The onomatology (meaning study of the origin of names) of the Sim characters is sometimes hilarious, but always interesting. Many of the names had been intentionally chosen for etymology reasons. Simmers have found out many of the meanings, although a large-enough portion do not mean as much as the onomatology of others. Some of the names came as a shock, other names didn't seem to have an onomatological relation. Not all of the names were intended for the definitions researched, but it is still interesting (and sometimes coincidental) to see what the name meanings are.
The Goth family[]
- Goth: Relates either to medieval times or means "an uncivilized person" or "a person without culture". The Goth name in general has some resemblance, as well. The family seems to be the oldest (making it "medieval") Also it can be a word for someone who likes to dress in black or likes the shadows.
- Gunther: Variant of Günther, from Old High German "gund" (battle) and "heri" (army).
- Cornelia: Derived from the Latin word "cornu", meaning "horn". Or possibly, Cornelia is supposed to refer to "corn" because of the rural landscape of Pleasantview's past. The name is quite old-fashionable yet elegant and suits her perfectly.
- Hecuba: Variant of the Greek name 'Hekabe', which itself is a variant of 'Hecate' and can possibly mean "Far-off". From Greek Mythology - the wife of Priam and mother of Hector, Paris, and Cassandra (along with 16 other children) in Homer's Iliad. Hecate is also a traditional goddess of witches, which may relate with Cassandra Goth's name relating to prophecies.
- Menelaus: A Greek name which means "withstanding the people". From Greek Mythology - the king of Sparta at the time of the Trojan War; husband of Helen and brother of Agamemnon.
The Charming family[]
Charming: As in pleasant, charismatic. Also a present participle form of charm.
The Kat family[]
Kat: As in cat. Kat is the correct way of spelling cat in Danish and Dutch.
- Tara: Means "Star" in Sanskrit, "Goddess of the Sea", "Shining," "Stone of Destiny," or "A hill where Kings met" is Irish.
- Ginia: Short for Virginia, refers to Elizabeth the I, the "Virgin Queen" and its meaning is "Maiden". Ginia is also a Spanish variant of Virginia.
- Waggles: "To move with short, quick motions".
- Boots: "Protective footwear".
- Scout: An Old French name which means "To Listen".
- Maggie Kat: Shortened form of Megan or Margaret; it is also a Greek name which means "Pearl".
- Mickey: Shortened form of Michael or Mike; it is also an American name which means "Who resembles God".
- Samantha: A Hebrew name which means "God heard," or "Flower".
- Faline: A Latin name which means "Like a cat" or "Deer".
The Burb family[]
Burb: Slang for "suburb", which describes Pleasantview.
- John: A popular Hebrew name which means "Yahweh is Gracious" or "God is Gracious".
- Lucy: A popular Latin name which means "light".
- Brad: A popular British name which means "broad".
- Tiffany: A popular Greek name meaning "manifestation of god". It may have been chosen due to the stereotype of fashionable and popular girls being named Tiffany.
- Benjamin: A popular Hebrew name meaning "son of the south".
- Susan: A popular Hebrew name meaning "lily" or "rose".
- Tucker: Perhaps related to the German word 'tucher', which means 'clothweaver'.
Marsh family: Derived from mersche, a Middle English word which means "swamp, bog". It's a toponymical name given to people who lived near low, swampy ground, such as wetlands or marshy regions.
- Anastasia: A Greek name derived from anástasis (ἀνάστασις), which means "resurrection".
- William: An English name which means "strong-willed warrior".