Mockingbird Names: Atticus, Scout and more
By Herb Scribner, Deseret News National
It was announced recently that there will be a To Kill a Mockingbird sequel, penned by Harper Lee, the writer of the original literary classic that’s sold more than 18 million copies and has been printed in 40 different languages.
The book includes a unique set of character names that aren’t easily forgettable. These names may serve as inspiration for your baby’s name, too. According to Nameberry in The Huffington Post, parents in 2015 will be giving their children powerful, unique and oddball names to set them apart from the rest of the pack.
Here are 13 character names you can use for your child. The characters aren’t always the greatest role models, but their names are unique enough to make your baby sound cool and sophisticated.
Scout is the main character of To Kill a Mockingbird. As a narrator reflecting on her past, Scout retells the events of Tom Robinson’s trial and her early childhood.
Jeremy “Jem” Finch is Scout’s older brother who finds intrigue in the ongoing events of the book because of his mature understanding.
Atticus is Scout and Jem’s father; he is an attorney who defended Robinson, a black man on trial for charges of rape, and is seen as the hero of the book.
This isn’t the video game character you know and love. This Link owns cotton fields in To Kill a Mockingbird. He defends Robinson in the trial and is an ally to Atticus and the Finches.
Dill
Dill is the troubled best friend of Jem and Scout. He’s the biggest activist for getting the mysterious Boo Radley to come out of his house.
Arthur “Boo” Radley is a mysterious and reclusive character who hides in his home until the end, when he saves Scout and Jem from being murdered by Bob Ewell, the book’s villain.
Mayella is Bob Ewell’s daughter, whose actions set off the chain of events that create the major trial featured in the book.
Heck
No, this isn’t a substitute swear word. It’s the name of Mr. Heck Tate, a friend of Atticus and the sheriff of Maycomb County.
Want your child to be a journalist? Braxton might be the name to go with since he’s the novel’s reporter. However, Braxton is racist and often disagrees with whatever Atticus says.
Calpurnia
Calpurnia is the Finch’s housekeeper. She’s also the keeper of a beautiful name. In the novel, she offers love and discipline to the Finch children.
Zeebo
Zeebo is Calpurnia’s oldest son. He leads hymns at the local black community church and is somewhat of a leader.
Lula is a black woman who doesn’t like white people. She’s seen as a troublemaker and often disagrees with church teachings.
Eula’s got the most unique job in the novel; she’s a telephone operator. She announces the on-going events of the county.
An expanded version of this story appeared in Deseret News National. Herb Scribner is an award-winning journalist and filmmaker who is a national news writer for Deseret News National.