Lacuna Rambles/Thoughts/Gif Reacts #2: First Names! (Part 2) (Patreon)

Hi Returning Visitors!

This will be part two of a ramble set about why I selected particular names for the characters in TFS. I'll be getting into our main beloveds and likely a few of the other characters as well. You can find another ramble post on the surnames: here. Part 1 of the first names ramble is: here. I might do a part 3 with A. Corvin, Mrs. Dorran, and other side characters, although some names are more spoilery than others like Mr. Verner's, which we won't learn until later on. :D

These names can sometimes serve as hints!

[Alternate Text: A GIF that is mostly a blue-toned, gray scale color. It's of a person who seems to be covering a deep hole they dug. Their horse waits in the background, but the overall mood is dark and gloomy in a way that makes you wonder what is being covered in fresh, black dirt.] 

J. Corvin

Jane

Its meaning links to: God is gracious or merciful. This name has a an old Hebrew origin with many variants because it became widely popular among aristocrats (French, English, Greek, etc.) to the point where it was almost viewed as common. Think 'plain Jane' or 'G.I. Jane', more disconcertingly for TFS's horror genre, we also have: Jane Doe. 😬

James

It means supplanter or substitute along with 'one who takes by the heel' or 'one who follows'. (The last two meanings in single quotes specifically refer to a biblical birth where the second born brother clung to the heel of the first.) It's of Hebrew origin with many James mentioned in Biblical stories, including James the Just. It's very popular/common.

Both versions of J's name have a certain commonality to them, a classic, acceptable, and dependable edge. The supposed 'plain' or 'run-of-the-mill' aspect is a subtle nod to how J can sometimes view themself under the weight of their role as Detective, though we know this is often reinforced by the townsfolk's behavior too. The faceless quality verges on being a town symbol. This is why the Returning Visitor connecting with J is so treasured by them! We will be learning more about their childhood in Book Two; it sheds more light on why these names fit.

(James-specific Aside: There's a specific reason why I selected 'James' over 'John' despite how 'John' might better fit the horror convention of an unidentified person, typically the deceased. 👀 I like/prefer how it sounds when added to Corvin too. ) 

[Alternate Text: An image of large chunks of rubies on a slate gray counter top; they're beautiful with many different shades of rich red.]

(They^ also look cherry flavored. 🍒😛)

R. Verner

Ruby

It has Latin origins from 'ruber' (red) or 'rubinous', but both mean a deep red precious stone. This name holds a certain sultry elegance along with the stone itself that has had more staying power than other names that relate to jewelry or precious materials.

Reese

Meanings such as ardor, passion, and fiery are all embedded in this name, which pairs well with R's character, especially if you read that particular exchange with Mrs. Dorran on their RO excursion. It has a Welsh origin. 

These names just seem made for R as a character!  Although I think they can take on even deeper meanings on their romance route where they can express ardent feelings for the MC and show how much they treasure them above all of the Verner glitz. While their character color is more so black than red, we do see a link with Angelique and how R does also favor reds, purples, and more traditionally aristocratic pops of color. There is also a spoiler element to R's name that I'm sure will hit many of you in the feels once you figure it out. 🙃 It's fully revealed in Book Three, but there are hints even in Book Two. 

(Ms. Verner  was adamant on these names for her child!)

[Alternate Text: A beautiful image of a grist mill that's set out in the country. The mill itself is many decades old set beside a river to let its water wheel be powered. The rotation could help to power grinding machinery to mill flour or other grains into fine powder.] 

Milton

It means mill town or from a settlement with a mill along with "in the middle of three settlements". This name has an old English origin. It's an uncommon name. 

Our boy Milton! 😌 He's technically the very first Fernweh born and bred character you (the reader) encounter when arriving in town. You'll notice that I've yet to describe a mill in the series, but the ouroboros has come up many times and it bears a resemblance to the grist mill picture—both are circular, always turning/writhing, and seemingly unending. Whether a mill is powered by a river or by horses, it is meant to turn, which relates to the dread/horror aspect of Fernweh always beneath the surface and within the dark woods, running in parallel with the lives of the townsfolk. This name was selected with TFS's themes in mind; plus, it does sound a little out of place and uncommon to further the small town vibe. The changes Milton can go through are directly dependent on your choices; they widely range in outcomes. His life can take a turn thanks to you.

The settlements meaning/mention could also make you wonder about the factions at play. We'll be learning more about the town's history throughout the series.  

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I hope you enjoyed the insight into these name meanings! 💚 They will take on added nuance as you uncover more about the story.