Did Shakespeare miss the boat when he named his famous female heroine Juliet instead of Julia? Or, was the name he originally used Julia?  At least in Sweden this story used to be about Romeo and Julia.  Perhaps it was Juliet to add more drama?

Julia has been a famous and loved name for centuries. John Lennon wrote a song "Julia" named after his mother and called his son a derivative of the same name Julian. Besides famous beloved actresses with the first name Julia as in Julia Stiles, Julia Roberts, Julia Andrews, Julia Ormond, Julia Sweeney and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, we also have Julia Child's the chef, known for introducing French cooking to Americans. In Roman times, the people who wished to all to have equal rights were members of the Julian Party. What is it about the name Julia that captivates us?

Julias are bright, intuitive and joyful. We all love to be around happy people. Julias have a playful sense of humor and are self-confident. They maintain their independence and are easy to like. Who could refuse someone with all of those wonderful characteristics? It's a great name for popularity and prosperity.

Let us also consider the name Romeo as in Shakespeare’s famous play Juliet asks Romeo to forgo his name so that they will not be in conflict due to no reason other than their names. Of course Romeo likes his name and does not change his name, anymore than Juliet would probably be willing to change her name.  What does Romeo’s name say about him?

Romeo wants to be remembered throughout time as indicated by his first name ending in the vowel ‘O’.  He is a leader, and can be bossy. He likes to give orders and expects loyalty from the people around him.  Romeo can tell how people feel around him and can see things from other’s people’s point of view.   It doesn’t mean that he agrees with others, just that he can see things from their point of view.  Romeo is rebellious and doesn’t like to be told what to do. He also wants the truth, and his sword is ever ready to chop off someone’s head that isn’t truthful. What Romeo likes he really likes and what he doesn’t like he hates. Extreme thinking occupies his brain.   His behavior in Shakespeare’s play reflects his name beautifully.

Thought I’d also add little known facts about names in this newsletter which is recopied with permission from Rick Frieshman’s newsletter

• Wilma Flinstone’s maiden named was Wilma Slaghoopal and Betty Rubble’s maiden name was Betty Jean Mcbricker.
• Barbies (the doll) full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts
• Donald Duck’s middle name is Fauntleroy.
• The comic known as Peanuts was originally known as Li’l folks.
• The dog featured on a box of Cracker Jacks name is Bingo, the little boy is Jack.
• Pinocchio is Italian for “pine eye”.