It seems to me that modern parents in the U.S. only fawn over a select few French names. Noelle, Madeline (Madeleine), Isabelle, Natalie, Sophie, Charlotte, Elle, Claire and Caroline can all be found high on the top 1000, but where are the unique and uncommon French names? Where's Jessamine, Felicienne, Marcheline and Emmanuelle? Where are Corisande, Melusine and Chantal? Where's Ombeline?
Ombeline (ohm-bell-een, om-bell-een) saw no U.S. births in 2011, and remains unheard of here. In France in 2000 the name ranked at #375. Similar sounding and sea-sweet Ondine fared only a bit better with 7 births. Ombeline is also connected to water, as Greek philosopher Pliny claimed it was one of the stones that fell from heaven during rain and thunderstorms. Known then as Ombria, the "rain stone," Notia, meaning "south wind," and occasionally the Scirocco-stone, and Brontia, meaning "thunder-stone," even the gemstone is hard to find information on. Ombria was used to prevent offerings from being "burnt away" or eaten after placed on an alter, according to Pliny the Elder, "gemstone philosopher." Ombeline is the French variant of Ombria, transferred to use as a female given name, but also the female form of medieval Humbert, from Old German, meaning "renowned warrior." This is apparent in the versions Humbelina and Hombeline.
A French source claims Ombeline was not used much until the 1980's, and is now given about 150 times a year if I'm reading French right. It is well liked in France. A possible meaning is "glittering spirit," from the French word for spirit and some Germanic tracings. However, the gem Ombria's etymology has much more in common with the place name Umbria, from Ombrii, meaning "people of the thunderstorms," also according to Pliny. "Of the thunderstorms" or even "thunderstorm" is a simpler way to go, and keeps the connection to the gemstone's meaning and origin. But Umbria is also connected to shadow, as "shadow" is ombre in French and umber/ombra in Latin. Italian folk etymology connects Umbria to ombra, shadow. In Umbria, tall hills and mountains cast shadows. Umber now refers to a shadowy brown color of earth, and earth is another connected word. And yes, umbrella comes from ombra as well.
Saint Ombeline, also known as Holy Ombeline, or Hombeline, only seems to be well known in France. She was a 12th century Cistercian nun (prioress), born 1092 AD in France. She was the sister of Saint Bernard, and was known for giving up a life of frivolous pleasures (and a marriage) for a humble religious life. Oddly, Humbeline is a name sometimes given in her honor. Good luck trying to figure out anything else unless you speak French - U.S. searches turn up next to nothing. Thank you Google translator.
Corisande and Jessamine are in my favourites list, but Ombeline is a bit too much name for me. She definitely has charm, though. Love her possible meaning.
ReplyDeletemy name is corisande :3
DeleteWe may be naming our daughter Ombeline. She's just 2 days old and my top fav names don't suit her as well as this one. Her father is from France and her last name (mine) is German. She is such a calm baby, so soft and round faced.
ReplyDeleteShe reminds me of the feeling of being by an open door during a rainstorm and feeling both invigorated and perfectly at peace. Or of being the only person awake at night, everything is still and your mind is exploding with inspiration.
Ombeline Tendra perhaps, Tender Thunderstorm.
Icelandic; Tendra is used as in; to kindle somebody's interest in something)
The name I associate with myself is Umbra, once someone said I was like the reflection of the full moon in still water. Because of this it has special meaning to me that Ombeline also means shadow, and rain stone.
Thank you for this post, it may well be a person's name because you tok the time to research and share this rare old gem.
I'm a bit late in replying but hopefully you'll see this comment. I absolutely love Ombeline. She is so regal, delicate and mysterious. Your description of an open door during a rainstorm is perfection. Have you considered Ombeline Tempest, or Tempesta? Either way I am so thrilled you like it enough to consider using.
ReplyDeleteCan you suggest sibling names for Ombeline Scholze?
DeleteI really like Wulfric and Ludwig/Ludovic, but my partner doesn’t like them. He’s okay with Ambrose, and maybe I could sell him on Erasmus. He absolutely hates my two female favs Clotilde and Colette. He doesn’t like Odette. He’s okay with Mildred and Millicent. And he likes Aurélia (nickname Aurélie which is common here). We have to avoid names ending with A because people in Montreal pronounce it as “ugh” instead of “ah.” :) Thanks!
The Blessed Ombeline is also known as Hombeline or Humbeline; Ombeline is the French form of Humbelina, which — according to the Dictionary of Medieval Names from European Sources — is the feminine form of Humbelin, a medieval diminutive of Humbert. Humbert means “bright warrior” — a more prosaic meaning than “shadow,” perhaps.
ReplyDeleteAll the same, I love this name!
I can't believe I missed that!!! I'll add it in straight away. Thank you.
DeleteYou’re welcome!
DeleteAccording to German Wikipedia, the Blessed Ombeline’s real name may have been Humberta or Humberga: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humbelina_von_Jully-sur-Sarce