What’s In A Name: Lafayette Reynolds

This is the seventh in our series of articles examining the meanings behind the names of characters on True Blood. For previous articles looking at Sookie, Eric, Alcide, Tara, Bill & Arlene click here.

Lafayette Reynolds

Oh Lala. No ordinary name would do for you! Lafayette brings the French history of Louisiana into True Blood, adding a bit of cosmopolitan flare to our run of Southern names. The origins of the name are unclear, but it started out as a surname in France, possibly referring to the craft of pottery making. The name rose to fame during the United States’ Revolutionary War when the Marquis de Lafayette risked his life for the cause of American liberty. Forging a bond between the Americans and his fellow Frenchmen, the Marquis was instrumental in America winning the war and as a result the name came to mean “faithful”. For all his eccentricities, our Lafayette is one of the most loyal, faithful characters on the show.

The surname Reynolds derives from the given name Reynold, and is one of the most popular in the United States, ranking 112 out of 88,799. Reynold is an Old English name derived from the Germanic Reginald, meaning “ruler’s advisor”. Our Lala certainly is the voice of wisdom for many characters, so this is an apt name for him. Lafayette Reynolds: faithful advisor.

Next week: Sam Merlotte