Gender Blender Name: Difference between revisions

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Can sometimes be considered the [[Embarrassing First Name]] or the [[Embarrassing Middle Name]].
Can sometimes be considered the [[Embarrassing First Name]] or the [[Embarrassing Middle Name]].


[[Tomboyish Name]] is a [[Sub Trope]].
[[Tomboyish Name]] is a [[Sub-Trope]].
{{examples}}
{{examples}}


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** Likewise, Joseph sometimes turns up as a girl's middle name or as the second part of a composite first name.
** Likewise, Joseph sometimes turns up as a girl's middle name or as the second part of a composite first name.
** Maria José and José María are not uncommon names in Mexican history (sometimes get even a Jesus in the combination!!!) but most cases the first name matches the gender, as the Josés are mostly men and the Marías women.
** Maria José and José María are not uncommon names in Mexican history (sometimes get even a Jesus in the combination!!!) but most cases the first name matches the gender, as the Josés are mostly men and the Marías women.
** In France, at least until the 18th century, "Anne" also was used as a first name for boys. A prime example would be [[Four Star Badass|Anne, Duc de Montmorency]] (1493-1567), Constable of France and one of the great Catholic military leaders of the Wars of Religion.
** In France, at least until the 18th century, "Anne" also was used as a first name for boys. A prime example would be [[Four-Star Badass|Anne, Duc de Montmorency]] (1493-1567), Constable of France and one of the great Catholic military leaders of the Wars of Religion.
** In Scotland, where family surnames are common as middle names (but not first names) girls often end up with middle names that sound pretty masculine. Or just plain unfortunate, such as "Duff".
** In Scotland, where family surnames are common as middle names (but not first names) girls often end up with middle names that sound pretty masculine. Or just plain unfortunate, such as "Duff".
** "Mariya" from [[Maria Holic]] seems to be example of this particular instance.
** "Mariya" from [[Maria Holic]] seems to be example of this particular instance.
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** Same confusion, different generation: Actress Michael Michele.
** Same confusion, different generation: Actress Michael Michele.
** Also actress [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0404924/ Michael Hyatt].
** Also actress [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0404924/ Michael Hyatt].
** [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Steele_(musician) Michael Steele] is a member of the popular all-girl rock band [[The Bangles]].
** [[wikipedia:Michael Steele (musician)|Michael Steele]] is a member of the popular all-girl rock band [[The Bangles]].
** Also actress [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0635782/ Christopher Norris].
** Also actress [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0635782/ Christopher Norris].
* Adrian Andrews from the second and third games of ''[[Ace Attorney]]'', which is important because {{spoiler|her name sounds masculine (and her last name literally is). This helps derail Shelly de Killer's argument that Adrian is his client, since he states that he physically met Adrian to make the deal, but refers to her as male because he hasn't actually met her.}}
* Adrian Andrews from the second and third games of ''[[Ace Attorney]]'', which is important because {{spoiler|her name sounds masculine (and her last name literally is). This helps derail Shelly de Killer's argument that Adrian is his client, since he states that he physically met Adrian to make the deal, but refers to her as male because he hasn't actually met her.}}
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** [[Holes|Mr. Sir's]] real name Marion Sirvino. "It ''is'' a boy's name!"
** [[Holes|Mr. Sir's]] real name Marion Sirvino. "It ''is'' a boy's name!"
* Lucia Raregroove, the ultimate [[Big Bad]] of ''[[Rave Master]]''. Yes, he has a girl's name. Since he's the embodiment of darkness, his name also means light. His stepbrother's name [[Who Names Their Kid "Dude"?|isn't much better]].
* Lucia Raregroove, the ultimate [[Big Bad]] of ''[[Rave Master]]''. Yes, he has a girl's name. Since he's the embodiment of darkness, his name also means light. His stepbrother's name [[Who Names Their Kid "Dude"?|isn't much better]].
* African-American heart surgeon [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vivien_Thomas Vivien Thomas], whose parents thought they were having a girl and really liked the name. Also has a nephew named Koco.
* African-American heart surgeon [[wikipedia:Vivien Thomas|Vivien Thomas]], whose parents thought they were having a girl and really liked the name. Also has a nephew named Koco.
* Tohru from [[Fruits Basket]] explains that her father gave her a typically masculine name in order to emphasize her femininity, comparing it to adding a little salt to something sweet to enhance the flavor.
* Tohru from [[Fruits Basket]] explains that her father gave her a typically masculine name in order to emphasize her femininity, comparing it to adding a little salt to something sweet to enhance the flavor.
** Ayame and Yuki can both be female names
** Ayame and Yuki can both be female names
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* Although Edith, a male character from ''[[Ghost Dad]]'', claims his first name is a boy's name, he also explains he was named after his grandmother.
* Although Edith, a male character from ''[[Ghost Dad]]'', claims his first name is a boy's name, he also explains he was named after his grandmother.
{{quote| '''Sir Edith Moser:''' [[Its Pronounced Tropay|It's pronounced edd-ith!]]}}
{{quote| '''Sir Edith Moser:''' [[Its Pronounced Tropay|It's pronounced edd-ith!]]}}
* In ''[[Kyon Big Damn Hero (Fanfic)|Kyon Big Damn Hero]]'', the Tsuruya family doctor is called Sakura. Yes, he's male.
* In ''[[Kyon: Big Damn Hero (Fanfic)|Kyon Big Damn Hero]]'', the Tsuruya family doctor is called Sakura. Yes, he's male.
* ''Bullet-Proof Monk'' actress James King wanted to defy naming conventions, but apparently switched to Jamie to avoid confusion.
* ''Bullet-Proof Monk'' actress James King wanted to defy naming conventions, but apparently switched to Jamie to avoid confusion.
* Ruby and Sapphire from ''[[Pokémon Special]]'', considering the protagonists are named after each game. Ruby from ''Pocket Monsters'' counts too.
* Ruby and Sapphire from ''[[Pokémon Special]]'', considering the protagonists are named after each game. Ruby from ''Pocket Monsters'' counts too.
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** But what floor did [[Teen Genius]] Lucca from ''[[Chrono Trigger (Video Game)|Chrono Trigger]]'' live on?
** But what floor did [[Teen Genius]] Lucca from ''[[Chrono Trigger (Video Game)|Chrono Trigger]]'' live on?
* Anne, although a female name in most languages, is traditionally a male name in Frisian. Pronounched something like Oh-one-eh, but more fluent.
* Anne, although a female name in most languages, is traditionally a male name in Frisian. Pronounched something like Oh-one-eh, but more fluent.
** Anna is commonly female as well. But then there's this activist guy from India: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anna_Hazare Anna Hazare].
** Anna is commonly female as well. But then there's this activist guy from India: [[wikipedia:Anna Hazare|Anna Hazare]].
* If a person is unfamiliar with Armenian names, the endings of the names frequently leave the gender to the imagination.
* If a person is unfamiliar with Armenian names, the endings of the names frequently leave the gender to the imagination.
* Artemis is the name of a Greek goddess.
* Artemis is the name of a Greek goddess.
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* Kim, which at least in English tends to be feminine, while in Nordic countries it is masculine. Also Kimi (as in Räikkönen).
* Kim, which at least in English tends to be feminine, while in Nordic countries it is masculine. Also Kimi (as in Räikkönen).
** However, we can point out at least two male English Kims: author [[Kim Newman]] and [[Rudyard Kipling]]'s ''Kim''. (There's also the spy Kim Philby, but in his case "Kim" was just a nickname, after the Kipling character, and his actual given name was Harold.)
** However, we can point out at least two male English Kims: author [[Kim Newman]] and [[Rudyard Kipling]]'s ''Kim''. (There's also the spy Kim Philby, but in his case "Kim" was just a nickname, after the Kipling character, and his actual given name was Harold.)
** It is also masculine in the former Soviet Union, being one of the numerous "revolutionary" names that were invented after the [[Red October]]. It stands for "Kommunistichesky Internatsional Molodyozhy" ("the Communist International of the Youth", the youth branch of the Comintern). Most of these names have lost popularity, for [[The Great Politics Mess Up|obvious reasons]].
** It is also masculine in the former Soviet Union, being one of the numerous "revolutionary" names that were invented after the [[Red October]]. It stands for "Kommunistichesky Internatsional Molodyozhy" ("the Communist International of the Youth", the youth branch of the Comintern). Most of these names have lost popularity, for [[The Great Politics Mess-Up|obvious reasons]].
** The fact that Kim is the single most common Korean family name just adds another layer of confusion.
** The fact that Kim is the single most common Korean family name just adds another layer of confusion.
** There's also the male Kim Thayil of Soundgarden, who is American, but of Indian descent.
** There's also the male Kim Thayil of Soundgarden, who is American, but of Indian descent.
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*** The actual name is ''Meike'', but we'll let it slide for a movie that basically parodied [[Did Not Do the Research]]. (If it wasn't intended a parody, keep quiet and leave the Europeans that comfortable illusion.)
*** The actual name is ''Meike'', but we'll let it slide for a movie that basically parodied [[Did Not Do the Research]]. (If it wasn't intended a parody, keep quiet and leave the Europeans that comfortable illusion.)
**** [http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mieke Mieke] is a [[Perfectly Cromulent Word|perfectly cromulent]] German name.
**** [http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mieke Mieke] is a [[Perfectly Cromulent Word|perfectly cromulent]] German name.
* Noah, generally considered to be a masculine name in English, is actually a feminine name in Hebrew. The man people are trying to name their sons after has a name ending in a sound that English doesn't have, so when [[The Bible (Literature)|The Bible]] was translated, they both got the same name. But they're spelled and pronounced differently in Hebrew (Compare ''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nun_%28letter%29 nun]-[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayin ayin]-[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/He_%28letter%29 hey]'' for the girl's name and ''nun-[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heth chet]'' for the boy's name.) So yes, [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1682324/ her] name is actually fine.
* Noah, generally considered to be a masculine name in English, is actually a feminine name in Hebrew. The man people are trying to name their sons after has a name ending in a sound that English doesn't have, so when [[The Bible (Literature)|The Bible]] was translated, they both got the same name. But they're spelled and pronounced differently in Hebrew (Compare ''[[wikipedia:Nun chr(28)letterchr(29)|nun]]-[[wikipedia:Ayin|ayin]]-[[wikipedia:He chr(28)letterchr(29)|hey]]'' for the girl's name and ''nun-[[wikipedia:Heth|chet]]'' for the boy's name.) So yes, [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1682324/ her] name is actually fine.
** "Noa" is also recently gaining popularity as a feminine name in Japan.
** "Noa" is also recently gaining popularity as a feminine name in Japan.
** Similarly, Shelah is a Biblical name that can go both ways but was most commonly on men. Now it's most common on women.
** Similarly, Shelah is a Biblical name that can go both ways but was most commonly on men. Now it's most common on women.
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** Ash Crimson, from ''[[King of Fighters]]'' is called Ashley, probably due to his French origin. Maybe his true name generated the whole fruity behavior he has. Fitting.
** Ash Crimson, from ''[[King of Fighters]]'' is called Ashley, probably due to his French origin. Maybe his true name generated the whole fruity behavior he has. Fitting.
** Ashley Winchester of [[Wild Arms 2 (Video Game)|Wild Arms 2]] fame.
** Ashley Winchester of [[Wild Arms 2 (Video Game)|Wild Arms 2]] fame.
** "Ashleigh", a male variant of "Ashley," has evolved, as in the case of author [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashleigh_Brilliant Ashleigh Brilliant].
** "Ashleigh", a male variant of "Ashley," has evolved, as in the case of author [[wikipedia:Ashleigh Brilliant|Ashleigh Brilliant]].
*** The "-ley/-leigh" names - including "Leigh" itself - were originally surnames (it refers to a meadow, or clearing), so gender-neutral. It's just a [[Double Standard]].
*** The "-ley/-leigh" names - including "Leigh" itself - were originally surnames (it refers to a meadow, or clearing), so gender-neutral. It's just a [[Double Standard]].
** There was a pro football player named Ashley (Ambrose) a few years back. Appropriately enough, he played for Atlanta (cue sports anchors doing their best [[Gone With the Wind|Scarlet O'Hara]], "Ashley!")
** There was a pro football player named Ashley (Ambrose) a few years back. Appropriately enough, he played for Atlanta (cue sports anchors doing their best [[Gone With the Wind|Scarlet O'Hara]], "Ashley!")
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== Homophones ==
== Homophones ==
(some of these may not be homophones in certain accents)
(some of these may not be homophones in certain accents)
* Aaron and Erin (in accents with the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary-marry-merry_merger Mary-marry-merry merger])
* Aaron and Erin (in accents with the [[wikipedia:Mary-marry-merry merger|Mary-marry-merry merger]])
* Adrian and Adrienne (in English, ''slightly'' more distinct in French)
* Adrian and Adrienne (in English, ''slightly'' more distinct in French)
* Carey and Carrie (in accents with the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary-marry-merry_merger Mary-marry-merry merger])
* Carey and Carrie (in accents with the [[wikipedia:Mary-marry-merry merger|Mary-marry-merry merger]])
* Carroll and Carol (in accents with the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary-marry-merry_merger Mary-marry-merry merger])
* Carroll and Carol (in accents with the [[wikipedia:Mary-marry-merry merger|Mary-marry-merry merger]])
* Daniel and Danièle (in French) and Danielle (in English)
* Daniel and Danièle (in French) and Danielle (in English)
* Don and Dawn (in accents with the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cot-caught_merger cot-caught merger])
* Don and Dawn (in accents with the [[wikipedia:Cot-caught merger|cot-caught merger]])
* Francis and Frances
* Francis and Frances
* Frédéric and Frédérique (in French)
* Frédéric and Frédérique (in French)
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* Michel and Michèle (in French) and Michelle (in English)
* Michel and Michèle (in French) and Michelle (in English)
* Vivian and Vivien/Vivienne (the first spelling is gender-neutral)
* Vivian and Vivien/Vivienne (the first spelling is gender-neutral)
* Peter and Peta (in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhotic_and_non-rhotic_accents non-rhotic accents])
* Peter and Peta (in [[wikipedia:Rhotic and non-rhotic accents|non-rhotic accents]])
** A woman (think she's a dress designer) in NZ is named Peter.
** A woman (think she's a dress designer) in NZ is named Peter.
* Natan and Natane. The former is primarily male, the latter is primarily female.
* Natan and Natane. The former is primarily male, the latter is primarily female.
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* Ian and Anne
* Ian and Anne
** How is that possible that they can be homophones, really?
** How is that possible that they can be homophones, really?
*** Maybe if you're a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yooper_dialect Yooper].
*** Maybe if you're a [[wikipedia:Yooper dialect|Yooper]].
* Virtually any male name (or nickname) ending with "-y" (Bobby, Andy, Teddy, Tony, Danny, Johnny, Ricky) can become feminine by spelling it "-i" or "-ie".
* Virtually any male name (or nickname) ending with "-y" (Bobby, Andy, Teddy, Tony, Danny, Johnny, Ricky) can become feminine by spelling it "-i" or "-ie".
** And Sandy is the reverse, as it's normally short for Cassandra (see above) but can also be used as a male name on its own, or as a shortening of Alexander.
** And Sandy is the reverse, as it's normally short for Cassandra (see above) but can also be used as a male name on its own, or as a shortening of Alexander.
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* Claire and Clare, leading to the male character in ''Baccano!'' having the feminine spelling of the name, while the female protagonists of Claymore uses the masculine spelling.
* Claire and Clare, leading to the male character in ''Baccano!'' having the feminine spelling of the name, while the female protagonists of Claymore uses the masculine spelling.
* Valer(i)y/Valerie: The former is a masculine Russian name.
* Valer(i)y/Valerie: The former is a masculine Russian name.
* Ivan (Russian) and Yvonne/Ivonne (in English accents with the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Father-bother_merger father-bother merger])
* Ivan (Russian) and Yvonne/Ivonne (in English accents with the [[wikipedia:Father-bother merger|father-bother merger]])
* Elisha and Alicia (averted if the former is pronounced like ''Elijah'')
* Elisha and Alicia (averted if the former is pronounced like ''Elijah'')


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*** When females are knighted, their title is "Dame", i.e. "Dame Integra". Her using the masculine title fits the trope.
*** When females are knighted, their title is "Dame", i.e. "Dame Integra". Her using the masculine title fits the trope.
**** Another page on [[This Very Wiki]] states that she's legally a man as a requirement for holding her position. "Dame Integra" would therefore be legally incorrect.
**** Another page on [[This Very Wiki]] states that she's legally a man as a requirement for holding her position. "Dame Integra" would therefore be legally incorrect.
*** Another reason is the the writer did not understand the British [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peerage peerage] system and used 'Sir' since it is more common for government officials.
*** Another reason is the the writer did not understand the British [[wikipedia:Peerage|peerage]] system and used 'Sir' since it is more common for government officials.
* The ''Tentei'' or "Heavenly Emperor" in ''[[Fist of the North Star]]'' is actually Lin's twin sister, Lui.
* The ''Tentei'' or "Heavenly Emperor" in ''[[Fist of the North Star]]'' is actually Lin's twin sister, Lui.


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[[Category:Gender Blending Tropes]]
[[Category:Gender Blending Tropes]]
[[Category:Gender Blender Name]]
[[Category:Gender Blender Name]]
[[Category:Trope]]
Retrieved from "https://allthetropes.org/wiki/Gender_Blender_Name"