Harry Potter - The Name

HARRY, a common english male name, pronounced: HER-ee - is the medieval English form of HENRY. "From the Germanic name Heimerich which meant "home ruler", composed of the elements heim "home" and ric "power, ruler". This name was introduced into Britain by the Normans. It was borne by eight kings of England including the infamous Henry VIII, as well as six kings of France and seven kings of Germany. Other famous bearers include arctic naval explorer Henry Hudson, novelist Henry James, and automobile manufacturer Henry Ford."

(Source: Behind the Name: the Etymology and History of First Names)

This fits in with some theories that claim Harry is a parellel of King Arthur (of the Knights of the Round Table mytholgy)

"The name of Harry gives you a very individual, reserved, serious nature. You stick stubbornly to your ideas or decisions, in spite of any appeals or advice; you are not willing to accept a compromise. You prefer to be alone with your own thoughts, rather than in the company of others. This name restricts spontaneity in association and the fluency of your verbal expression. When you are required to express yourself in personal matters requiring finesse and diplomacy, you feel awkward and embarrassed. Although you realize perfectly well what is expected of you, you are unable to find the right words, and hence you end up saying something inappropriate in a candid way. You can express your deeper thoughts and feelings best through writing. Your friendships and personal associations are rather restricted, being limited to those of a similar nature who can understand and accept your rather straightforward yet reserved manner. You are steadfast and loyal, and do not allow gossip or anything belittling to be said against those whom you accept in friendship. You find satisfaction in being outdoors or in getting out into nature, or in dealing with the products of the earth. There is originality and depth of thought contained in this name, particularly along practical and mathematical lines."

(Source: Kabalarians.com)

On the other hand, Potter is defined as:

potter

n : a craftsman who shapes pottery on a potter's wheel and bakes them it a kiln [syn: thrower, ceramicist, ceramist]
v 1: do random, unplanned work or activities or spend time idly; "The old lady is usually mucking about in her little house" [syn: putter, mess around, tinker, monkey, monkey around, muck about, muck around]
2: work lightly; "The old lady is pottering around in the garden" [syn: putter]
3: move around aimlessly [syn: putter, potter around, putter around]

From Die.net

Now, we can sort of view Harry as a "craftsman" in that he does attempt to craft his own life. Harry isn't the sort to sit back and let things happen - if he knows that something horrible is about to take place, he always attempts to find a way to stop it. [Note: put all that together and Harry Potter could mean "Harassing Monkey" ;)]

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