Why Did Harry Potter Avoid Naming His Sons After Neville?
Harry Potter, the iconic protagonist of J.K. Rowling's series, faced numerous challenges in his life, but one of the less discussed questions revolves around his choice of names for his sons. A common query is why Harry didn't name any of his sons after Neville Longbottom, his best friend and fellow Gryffindor. This article delves into the reasoning behind Harry’s naming choices, taking inspiration from a notable comment that suggests naming 20 children after different people avoids any oversights.
Harry Potter's Sons and Their Names
Harry and Ginevra Weasley, a fellow Gryffindor and member of Dumbledore’s Army, had a total of three children. Their children are named as follows:
James Sirius Potter – named after Harry’s father and Sirius Black, Harry’s godfather. Albus Severus Potter – named after Albus Dumbledore, one of Harry’s mentors, and Severus Snape, a man who ultimately saved Harry’s life. Lily Luna Potter – named after Harry’s mother, Lily Potter, and Harry’s old friend Luna Lovegood.The Naming of Harry's Sons
Harry Potter only had two sons, which meant he had to be selective with his choices. Naming his children after people who represented different aspects of his life, such as protectors and mentors, became a way to honor and express gratitude.
James Sirius Potter
The naming of James was a honoring to his father, the late James Potter. Additionally, Sirius was named after Sirius Black, not only a family friend but also a father figure who became a close companion and mentor. Sirius played a significant role in Harry's life, providing crucial support and guidance even in his younger years.
Albus Severus Potter
Albus is a name that carries great significance, a tribute to Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts and a symbol of wisdom and mentorship. Naming his son after Dumbledore is a nod to the great influence the wizard had on Harry's life. Regarding Severus, this name is taken from Severus Snape, a character whose role in the story was initially complicated and dark. However, it was revealed that Snape had been a secret ally, using his position to protect Harry and his loved ones. This paradoxical nature of Snape adds an intriguing layer to the choice of the name.
Lily Luna Potter
For their daughter, Harry and Ginevra chose Lily, honoring Harry’s mother and the love that bound the family. They then added Luna, named after Luna Lovegood, a close friend of Harry's in his youth. This name choice exemplifies the blending of Harry’s personal history and his circle of friends and allies.
Conclusion
Harry Potter, with his two sons and one daughter, made deliberate and meaningful choices in naming them. He avoided naming any of his sons after Neville because he had limited choices and instead opted for figures who could serve as enduring role models and mentors for his children. The names James Sirius, Albus Severus, and Lily Luna vividly reflect Harry’s values and the affirmations he sought to instill in his children.