Back in 1847, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow penned the words: fairest of all maids was Evangeline as part of his epic poem Evangeline: A Tale of Acadie. The tragic tale would inspire some parents seeking a romantic, literary name for a daughter. Today, however, some balk at her religious overtones.
Thanks to Corinne for suggesting our Name of the Day: Evangeline.
Evangeline means good news, from the Greek eu for good and angelion for message. Wordsworth coined the name nearly a century before the term “evangelical Christian” became commonplace. Of course, Christians have been spreading the good news for centuries, and Saints Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are among many sometimes referred to as evangelists. Plus an early notable Evangeline was Evangeline Booth, General of the Salvation Army in the 1930s. Add it up and circa 2008, it’s easy to see the name as overtly religious.
But that’s not Evangeline’s story. Longfellow set his Romeo and Juliet tale against the backdrop of the Acadian Expulsion. The British were nervous about the French-speaking population of Nova Scotia, and after decades of tension and conflict, the governor forced them to leave. Young Evangeline was separated from her beau, Gabriel, during the upheaval and they spend the rest of their days searching for one another. When they are finally reunited, Evangeline is an aged nun caring for the poor; Gabriel is one of the unfortunates she nurses. He dies in her arms. While Longfellow’s characters are fictional, the historical events are very real – and were relatively recent when he wrote the poem.
Many of the Acadian refugees eventually settled in Louisiana, so if Evangeline feels the tiniest bit Southern to you, that may be why. She’s undeniably antique and lacy, and fits in with many a name currently in vogue. If Annabel can rise, why not Evangeline?
Her dual French/English heritage gives rise to at least two equally valid pronunciations: eh VAN jeh leen and ee van JEH line.
Two small screen Evangelines have brought the name attention recently:
- Until this past spring, ABC’s One Life to Live featured a character called Evangeline Williamson;
- Also on ABC, the drama Lost features actress Evangeline Lilly playing Kate Austen.
Perhaps the daytime and prime time double shot has raised the name’s profile. Evangeline regularly charted in the US Top 1000 from 1881 to 1966, but the highest position she ever reached was #398 back in 1901 – that equalled a mere 55 newborn baby girls. She re-entered the rankings in 2006 at #593 and climbed to #459 last year.
We think she could climb farther still. With plenty of easy nicknames, including the up-and-coming Evie, and the type of sound that fits right in with current trends, Evangeline is one to watch. Or, if you’re just searching for a substitute for Elizabeth and Katherine in the middle spot, this is one that could offer just the right amount of poetic appeal.
I really like(d) Evangeline. I considered her mostly for a mn name, but ultimately had to scrap her because of my ln. She’s also more frilly than my usual choices. I feel over it now, but she’s still nice. I adore nn Evie. I don’t like how quickly she has shot up. It first came to my attention because of Lost, which I imagine is the case for countless other people.
I read Evangeline as a teen (required reading can sometimes be interesting!) and decided then that the name’s overly religious feel was not for me. I do like her, just for someone else. I like her lush feel and her lovely sound. I also like her Acadian roots. I like all thing Cajun/Acadian. Especially their music. Awesome stuff. Reminds me of the upbeat Polkas my mom loved so. But most Cajun music isn’t quite so relentlessly cheerful, which is why I prefer it.
I’m actually applauding her ascent. I’d much rather see Evangeline in the top 20 (and her it far more than I do) than several of the names already there (that shall remain nameless). I see a lot of potential Eva likers turning to Evangeline as a “longer” form, not that I think one is needed. But I do like Evangeline. She’s lovely. Just, not for me.
I really like Evangeline even though i am not remotely religious.
I think like rockingfetal said, it came to my attention because of “Lost” but Evangeline is not the actress’ given name: i think it is her middle?
Anyhow yes i like it but would never use it.
Yes, it is her middle name. Her given name is Nicole, which is what most of her friends called her before her rise to fame.
Evangeline is also the name of a town in Louisiana whose flooding was immortalized in Randy Newman’s song “Louisiana 1927,” which took on new resonance (and frequent performances) in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. See this article for more info: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/27/arts/music/27hime.html
Natalie, you’re right – she’s Nicole Evangeline Lilly. Lucky she had such a great middle name to use!
I far prefer Evangeline to Evelyn (#55 as of 2007). Eva alone is #117 and Eve #618. I like both of them just fine, especially with a longer surname, but Eva would be confused with Ava forever and ever. But Evelyn I just don’t get – honestly, I’m not a huge fan of any -lyn names, though I like the -lines just fine.
About four years ago, a woman at my church named her daughter Evangeline — at the time, I thought it was ugly and awkward. Over the last couple years, though, I’ve grown to love it. There are very few names that are a good substitute for Elizabeth in the middle slot, but Evangeline has the same rhythm, the same beginning sound, and a consonant ending (like Elizabeth). I think that’s what first attracted me to it. Of course, discovering its literary connections certainly helped as well.
pretty sound.. I tend to like frilly names. Usually a I like the full name rather than a nickname (or rather, I like having the option to use a nickname, but not so much that no one ever hears the full name), but if this were my name I think I’d like to be called Eve or Evie sometimes.. but not Vangie.
Evangeline, one of my favorite names, is a prominant and famous character from Harriet Beecher Stowe’s “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” In that book, she is nicknamed Eva or Little Eva.
Good nicknames for this name include Eva, Evie, and just Eve, my personal favorite.
In 1996 we named our middle child Evangaline – her elder sister is Grace and younger is Jemina – she was called Evie
I love-love-love those names!
We just settled on our daughter’s name! (She’s due in May).
Evangeline Mae, nn of Evie.
Ok, so she ended up Evangeline Kathryn (put together = pure good news!), and she was born on Easter!
What a great name with a fabulous meaning! Evangeline Mae is actually on my list!
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