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Help[Opinions] Re: Athena and Austen
in reply to a message by juli-faye
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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