It seems rather fitting that I should begin this blog with a name that starts, not with the first, but with the last letter of the English alphabet. Today's name is ZENOBIA. I LOVE this name! Not so sure if I would go as far to actually name my child (maybe a pet though?) it, but I think it is quite charming and I hope for a comeback.
Meaning "the life of Zeus," this name's claim to fame was Queen Zenobia, a 3rd century B.C. Abrabian ruler. Apparently, the name Zenobia was revived in the 19th century - which makes sense when you think of the rise of neoclassicism in Europe in the mid-seventeenth century and the popularity of orientalism in early ninenteenth century European art. Images of Ingres' bathing beauties come to mind when I picture the name Zenobia. I rarely come across this name in my research, but when I do it usually IS in the context of the 1800s . . .
Personally, I like it because it incorporates "Zen" and the "ee-ah" ending that I love so much in pretty, feminine names (i.e. Maria, Sophia, Olimpia, etc.) I love the French version as well, Zenobie. Other similar names that come to mind are Zenaida and Zenouska - Zenouska being the name of Princess Alexandra of England's granddaughter. A quick Google search reveals that Zenobia is the name of an agency spealizing in photography stylists and also a popular gourmet nut company as well as a famous twentieth century African-American composer from the Mid-West.
Zenobia
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