My Names

[poliphilo]

I've never used a pseudonym before. And I wouldn't have done so here on LJ if it hadn't been the etiquette (so to speak.) I don't mind people knowing who I really am- and if you want to be told I'll tell you, no qualms.

But I like my adopted name. I've started to identify with it. It's more elegant and eloquent than the real thing.

But what's with this "reality" business anyway? Which is more real- the name my parents gave me or the one I have given myself?

My real first name derives from an ancient Roman family, the most famous member of which has a leading role in Shakespeare. It's further identified with the guy who set the early Christian fashion for going out into the Egyptian desert and hallucinating (otherwise known as monasticism.)

Wanna have a guess? No prizes I'm afraid.

And my last name is an odd little monosyllable of uncertain derivation. It might mean "grey" or it might have something to do with milling.

But Poliphilo- he's this Italian Renaissance Alice who scuttles through Wonderland (in search of his girlfriend) oohing and aahing at the architecture and furnishings. I didn't spend a whole lot of time choosing the name, but I find it fits very comfortably. Lover of Many Things is what it means.

I want it on my tombstone.

Comments

[cataptromancer.livejournal.com]

Oh good, let me be the first to say "Anthony." He started eremitic monasticism - it was up to Benedict a little later to set coenobiticism as a trend.

As for the second name -- Grist?

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Bloody hell. Yes. Plumb in the gold. I am discovered.

Anthony John Grist at your service, known to my friends as Tony.

[cataptromancer.livejournal.com]

Ah, there's much I can do with this information.

Like read your wonderful Baudelaire adaptation, and your funny bit about classical pornographic tableware. You have a real knack for enjambment.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Thank you. Thank you so much...:)

But let me hasten to assure you that the chap who runs a Kylie Minogue fan-club (is it Kylie or is it someone else) has absolutely no connection whatsoever with this establishment.

[craftyailz.livejournal.com]

And known to your wife as either Tone or just Grist - and became Uncle Grist for a while!

[halfmoon-mollie.livejournal.com]

What an elegant name! Matches my mental image of you.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Thank you.