Thoughts on this name...

[xanya.livejournal.com]

Okay, so what do people think of the name Cressida? It means "golden one" in Greek and comes from the Medieval legends of a woman called Cressida who betrays her lover, a Trojan prince called Troilus. It was popularised by Chaucer in a poem, and Shakespeare in one of his plays called, strangely enough, Troilus and Cressida. She's generally seen as a bit of a trollop - she sleeps around and is definitely not to be trusted. 

It would be pronounced Kress-uh-dah, with possible nicknames Cress or Cressy. Very uncommon, at least in Australia. What does everyone think of it?

Comments

[satunian.livejournal.com]

Lol I always liked the name, and ironically I am now reading a book where there is a character named Cressida!

[xanya.livejournal.com]

Really? What book is it? You really don't see the name around that much.

[krosp.livejournal.com]

I once knew someone (in Australia) whose middle name was Cressida. Interesting to hear about the history of it. I suppose it's a decent enough name although I wouldn't use it myself. If you're looking for an uncommon name with a strong background it's great, and I don't think it would be too hard for people to get their heads around.

[xanya.livejournal.com]

Hmm... should have pointed out, I'm not actually interested in using it, I was just having a fight about it with someone and wanted some expert opinions! (It's actually my sister's name, ha). I wouldn't use it myself, but I agree with why someone would use it. Thanks for your input!

[neroli.livejournal.com]

Like the name (as you can see, since I posted it on the Bravery Names () thread the other day), but I don't think in good conscience it would be fair to give someone a name with that much baggage.

[xanya.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I get what you mean.

[oh-vibrant.livejournal.com]

[xanya.livejournal.com]

It is, yeah, but I haven't seen one around for ages. Eh, I know nothing about cars...

[maude.livejournal.com]

Watercress sandwiches are nasty.

[miss-tee.livejournal.com]

For some reason it reminds me of salad. Especially the nick name Cress reminds me of watercress. But I actually think it's one of those names that grows on a person after time.

[xanya.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I like Cress better than Cressida (my mother disagrees strongly with this). Although many people seem to think it's "caress" or "crass" which does crack me up, but perhaps it wouldn't be so nice if it were your name.

[ewaeva.livejournal.com]

I like it a lot. Classic but fresh!

Reminds me of the Toyota model, but it's not a big deal, and I don't mind the watercress associations ;)

[xanya.livejournal.com]

Classic but fresh - I like that way of looking at it. Thanks!

[in-the-starlite.livejournal.com]

My grandma used to drive a Cressida. =]

[lavandersparkle.livejournal.com]

I don't like it at all

[cathkitten.livejournal.com]

LOVE!

[xanya.livejournal.com]

Cool, nice to know!

[unfshine.livejournal.com]

My grandma drove a Cressida, I think my cousins drives it now though.

[sayga.livejournal.com]

i had no idea it was a model of car. i think it's a little enough known car that it'd be ok. it does make me think of watercress, but i feel fairly neutral about watercress, so i think the name is good. without your pronnunciation guide, i would have pronounced it cruh-SEE-duh.

[xanya.livejournal.com]

Hee, neutral about watercress. That just seems funny somehow. Yeah, most people tend to pronounce it your way when they first see it.

[museofmyself.livejournal.com]

The first car I ever owned was a silver 1980 Toyota Cressida. Oh, the memories! It's not a horrible name, but I won't be using it, for obvious reasons. :)

[xanya.livejournal.com]

Ha, I guess that would be a good reason! Wouldn't bother me - mainly because I don't even know what kind of car I own now. I'm quite pathetic when it comes to that kind of thing.

[poespretty.livejournal.com]

I just don't like it.

[shyloh.livejournal.com]

I think it looks prettier than it sounds. I don't like it.

[xanya.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I get that. I have that problem with the name Claire, too, for some reason.

[daregale.livejournal.com]

Sida would be another nickname. I like it.

[xanya.livejournal.com]

Hee, "sida" is the French term for AIDS so I'm not sure that would be the best nicnkame! But that probably wouldn't bother the majority of English speakers who wouldn't know that.

[daregale.livejournal.com]

eek!

[mrsduryee.livejournal.com]

and Spanish

[mrsduryee.livejournal.com]

Sid would be a good nn too.

[xanya.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I guess, though slightly manly... Thanks!

[arbus.livejournal.com]

toyota used to make a car called the cressida. thats the first thing that popped into my mind. absolutely adore the nickname cressy though. :)