What's in a name

[yvonne]

We all know that Jo likes to play with names. And I think that most of us are familiar with most of the theories behind the names, like Remus Lupin meaning as much as 'Lone Wolf' (which he was until he and Tonks got together ), or Narcissa being derived from Narcissus.
But maybe there's some stuff that you came across yourself and thought 'aha, so that's how mrs Rowling got the idea!'

I had that moment two times last week.
One time, I was reading a book about medieval art and a part of it was about the love-symbolism of some flowers. There I found out that the pansy is often a symbol of unlucky love and sometimes even features in Momento Mori-paintings (Momento Mori = remember death). Not a very good sign for Pansy...

The other time has to do with Trelawny. Her first name, Sybil, is not only derived from the ancient oracular sybilles, but the particular spelling of her name seems to derive from Sybil Waite, the daughter of the famous AE Waite, who developed the Rider-Waite tarot.

Has anyone else found something interesting?

[shadowgirl75]

Oooooh, cool. No, I haven't found anything. Unfortunately. And I didn't know the thing about Remus and Narcissa either.

[Alessandra]

That Pansy stuff was really interesting, and confirms my theories about no happy love for Draco and our Miss Parkinson.

Researching for my thesis, which is about Gof and OotP, I discovered something interesting about a certain Minister we know.
Cornelius Fudge's middle name is Oswald. I read an interesting theory binding that name to the one of Oswald Mosley. Mr Mosley was the leader of the Fascist Union of Great Britain and he was very close to Hitler and his gang.
We all know and suspect about Fudge's involvement with Mr Malfoy. He seem to be a supporter of the Purebloodness (is this a real word?). There are good chances that he may be involved with the dark side, as Mosley was involved with Nazism.
Anyways, that new Minister of Magic is rather suspect too. CONSTANT VIGILANCE!!!

[shadowgirl75]

lol ^^, constant vigilance! ;-) I agree that the new Minister is kinda weird. Okay really weird. I don't trust him >_<

[yvonne]

I don't think Fudge is really on the bad side...he's just a fool who likes his power a bit too much.
I don't like that new minister either. I don't think he's evil; but when you're on the good side, that doesn't automatically mean your motives are good...I'm keeping my eyes on him too.

Anway, back on topic...

Rufus Scrimgeour...does this name have any familiar connections with something? I can't think of anything.
Other names that have puzzled me:
Mc Gonagall; I guess it must be some English pun that I'm missing? I haven't found it yet.
And Karkaroff. Another one I can't find. I guess Igor comes from Dr Frankenstein's assistant, but what about the rest of his name?