Can You Recognize These Names Written in Cursive Letters?

EDUCATION

By: Jacqueline Samaroo

6 Min Quiz

Image: Pixabay / kyasarin

About This Quiz

Join in the fun! Get all curvy and twisted with this selection of popular first names in fancy lettering!

Traditionally, many given names are used exclusively for males or for females. There are quite a few, however, which get used as both a masculine and a feminine name, and even sometimes as a surname. There is also the case where, over time, a name goes from being completely masculine to completely feminine and vice versa. Can you think of any of them? Search through the quiz and see which ones you find - some of them might just surprise you!

On the other hand, the spelling of some first names is changed slightly for masculine or feminine use. The names can look quite similar, with just a letter or two changed between them. Likewise, there are names which are derived from the same root word, and thus they have similar spellings, making it easy for people to mistake one for the other. That's why spelling, writing and reading names is an important skill. When you are able to recognize a name, no matter how it is written, then there is less danger of slipping up and calling one for other.

Even if calligraphy isn't your thing, you should still be able to make out each of these names. Just watch out for those Ms and Ns and those Us and Vs! Get started!

Can you figure out this name from the Peter Pan story?

One of the most famous people named Wendy is perhaps Wendy Darling from the “Peter and Wendy” novel by Scottish writer J. M. Barrie. Another well-known Wendy character is the freckle-faced girl with red pigtails who serves as the mascot for the Wendy’s fast food chain. She is actually the founder’s daughter!

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Which name, derived from “light,” is written here?

Lucille is a French female name which comes from the Latin word meaning “light.” Actress Lucille Désirée Ball, whose ancestry includes French, is perhaps one of the best-known people with the name. She starred in the sitcom "I Love Lucy," alongside her husband Desi Arnaz.

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Which name for both males and females is shown here?

The name Leslie is traditionally associated with Clan Leslie of the Scottish Lowlands. It occurs as a surname and also as a given name for both boys and girls. Variant spellings include Lesley and Lesleigh, both most often used as the feminine form.

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Which name from the Greek word for “farmer” is shown here?

Popularity of the name George began with Saint George, the legendary dragon slayer of the 4th century BCE. There is a long list of variations of the name in many languages and for both genders. One of the most well-known bearers of the name is George Washington, the very first president of the U.S.

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Which name of Biblical origin is written in this image?

Elijah is a male given name made popular by the prophet Elijah in the Bible. The name is said to mean “my God is Yahweh.” Elias, Elliott and Ellis are all variations of Elijah.

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Can you decipher this name which originated in Great Britain?

The name Kendrick, and also Cedric, can be traced back to other names used traditionally in Wales, in the Scottish Highlands and in the Old English language. It is a masculine name, with its female form often being Kendra.

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Can you read this name which has its roots in the word “vandal”?

Wendell is one derivative of the name Vandal, which was the name of a marauding Germanic tribe of the 4th and 5th centuries. Among the areas they are noted for invading are Rome, Spain and North Africa. Other names thought to be derived from the Vandals include Vendel, Vendela and Wendl.

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Can you decipher this name of a famous explorer?

Famous people named Christopher include the New World explorer Christopher Columbus and actor Christopher Reeve of "Superman." While some people named Christopher go by Kit, most choose the shortened form Chris as their pet (or calling) name – for example, actor Chris Pratt of "Guardians of the Galaxy."

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Which common first and last name is shown here?

Jackson started out as a surname, meaning literally “son of Jack.” It is sometimes used as a first name but remains one of the most popular surnames in English. One variation, both as a first name and surname, is Jaxon.

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Do you recognize this name which comes from a profession?

Taylor is a common surname, derived from the profession of tailoring, and it is considered to be an occupational surname. It has recently taken on use as a given (or first) name for both boys and girls. One famous bearer of the name is country and pop music singer Taylor Swift.

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Can you read this shortened form of a longer name?

The name Zachary, sometimes spelled Zackary, comes from the Hebrew name Zechariah or Zecharya, which means “God has remembered.” One of the most well-known people with this name was the 12th president of the United States, Zachary Taylor. Some people choose to go by the short form Zac, like Zac Efron of "High School Musical."

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Do you recognize this name which means “shield wolf”?

Randolph comes from a combination of words meaning “shield wolf” or “wolf who protects.” Randolph is used as both a given name and a surname. Many males with the name Randolph go by the shorter name Randy, which itself gets used as a given name, as with country music singer Randy Travis.

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Which regal name is shown here?

Elizabeth is derived from the Hebrew name Elisheba or Elisheva. The name is associated with royalty, as two queens of England, a queen of Hungary, a tsarina of Russia and several empresses have been named Elizabeth. The many variations of the name include Isabella, Elspeth and Elisa.

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Can you decipher this first name of one of the Earp brothers?

The name Wyatt originates in Old English as the name Wigheard, from words for "war" and "strong." It is both a given and last name, with the Old West lawman Wyatt Earp perhaps being the most well-known among bearers of the name.

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Can you figure out this name which means “lion-hearted”?

Two well-known people with the name are actor Leonard Nimoy, who played Spock in "Star Trek," and singer Lenny Kravitz. Variations of Leonard include Lennard and Leon, as well as Leonardo, as in Leonardo da Vinci, the renowned Italian painter and scientist.

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Can you read this name which is derived from a word meaning “ewe” or "lamb"?

Rachelle is thought to be of French origin and a derivation of the Hebrew name Rachel, which means “ewe.” Apart from Rachelle, other variations include Raquel and Rachael. It is the given name of Canadian actress Rachelle Lefevre of the "Twilight" film series.

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Can you read this name which means “vigilant”?

The Latin name “Gregorius,” which means “vigilant,” serves as the root of the name Gregory. As a surname, Gregory is related to both McGregor and Greig. Actors Gregory Peck and Greg Kinnear share it as a given name.

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Which name for both males and females is shown here?

Ashley is used as a surname and as a given name to both boys and girls, although, the variation Ashleigh is usually given to girls. Famous females with the name Ashley include Ashley Olsen, twin sister of Mary-Kate Olsen, both from the sitcom "Full House," and Ashley Judd, country music singer.

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Can you read this name which appears in a Shakespearean play?

The name Olivia is related to both Oliver and Olive. It may be derived from the Latin name for the olive plant. Calling or pet names for Olivia include Liv, Livvy and Livia.

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Do you recognize this very popular name?

Michael is one of the most popular male names. Some variations and pet names are Mikael, Mikkel, Mike and Mickey. The name originates from the Hebrew word for “Who is like God?”

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Which girl’s name is shown here?

The name Jacqueline is of French origin and serves as the feminine form of Jacques, which itself is derived from the Hebrew name Jacob. One famous Jacqueline is the former First Lady of the U.S., Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Pet names derived from Jacqueline include Jackie and Jacqui.

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Which regal name related to Elizabeth is written here?

The name Isabella has been used frequently among queens of England, Portugal, Spain, France, Hungary and the Holy Roman Empire. It shares the same origins as the name Elizabeth, both being derived from the Biblical name Elisheba or Elisheva.

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Can you figure out this name of one of the Brontë sisters?

Charlotte serves as a feminine form of the name Charles. Notable people with the name include Charlotte Brontë, English author of the classic novel "Jane Eyre," and young Princess Charlotte of England.

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Do you know which Biblical name is shown here?

Matthew has been a popular boy’s name since the Middle Ages. It is derived from a Hebrew name which means “gift of God.” People with the name Matthew often go by the pet name Matt.

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Which traditionally feminine name is written here?

There are many variations in several languages for the name Christina. The calling names for Christina are most often Chrissy, Chris and Tina. A famous Christina is the pop singer Christina Aguilera.

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Can you say which of these names is written in the image?

While there are various ways to spell this common female name, Rebecca and Rebekah are the most popular. The name comes from Hebrew and can be taken to mean “captivating.”

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Can you decipher this variation of the name of Cleopatra’s love interest?

Anthony is a popular male given name, with several variations for both boys and girls. Calling or pet names for Anthony include Tone, Toni and Anth, with the most commonly used name being Tony. Marcus Antonius (Mark Antony), a Roman politician and lover of Queen Cleopatra of Egypt, was one of the most famous bearers of the name.

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Can you make out the name which is written here?

Nowadays, Evelyn is mostly used as a given feminine name, but in the past, it was actually a surname and then a fairly popular boy’s name. Evalyn, Evaline, Eveline, Eveleen and Evelynn are all variations of Evelyn. People named Evelyn usually get called Evie or Evvie for short.

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Can you guess this colorful-sounding name?

One of the most famous people named Scarlett is perhaps the fictional character Scarlett O’Hara in the classic novel and film “Gone with the Wind,” both from the 1930s. Another well-known bearer of the name is actress Scarlett Johansson, of the "Avengers" film series.

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Can you read this name which is the masculine form of Dorothea?

The name Theodore is of Greek origin and is a combination of words which translate to “gift from God.” Someone named Theodore often gets called Theo, Ted or Teddy for short. One famous bearer of the name was the 26th U.S. president, Theodore Roosevelt.

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Which given name taken from a Scottish clan name is this?

The name Mackenzie originates in the Scottish Highlands. It has been traditionally used as a surname or masculine name but has gained popularity as a name for girls. Mack and Kenzie are most often used as calling names for Mackenzie.

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Which name from the Greek word for “wisdom” is shown here?

The name Sophia is associated with Christian saints and European royalty. Sophia has enjoyed periods of popularity as a given name for girls, with variations including Sofia and Sophie.

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Which name, sometimes shortened to Sissy, is shown here?

Priscilla is the feminine form of the Ancient Roman name Priscus. It enjoyed a spike in popularity in the U.S. in the 1940s. One of the most well-known bearers of the name is Priscilla Ann Presley, who was born in 1945 and is the former wife of singer Elvis Presley.

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Can you decipher this name for the third wife of King David?

The name Abigail comes from a Hebrew word which could be taken to mean “my father’s joy.” It is sometimes spelled Abigayle, Abegail, Abbigail or Abagale, and the calling names used for girls with the name include Abby, Abbie, Gail, Gayle and Gaila.

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Which name with Arabic origins is shown here?

The name Ayesha derives from the Muslim female name A'isha and is taken to mean “feminine” or “womanly.” A'isha was the name of one of the wives of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. Apart from Ayesha, other versions of A'isha are Aisha, Aicha and Iesha.

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Which name meaning “son of my right hand” is shown here?

The name Benjamin is normally associated with the youngest son in a family which has older male children. This connection is derived from the story of Benjamin, son of Jacob, in the Bible. One well-known Benjamin is American politician and inventor Benjamin Franklin, who was the 10th and last son of his father’s 17 children.

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Do you recognize this name which has its origins in the Welsh language?

Meghan is one of the variations of the Welsh name Megan. Other spellings include Megyn, Meagan and Meaghan. The name experienced a surge in popularity in the 1990s, but its most popular bearer, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, was born before that, in 1981.

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Can you read this name which is derived from a minty herb?

The name Marjorie is closely related to the names Margaret and Margarita. Pet names for Marjorie include Marje, Jorie, Marge and Margie.

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Are you able to read this name which has Welsh origins?

One shortened form of Gwendolyn is Gwen, which also happens to be a popular calling name for Guinevere and Gwenyth. Gwen is a Welsh word which means "white, fair and blessed."

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Which named derived from an Asian city is shown here?

Sebastianus, the Latin name from which Sebastian is derived, means “from Sebastia,” which was a city in what is now central Turkey. Sebastian, as a given male name, became somewhat popular in the mid-2000s.

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