Names in Harry Potter

When reading or watching Harry Potter, you may notice some of the new words J. K. Rowling uses.  Many of these names have special meanings or hints about the character’s personality. What do they tell us?

Character Names

Harry Potter – The name Harry is a common English name, often linked to kings (like King Henry). It gives the feeling of a strong, brave character. Potter is a simple surname, making him seem like an ordinary boy.

Albus Dumbledore – Albus is Latin for “white,” which can symbolize wisdom and goodness. Dumbledore is an old English word for a bumblebee. Rowling said she imagined Dumbledore as someone who hums to himself like a bee.

Severus Snape – Severus is Latin for “strict” or “harsh,” which fits his personality. Snape sounds like “snipe,” meaning to criticize sharply, and also resembles “snake,” fitting his connection to Slytherin.

Draco Malfoy – Draco means “dragon” in Latin, and Malfoy comes from French words mal  and foi meaning “bad faith” or “bad intentions,” which hints at his untrustworthy nature.

Minerva McGonagall – Minerva is the Roman goddess of wisdom, a good fit for a wise teacher. Conegal is Celtic for ‘the bravest’. McGonagall is also a Scottish poet known for writing bad poetry, perhaps adding a little humor.

Hagrid – His full name, Rubeus Hagrid, has meaning. Rubeus is linked to the color red, sometimes linked to strong emotions. Hagrid comes from an old English word for having a bad night, which may connect to his love of drinking and troubled past.

Argus Filch – Argus comes from Greek mythology, referring to a creature with many eyes, which fits his role as the ever-watchful caretaker. Filch is a slang word meaning “to steal,” appropriate for someone who confiscates students’ belongings.

Firenze – The centaur’s name is the Italian name for Florence, a city linked to knowledge and culture, fitting his wisdom.

Place Names

Diagon Alley – This sounds like “diagonally,” a clever hint at how the magical street is hidden from ordinary people.

Knockturn Alley – Sounds like “nocturnally” (something active at night), which matches its dark and mysterious nature.

Hogwarts – The name is said to have come from a plant Rowling saw called “hogwort,” but “wart” could also suggest something unusual or magical.

Little Whinging – Whinging is a British word for complaining, and the Dursleys are known for being whiny and unpleasant.

Privet Drive – Privet is a type of hedge, often used in suburban areas to create barriers between houses. This fits well with the Dursleys’ desire for privacy and their strict, ordinary lifestyle.

Other Made-up Words

Muggle – Rowling invented this word for non-magical people, but it sounds similar to “mug” (a British slang term for a foolish person), which may suggest how wizards see them. In 2003, the word ‘muggle’ was added to the Oxford English Dictionary.

Floo Powder – The magical travel method may come from “flue,” the chimney passage where smoke travels, which makes sense as wizards travel through fireplaces.