Names, First and Last Trivia Quiz

Answer: Kirk

Kirk was originally a surname, meaning someone who lived close to the church, or kirk, or someone who worked there. It was common in the northern part of England and in Scotland. Its use as a first name began in the same regions, with later popularity being at least in part due to our example, Kirk Douglas (whose real first name is Issur). "Star Trek" fans will recall Captain James T. Kirk from that series.

Answer: Andrea

As a female first name, Andrea is variously described as being the feminine form of Andreas (Andrew), meaning 'warrior' or 'man' or as an independent derivation from a Greek word for 'manliness'. As a masculine name it is the Italian version of Andrew. The example refers to the Genoese admiral, Andrea Doria (1466-1560) after whom the ill-fated ocean liner was named.

Answer: Nolan

In an era when very few starting pitchers throw complete games, let alone no hitters, Nolan Ryan's record of seven career no hit gems is likely to stand for a long time. The Gaelic O Nuallan meant 'descendant of Nuallan', and Nuallan in its turn was a diminutive form of nuall, meaning 'chariot fighter' or 'champion'. An example of its use as a surname is Christopher Nolan, director and writer of such films as "The Dark Knight" (2008) and "Inception" (2010).

Answer: Chic

Murat Bernard "Chic" Young (1901-1973) was the cartoonist who created Blondie and her husband Dagwood. As a pet form of Charles, Chic is probably less common than Charlie, Chuck, Chick and even Chaz but examples include Scottish footballer Charles "Chic" Brodie (1937-2000) and Charles "Chic" Murray (1914-1984), second mayor of Mississauga, Ontario.

Answer: Miriam

Miriam it was who placed the baby Moses in the basket in the bulrushes, thus saving his life. During the exodus from Egypt she was the leader of the Hebrew women. Another famous woman with the name was Miriam Makeba (1932-2008), South African civil rights activist and singer, nicknamed 'Mama Africa'.

Answer: Niven

The actor/author David Niven also wrote "The Moon's A Balloon" and I can recommend both volumes as entertaining to read. The spelling of the forename from which Niven derived is said to have been Nevin (which itself is a surname). The surname is chiefly Scottish in its distribution.

Answer: Orlando

Orlando Bloom is the actor who has appeared as Legolas in "The Lord of the Rings" series, and as Will Turner in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise. Roland is the name with the meanings given, from Germanic roots. As well as being the Italian version, Orlando is also used in Spanish speaking countries, such as Cuba, an example being baseball pitcher Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez.

Answer: Vaclav

Vaclav Havel (1936-2011) was also the first president of the newly formed Czech Republic from 1993 until 2003. He was also a poet and playwright and author of books for children. Waclaw is the Polish form of the same name, which as is suggested in the question, is Wenceslaus which comes from Slavonic elements meaning 'greater glory'.

Answer: Amanda

Although it may have first been used as a name by a 17th century author, Amanda derives ultimately from the Latin word 'amare' meaning 'to love'. Well-known Amandas include the actresses Amanda Bynes and Amanda Blake (Miss Kitty on "Gunsmoke" for many years).

Answer: Malcolm

The Latin name of the saint was Columba (dove), and the Gaelic 'maol Chaluim' meant a follower of that saint. Famous bearers of the name include Malcolm X, actor Malcolm McDowell and cricketer Devon Malcolm.