Goneril Name Meaning & Details
Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Goneril
Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name GONERIL. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.
Name
Goneril
Gender
Female
Origin
Christian
Lucky Number
8
Meaning of the Name
Goneril is a name of uncertain origin, famously used by Shakespeare for a character in 'King Lear', where she is one of the king's daughters. It carries literary associations rather than a clear traditional meaning.
Complete Numerology Analysis
Your Numerology Number
Based on Pythagorean Numerology System
Ruling Planet
Saturn
Positive Nature
Ambitious, efficient, realistic, and authoritative.
Negative Traits
Materialistic, stressed, confrontational, and can be overly ambitious.
Lucky Colours
Dark blue, black.
Lucky Days
Saturday.
Lucky Stones
Blue sapphire, amethyst.
Harmony Numbers
2, 4, 6.
Best Suited Professions
Business leaders, managers, financial services, law enforcement.
What People Like About You
Leadership, determination, organizational skills.
Famous People Named Goneril
Goneril (Literary Character)
Fictional Character
King Lear's eldest daughter in Shakespeare's tragedy, representing ambition and betrayal
Goneril (Mythological Figure)
Mythological Queen
Daughter of King Leir in Geoffrey of Monmouth's British history
Goneril (Cultural Archetype)
Literary Symbol
Became archetype of ambitious daughters in Western literature
Name Variations & International Equivalents
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Cultural & Historical Significance
Throughout the centuries, Goneril's cultural significance has evolved dramatically. In the 18th and 19th centuries, she was predominantly viewed as a monstrous figure representing the dangers of female ambition in a patriarchal society. Victorian interpretations often portrayed her as the embodiment of evil daughterhood. However, 20th and 21st-century feminist scholarship has reclaimed Goneril as a more nuanced character - a woman reacting against systemic oppression and limited opportunities for female autonomy. Her character has become a touchstone for discussions about gender, power, and the complexity of female villainy in Western literature, making her one of the most studied and reinterpreted characters in the Shakespearean canon.
Extended Personality Analysis
The personality traits associated with Goneril reflect the complex legacy of her Shakespearean characterization. She embodies formidable intelligence and strategic thinking, capable of sophisticated political maneuvering that demonstrates sharp analytical skills and understanding of power dynamics. There's an inherent strength and independence suggested by the name, pointing toward someone who refuses to be constrained by traditional feminine roles or expectations. This manifests as determination, resilience, and the ability to pursue ambitious goals with singular focus.
However, these strengths are counterbalanced by more challenging traits rooted in the character's literary legacy. The name suggests potential for ruthlessness, manipulative behavior, and a willingness to prioritize personal ambition over emotional connections. There's an implication of emotional calculation rather than spontaneity, and a capacity for betrayal when it serves larger objectives. Modern psychological interpretations might view these traits as adaptations to oppressive circumstances rather than inherent villainy. The personality profile suggests someone who might be misunderstood - possessing depth and complexity that isn't immediately apparent, operating from a place of perceived necessity rather than pure malice. This creates a rich psychological portrait of someone both formidable and tragically flawed.
Modern Usage & Popularity
In contemporary naming practices, Goneril remains an extraordinarily rare choice, existing primarily as a literary curiosity rather than a viable given name. The name has never appeared in the Social Security Administration's baby name database in the United States and similarly lacks presence in official registries of other English-speaking countries. Its usage is almost exclusively confined to academic contexts, theatrical families, or as an unusual middle name choice for parents deeply immersed in Shakespearean literature. The strong association with one of literature's most memorable villains creates a significant barrier to mainstream adoption, though there's a growing niche interest in 'reclaiming' complex female names from literary history. Some feminist parents and scholars have begun examining Goneril through a more sympathetic lens, viewing her as a woman fighting against patriarchal constraints, though this perspective remains marginal. The name's modern usage primarily serves as a dramatic statement rather than a practical naming choice, appealing to those who value literary heritage over conventional popularity.
Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings
Symbolically, Goneril represents the intricate relationship between female power and societal condemnation in Western cultural imagination. She embodies the archetype of the 'dangerous intelligent woman' - a figure whose capabilities and ambitions threaten established patriarchal order. The name symbolizes the tragic intersection of inheritance, loyalty, and ambition, serving as a cautionary metaphor about the corrupting influence of power and the complex dynamics of family relationships. Goneril represents the shadow side of daughterhood - the rebellion against filial expectations and the pursuit of autonomy at any cost.
Metaphorically, she signifies the psychological consequences of systemic oppression and limited opportunities for female agency. Her character has become symbolic of the ways society often punishes ambitious women while celebrating ambitious men. In broader symbolic terms, Goneril represents the tension between duty and desire, tradition and progress, and the moral compromises required in hierarchical power structures. She serves as a powerful symbol of the costs of challenging established systems and the complex moral calculus involved in survival within oppressive circumstances. The name continues to resonate as a rich subject for exploring themes of gender, power, and the psychology of characters who operate in moral gray areas.