'Supernatural' Instincts

Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles)

Ahhh, Sam and Dean, my favourite men on television! For those not familiar with Sam and Dean Winchester, these two handsome men are the main characters of 'Supernatural', due to start it's eighth season in October this year. Sam and Dean are 'hunters' who spend their lives traveling America to save the world from the evil that lurks in the dark (in a nutshell).

As a long time fan of the show, when I think of the names Sam and Dean I can't help but associate them with strength and masculinity. Another nice little touch I love in the show is that Dean is named after his maternal grandmother, Deana, and Sam after his maternal grandfather, Samuel. It's nice to see writers putting a little thought into how these 'loner' boys are connected to that side of their family, despite their mothers tragic death when Sam was an infant.

Beyond the first names of the various characters on this show and the actors who play them, the name that has perhaps caught my fancy the most is Winchester. We already have names such as Colt (#330 in the US in 2011!), Smith (of Smith & Wesson), Gunner, Hunter and Cannon, so I think this is fast becoming a very usable name. As a first name, you have the nickname possibilities of Winn or Chester, or if you feel the gun association is too strong this could make a masculine middle. For those that like their names with a touch of olde worlde British charm, this also has a sound reminiscent of other British locations such Rochester. In fact, Winchester is an Old English word meaning 'Venta's Village'.

For those not convinced by the idea of a Winchester in the family, here are a few other suggestions inspired by the characters of 'Supernatural':

Girls:
Ava      
Becky                                
Bela                                   
Deana                                
Ellen                                  
Eleanor                       
Eve                         
Gwen                                 
Jessica                   
Jo                                        
Jody
Lilith
Lisa
Mary
Meg
Ruby
Tessa

Boys:
Adam
Alistair
Ash
Azazel
Balthazar
Bobby
Castiel (made the nn Cass cool for men)
Christian
Chuck
Crowley
Dean
Jake
John
Raphael
Roman
Rufus
Sam/Samuel
Talbot
Victor
Zachariah