Theron, as you probably recognize as the surname of Charlize Theron, is Greek, meaning "hunter," much more subtle and classy than using Hunter nowadays, which ranks at #55. Theron last ranked in 1992, and there were 87 baby boys given this name in 2011. Theron of Acragas was an ancient king of Sicily (Italy) in 488 BC. It is also the name of the Theron Mountains in Antarctica. There are plenty of little-known bearers of this name, either as a first name or surname.
I love this name! I'm surprised it's not more popular.
ReplyDeleteI really like this name, but my husband is French and it just doesn't work with his (very) French surname. Pronunciation is an issue for us, as we're not sure whether we'll end up living back in France, so we need names that work well in English and in French. We found a lovely name for our daughter (a less common pan-European name), but we're struggling with the imminent arrival of a son! Any suggestions very welcome! Other names I like (but which don't work with the surname) are Phelan, Wolf and Adair.
ReplyDeleteI'm not too familiar with French surnames, but I do know that the famous actress Charlize Theron has a French first name that goes very well with Theron. It does depend on your surname, because something like Beaumont would work really well, but something like Glaisyer, maybe not. But I wouldn't cross it off my list immediately. I think Emma, Jade, Nathan, Killian and Enzo were in the top 10 in France recently, and those are not very French. Theron doesn't scream "Greek" to me, and due to Charlize Theron I have always thought of Theron as very French-sounding. Other possibilities off the top of my head: Tobin, Vincent, Pierre, Gerard, Oliver, Pascal, Miller, Leo, Leander, Jeremy, Alexandre, Thierry, Andre and the more unusual Cloud. I hope I was of some help! Please let me know what you think.
ReplyDeleteThank you! The "th" is pronounced "t" in French, so it could be "Teron" with that pronunciation. Most of other French names you mention are fairly common first names in France(I know people with most of those names and one of them is my husband's first name!). I quite like "Cloud" as well, but in French it would be pronounced "Cloo" which doesn't work so well...I am increasingly thinking we should be looking for a non-French first name which works with the French surname. Your site and suggestions should help! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteOne option could be to choose names from surrounding countries (Spain, Italy, Greece, England) that any French speaker would be familiar with. I am wondering if Jove, Dorian, Paladin (http://ababynameperday.blogspot.com/2012/01/paladin.html)or Oleander would be acceptable? Other ideas: Guy, Forest, Silas, Orlando, Croix, Aramis and Geoffrey. I would love to know what name you end up deciding on!
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