understand where your desire to honor a favorite author comes from.
When I was a teenager I dated a guy named Adonis. His parents had taken a trip to Greece before they had kids, so they chose that name for him, and Athena for his younger sister. I never met her, but he was terribly beautiful, and equally conceited. It was like the character of the mythological Adonis had actually taken life in him. I always wondered if the name Athena had shaped his sister into an overbearing personality... I think that's why I like your nickname idea--it takes away the ferocity of the name for a child, while leaving the wonderful qualities in the child's true name.
I am also considering Greek mythological names for a girl if I have another one, and my father objects to my choice for a first name because he objects to the mythological character. I have to admit, I worry that a little girl with the name I am thinking about using might wind up being overly independent, or worse yet, my father might be right... but so far he hasn't changed my mind!
When I was a teenager I dated a guy named Adonis. His parents had taken a trip to Greece before they had kids, so they chose that name for him, and Athena for his younger sister. I never met her, but he was terribly beautiful, and equally conceited. It was like the character of the mythological Adonis had actually taken life in him. I always wondered if the name Athena had shaped his sister into an overbearing personality... I think that's why I like your nickname idea--it takes away the ferocity of the name for a child, while leaving the wonderful qualities in the child's true name.
I am also considering Greek mythological names for a girl if I have another one, and my father objects to my choice for a first name because he objects to the mythological character. I have to admit, I worry that a little girl with the name I am thinking about using might wind up being overly independent, or worse yet, my father might be right... but so far he hasn't changed my mind!
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I think Thea would be a better nickname for Althea, Dorothea, Theodora, etc. Athena is such a strong, beautiful name, I don't think it should be shortened. But Thea is a lovely name, too.
Austen on a girl sounds strange.
Austen on a girl sounds strange.
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I LOVE Athena! And the nickname Thea is great. Awesome!
I wouldn't use Austen, though. It sounds too much like Austin. I'd rather use Jane. But since it's in the middle slot, it's not bad.
I wouldn't use Austen, though. It sounds too much like Austin. I'd rather use Jane. But since it's in the middle slot, it's not bad.
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I adore both of those, Athena's always been a special favorite of mine and Austin is my mn. I really want to name my daughter Austen as a fn, but I hate parents who do that, so probably not.
Thea as a name period I don't think is very pretty, but I love Athena and I think it could stand alone just fine. excellent choices.
Thea as a name period I don't think is very pretty, but I love Athena and I think it could stand alone just fine. excellent choices.
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