View Full Version : What's In a Name?


Madame X
10-03-2007, 02:16 PM
If the Ingalls son was "Charles Ingalls, Jr.," then why was his middle name "Frederick?" Charles' middle name was Phillip.

Also, was Caroline's name pronounced "Caro-line" or "Caro-lyn?" We hear both variations, even from her husband Charles! :crazy:

Carrie was named after Caroline, was Nellie named after Nels?

And the names of the Wilder family were pretty strange, although apparently historically accurate: Royal, Almanzo, Perley Day and Eliza Jane. He also had sisters Laura and Alice that were never mentioned.

Interesting notes on real full names: Mary Amelia, Caroline Celestia (Carrie), Laura Elizabeth (hence Beth), and Grace Pearl. Only Laura's middle name was ever mentioned as far as I can remember.

catlover79
10-04-2007, 05:10 PM
Almanzo did mention his sister Alice in "A Christmas They Never Forgot", the Christmas episode from Season 8. It was a flashback episode, and he mentioned his siblings Royal, Eliza Jane and Alice.

As for the other examples, your guess is as good as mine. I'm sure Nellie was named after Nels, however.

Ireneparalegal
11-08-2007, 12:57 AM
Good questions Stacey!

Remember how Laura was named after Charles' mother. That is as good I am with the names. :lol:

catlover79
11-08-2007, 12:59 AM
In real life, Laura WAS named after her paternal grandmother - I'm glad they wrote that detail into the show.

Ireneparalegal
11-08-2007, 06:39 PM
Great tidbit, I didn't know that, Thanx Monika!

catlover79
09-27-2008, 02:52 PM
Great tidbit, I didn't know that, Thanx Monika!
I aim to please. :D

janet42
11-01-2008, 04:52 PM
[QUOTE=Madame X]If the Ingalls son was "Charles Ingalls, Jr.," then why was his middle name "Frederick?" Charles' middle name was Phillip.

I have read the Laura Wilder's websites and Frederick was Caroline's step-father's name. I think Caroline was close to him while growing up and used his name as her son's middle name. :)

catlover79
01-26-2009, 11:23 PM
[QUOTE=Madame X]If the Ingalls son was "Charles Ingalls, Jr.," then why was his middle name "Frederick?" Charles' middle name was Phillip.

I have read the Laura Wilder's websites and Frederick was Caroline's step-father's name. I think Caroline was close to him while growing up and used his name as her son's middle name. :)
That's exactly right. The real Caroline Ingalls chose to name her son after her stepfather, Frederick Holbrook.