Name of the Week

This week's name of the week is a name that seems to be cropping up for me in social media, books, and even at work:

Ivy

Whether it conjures uncomfortable memories of an itchy rash, or romantic sweeping greenery up educational buildings, or even a modern baby taking on her father's album as a name, this particular name crosses ages and stereotypes.  On one hand, you could have a feisty steampunk character traipsing around as an Ivy, while also following a young adult character who has a penchant for thick, dark makeup calling herself Ivy, and audiences would accept both.  Your main character could be at her grandmother Ivy's funeral, discovering unsavory details about her recently divorced cousin, or he could be holding his new baby Ivy in his arms, uncertain of the world he is bringing her into after the fall of the reigning regime.  

It's already the name of famous characters like Poison Ivy 

http://dc.wikia.com/wiki/Detective_Comics_Vol_2_23.1:_Poison_Ivy

and is now an American Girl Doll (did you know they keep making new ones?)

http://store.americangirl.com/agshop/html/item/id/141063/uid/488

and is an actual steampunk character in the Parasol Protectorate Series.

The name is Old English, and is taken from "the English word for the climbing plant that has small yellow flowers." You can learn more about the origins and popularity of this name here.  This is obviously not a surprising meaning for this name.  So take this moment to picture a character, maybe she's ironically name Ivy, or maybe it's a male character (this is not unheard of for the name Ivy to be male), and write a short scene.  The name could lead to a great new story. Or still remind you of an annoying plant in your yard.  But don't hate on it so much.  It's simplicity is beautiful, and the history it's rooted in can be a great foundation for any character.

I do believe that the right character name will present itself in due time, and that a writer shouldn't rely on baby name websites.  However, when used correctly, they can be helpful in inspiring names.  Check out my favorite name websites right now.