Jethro Creighton — the main character of Irene Hunt’s book Across Five Aprils (1986) — is a 9-year-old living in Civil War-era Illinois.
When the war breaks out, two of his brothers decide to fight for the Union, but a third joins with the Confederacy.
Jethro is a lot like Omri: both are Hebrew names that have never been popular United States. (This is quite unlike the names Jacob, Michael, Joshua, Ethan, Matthew and Daniel–the current top six, all of which have Hebrew roots.)
Jethro means “abundance” or “excellent,” depending on the source you consult.
For me, it immediately brings to mind Jethro Tull–not the 18th-century agriculturist, of course, but the English rock band that was named after the 18th-century agriculturist.
[Aside: Which Jethro Tull member (past or present) has the most interesting name? That would be former drummer Barriemore Barlow. Almost Hobbit-like, isn't it?]
2 Comments
In 9th grade, a friend of mine entered an English festival essay contest where the subject was Across Five Aprils. However, she forgot that the main character’s name was Jethro Creighton, and called him Jethro Tull for the whole thing.
By the way, I loved your baby names from the 1880s post a few days ago!
That’s so funny. :) How did she do in the contest?
(And — thanks! I’ll post more lists like that one soon…)