Saturday, April 24, 2010

What is a good, ironic last name for somebody who should be happy and friendly?

I am creating a story about an old man who has no friends because he is so bitter towards others, and I don't know what to name him.... Mr. ____? Is there any kind of symbolic name for a happy person or someone who is friendly and kind? It could be of any origin, I just want my story to sound interesting. Thanks in advance!

What is a good, ironic last name for somebody who should be happy and friendly?
Doom
Reply:I knew someone like that actually and thought it was funny that his last name was Gaity.
Reply:Mr. Felicitous


Mr. Blithe


Mr. Jubilant


Mr. Rhapsodic
Reply:Some good suggestions so far. I would suggest you try to use one that is an ACTUAL name -- NOT names like "Mr Cheerful", which is too obviously manufactured, and sounds more like what people would call a dour person to make fun of him.





The best might be "Blythe" (older spelling of "blithe", and how the SURNAME is usually spelled), which means:"joyous, merry, or gay in disposition; glad; cheerful"





"Bliss" is another possibility. Or "Smiley" The slight difference in spelling for this name, as for Blythe, may make it more appealing, since the irony is clear enough, yet the spelling difference, since it is legitimate, makes the whole seem a bit less contrived.





Or how about "Merriman"/"Merryman" (old term for a jester). Again, the spelling difference might help (not to mention the slightly different pronunciation from "merry man").





Along the same lines, you might possibly consider a name like "Leithart" -- it SOUNDS like "light heart", of course, but doesn't actually mean that.





In another time I might have suggested "Gay" (and I know people with this name), but nowadays the alternate usage is sure to distract.





I commend Lana's efforts, but her suggestions seem too erudite for your purposes -- foreign names that the common reader would not know the meaning of are not likely to make your point.
Reply:Mr Smiley.





Mr.Sweet
Reply:Riley (living the life of)


Abraham


Right
Reply:Mr Merry/Popular/Jolly/Shine?
Reply:Mr. Blithe


Mr. Jolly


Mr. Kind


Mr. Cheer


Mr. Phunny
Reply:In Spanish there is a last name:


- Alegria: which actually means "joy" "happiness".





In English you could use:


- Bristow: (British Origin) means From brihs, pleasant, bright.


- Manners ( like.. he has none.. could be very ironic and funny).





In French:


- Bellamont (origin: Fr.) De Bellamont, from the fair or beautiful mount. De Bello Monte.


- Allure : Which means like beauty or charm.





You can also check www.last-names.net and do a little research. Hope you find it.


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