Dictionary

aptonym en · NOUN

Pronunciation

• /ˈæp.toʊ.nɪm/ (General-American)
• (Southern-England) audio
• /ˈæp.tə.nɪm/ (General-American)

Etymology

From apt + -onym, on the model of other terms suffixed with -onym.

Meanings

1. A proper name that aptly describes the occupation or character of the person, especially by coincidence.
   • The following is a selected list of aptonyms, i.e., people whose names and occupations or situation (e.g., workplace) have a close correspondence 1992, Frank H. Nuessel, The study of names: a guide to the principles and topics, page 42:
   • New aptonyms appeared for both Matt and Donna at this juncture — "DoorMatt" and "Donnasaur." 2004, Christine Scodari, Serial monogamy: soap opera, lifespan, and the gendered politics of fantasy, page 96:
   • Stocked with characters whose names are representative of their failings (aptonyms, a standard comic technique), The Stepsure Letters is not read today outside the university classroom 2005, Maurice Charney, Comedy: A Geographic and Historical Guide, volume 1, page 201:

Forms

Deriveds

aptonymous · aptonymy

Synonyms

attributive name (apt name) · type name (apt name) · ticket name (apt name) · charactonym (apt name) · aptronym (apt name) · characterizing name (apt name) · characternym (apt name) · character-revealing name (apt name) · label name (apt name) · euonym (apt name)