After recently delving into the realm of popular teen fiction, let’s turn in the other direction today and look at a highly literary choice.
Tulliver.
Those who have heard it before will most likely recognize it as the surname of the main character in George Eliot’s The Mill on the Floss. The novel tells the story of Maggie Tulliver, a rebellious and spirited but fiercely loyal young girl growing up with her parents and brother Tom in a small town in England in the 1820′s. The novel follows Maggie from childhood to adulthood. At the center of the novel is Maggie’s moral conflict, as she is forced to choose between her responsibility to those she loves and a desire for her own happiness. It’s a beautifully written book, and one I’d heartily recommend.
The surname Eliot picked for her protagonist is rather rare — but it’s not unheard of. In fact, a journey over to IMDB reveals:
- Barbara Tulliver. a film editor
- a 1917 silent Western titled Truthful Tulliver
- character Jack Tuliver, played by Wesley Snipes in the 2005 action film 7 Seconds
- no fewer than 30 minor actors or characters with the spelling of Tolliver, and one movie set electrician back in the 40′s who wore it as a first name
Tulliver, Tuliver, and Tolliver seem to be Scottish versions of the Italian surname Taliaferro, meaning “to cut iron.” Genealogists speculate this was originally a nickname applied to either metalworkers or perhaps fierce warriors who were able to cut through iron armor with their swords. Either way, it has a strong masculine feel.
Though this suggestion may seem like it came way out of left field, consider Tulliver’s similiarities to other popular boys’ names:
- Oliver, which has been climbing the charts nationally and is firmly ranked in the top 100 in many East Coast states
- Gulliver, which certainly seemd an unusable literary choice until actor Gary Oldman used it for his son in 1997
- Sullivan, chosen by Patrick Dempsey for one of his 2007-born twin boys, and ranked in the U.S. top 1000 for the last seven years
Other reasons Tulliver sounds ready for discovery:
- Occupational surnames are definitely in, with Carter, Cooper, Hunter, and Parker all ranked in the top 100.
- Scottish and Irish names are stylish.
- It shortens easily to Tully, an independent Irish surname and a familiar coffee chain on the West Coast.
- It has the hot V sound we’ve been hearing so much about.
- From Atticus to Holden to even Huckleberry, increasing numbers of parents are turning to favorite books in order to find names for their sons.
If you’re looking for the sort of name your son is guaranteed not to share with anyone at his nursery school but you want something that still fits in with the tastes of our time, Tulliver might be one to consider.
This is going to sound crazy, but I can imagine using Gulliver in the middle spot – but cannot dream of using Tulliver.
I have no good reason – it’s just my gut reaction.
But you’re right – he fits. And he isn’t any crazier a choice than Sullivan, and a nice alternative to Oliver.
I do like the literary quirkiness of Gulliver, but it seems far less wearable to me (especially as a first name), and I know some are put off by the fact that it means “glutton.”
To me, Tulliver nicely gets around those obstacles. And I think the chances of Oliver/Gulliver/Tulliver becoming the next Aiden/Jayden/Caden/Brayden/Hayden is pretty slim.
I was going to make a comment about the Taliaferro connection, but you beat me to it. There’s a building at my Alma Mater (UMCP) named Taliaferro, yet pronounced Tolliver. I’d be more likely to consider Tolliver than Tulliver – there’s something about the UL sound that doesn’t appeal to me. In any case, I do think it’s kind of an eye-roller. I’d probably assume the parents of any Tulliver were looking for something and trying really hard to be cool. I’m more likely to respect someone who names their kid Marty than Sullivan or Tulliver.
I can’t wait to hear what you come up with next. If you’re going for literary names, I’m sure it will be an interesting one!
Ah… I’m not that much of a fan. Kudos to anyone who would use this as a name, as it’s unique without being yoo-neek, if you know what I’m saying. I’m still very much a fan of Sullivan.
I was going to mention Gary Oldman — He’s such a wonderful actor! He’s eternally Sirius Black, to me, and perhaps that’s why I like him so much!
Gulliver is quite like Tullivan, to me: Not my style, but I’ll give props to whoever uses it.
Just to comment on Patrick Dempsey, I love the names he chose for his twins: Darby Galen and Sullivan Patrick. So very Aussie/Gaelic inspired! Galen, I probably wouldn’t like otherwise, but as it’s Pat’s middle name, I like its use. I’ve always had a soft spot for Australian-sounding names. To close this off, I hope my question I submitted is used in your column!
Well, first I found out about Lysander from you, and now Tulliver… I like both very much (but am unsure that I would ever use them… although Lysander has been growing on me!)… I have to agree with you that these are very unique names without being a misspelling, random noun, or made up name! I also love the fact that there is a familiar feel, while still being different!
Love reading the blog – hope the pregnancy is going well
I can definitely see the appeal to this name. It does have a trendy surname vibe and can see it catching on, especially as an alternative to Oliver. I do prefer Oliver. Though I must admit, Tolly is a cute nickname.
I like the Tolliver variation better, but Tulliver isn’t bad at all, to me. I love Oliver, though, so that’s probably where some of the appeal comes from.
I actually like Tolly or Tully better than Olly, as nicknames go.
It could grow on me I think, Tulliver Hamilton hmmm. Hubby does like first names for boys that sound last name like.
Hi once more, Emmy Jo! Sorry to see you haven’t been back for a while, but I just wanted to say that I finally created my own Word Press baby name blog! The link is up there in my name, and I would be ecstatic if you could add my blog to your blogroll. I hope my blog can be half as wonderful as yours!
Looking forward to your next post! Missing your insight and hoping all is well.
Same here, missing your posts
I really like it! Nice find. Definitely not my usual style, but it is intriguing.
The school I work at just now is absolutely saturated with Olivers – it’s become incredibly boring to me now so this is a nice twist.