you could’t judge a book by its cover, and you could’t judge a name by its history.
These baby names are absolutely gorgeous, but they have some pretty ugly stories behind them.
“What’s in a name?
If these names were as awful as their histories, they would probably be forgotten today.
Jezebel
The nameJezebelrolls off the tongue.
According to the Bible, Jezebel was the wife of King Ahab of Israel.
For centuries, Jezebel has representedwicked women.
The name was also used tovilify black womenprior to the Civil Rights era.
Transformed into a siren, she remained there, luring fishermen to their deaths.
Achilles
This name is starting togain some traction, despite its association with the Trojan War.
Many are familiar with the tale ofthe Greek soldier Achilleswho was nearly indestructible.
This gave him the power of invulnerability, but left his heel weak.
Cassandra
Cassandra was one of the most tragic figures of the Trojan war.
Tansy
This lovely flower is beautiful on the outside, but has many potent uses.
The name is derived from the Greek wordathanasiameaning “immortality.”
It was once thought to actually bestow immortality and was therefore usedin embalming practices.
The plant has also been used throughout history as an abortifacient to induce miscarriage.
The power-hungry Borgias are now remembered asone of the most scandalous families in history.
Rumors still abound as to just how large of a role Lucretia played in her family’s plots.
Some think she was in an incestuous relationship with her brother, Cesare.
Others believe that she was involved in the death of her second husband.
Delilah
The nameDelilahmeans “delicate, weak, and languishing” in Hebrew.
Without his strength, Samson was weakened and soon captured by his enemies.
Althea
Althea isone of the lesser-known figures in Greek mythology.
Desperate to keep her son safe, she had the wood removed from the fire and kept it safe.
Meleager grew to adulthood and killed the Calydonian Boar, which many other hunters had failed to capture.
He gave the pelt and tusks to the huntress Atalanta.
Just as had been foretold, as soon as the wood had finished burning, Meleager died.
Griffin
Mythological stories describe the griffin asa terrifying and fierce creature.
While the creatures could be vicious, the were also considered to be highly intelligent.
As a given name, Griffin has different origins.
It is ultimately derivedfrom a Welsh termmeaning “lord” or “prince.”
Ultimately, a name is what you make of it.
Besides, these names are more than beautiful enough to overcome their dark pasts.
