What's in a name: James Strang

The first name: James

The name James meaning "he who supplants" has become quite common since the 13th century particularly in England. In the 16th and 17th Centuries the name became even more popular as King James VI succeeded Elizabeth I and united the crowns of Scotland and England.

In the case of The Abduction Club it is quite possible due to the close proximity between Ireland, Scotland and England that James may have also been a popular name in Ireland, therefore giving our James Strang the name.

I think the name James suits Strang really well, however I suppose I would have liked a more Irish-sounding name for him, maybe the Irish variant- Seamus/Shamus but perhaps that wasn't all that common back then and the fact that Seamus Strang sounds quite funny.

The last name: Strang

The surname Strang is one of English heritage however there is also some information which suggests a Scottish ancestry. The name was first recorded in the late 12th century which interestingly enough makes it one of the earliest surnames recorded, which is said to suggest that it was a name associated with those who had status. Over time the name has been recorded with several different spellings including; Strang, Strange, Stong, Strong and Stronge.
The name has been found to originate from the pre 7th century word strang which later in medieval times became strong which was appropriately given as a nickname to those who had great physical strength. It is also thought that given the type of humor of the time that it could have also been given to individuals who were greatly lacking in strength. I think that would have been hilarious- imagine seeing a small, extremely thin man whom had the nickname Strong!!!

The family crest shows two identical lions, one above the other on a read shield with the family motto above reading "stet fortuna domus" which is of Latin origin and means, Let the Fortune of the House Stand.

In comparing the name of James Strang and Garrett Byrne, I think that perhaps when looking at the meanings and origins that Garrett's name fits his character and the time period and setting better.

What do you think?