Full of Meaning: A Look at the Names Alexander, Rupert & Giles
by Kaz
A person's name is a very important thing. In some beliefs, knowing a name can give you the keys to that person's soul. In others, a certain name has connotations associated with it that might cause others to pre-judge them. However, let's focus on the importance of the name to the individual character. Does the name shape their likes and dislikes? Their character or destiny? I would guess no, but perhaps knowing the meanings of names can give some insight into their personalities. Xander Harris and Rupert Giles are two perfect specimens for such a study."Alexander: From the Greek name Alexandros, which meant "defending men" from Greek alexein "to defend, help" and aner "man" (genitive andros). Alexander the Great, King of Macedon, is the most famous bearer of this name. In the 4th century BC he built a huge empire out of Greece, Egypt, Persia, and parts of India. This was also the name of emperors of Russia, kings of Scotland and Yugoslavia, and eight popes. Also, Sir Alexander MacKenzie was an explorer of the north and west of Canada in the 18th century." (from Behind the Name)
As you can see in the definition above, Alexander (which is Xander's full name) means a man who defends or helps. Gee, sound like anyone we know? Xander definitely lives up to his moniker. He has been helping Buffy to defend the citizens of Sunnydale against all that goes bump in the night for seven years. He has sacrificed a lot to keep Sunnydale, and the world, safe. He has consistently put himself in danger so that he can help others and in Season 7, he was horribly maimed by Caleb when he was trying to make sure all the slayers in training were out of the vineyard.
Also, as is shown in Buffy, Xander is "key guy". According to Baby Names and Origins, Alexander can also mean leader. Xander bears the name of many of the great leaders of the world and is a leader himself, even if he doesn't see it. Although he has been content to let Buffy, Giles or Willow lead officially (even going so far as to make Willow a plaque in the summer before Season 6), he himself is the heart (as Andrew has pointed out). It is because of Xander's love and support that they were able to lead successfully. In Season 3, Xander led his classmates into battle against the Mayor. In Season 7, he was one of the people the slayers in training looked up to, for advice and help (even if it was unclogging the toilet). He was a leader, however this was not always true. He grew into the role as he matured.
As a side note, I find it amusing that Xander has also gone off exploring, though unlike Sir Alexander MacKenzie, Xander only made if forty miles from home to Oxnard, California. It seems that Joss did put some thought into what to name the character of Xander. Although the definition given is not perfect for our illustrious hero, it is impossible to perfectly define anyone, even a character on TV.
Our watcher also has a similar connection to his name.
Rupert is a German form of Robert. According to Behind the Name, the meaning behind Robert is "bright fame", derived from the Germanic elements hrod "fame" and beraht "bright". The Normans introduced this name to Britain. It belonged to three kings of Scotland, including Robert the Bruce who restored the independence of Scotland from England in the 14th century. The author Robert Browning and poets Robert Burns and Robert Frost are famous literary bearers of this name. Also, Robert E. Lee was the commander of the Confederate army during the American Civil War."
Rupert Giles has indeed gained "bright fame" in some circles. He is a celebrated Watcher, and although he did not always agree with the Watchers' Council on many issues (and was even estranged from them for several seasons), that does not preclude the fact that he was known for having the oldest living Slayer. Rupert also has fame (at least within the supernatural society) as someone who has helped avert multiple apocalypses (what IS the plural of that word anyway?). While his fame might not extend to the secular world, it does not mean he is a nonentity. In fact, many supernatural creatures understand the bond a Slayer has with her Watcher and consequently realize the important role Giles plays. Additionally, Giles is a leader who helped Buffy gain independence from the Council. It was with his support that she was able to take that step and distance herself from the rule of the Watcher's Council. As for being a literary man, he is more than adequately familiar with the scholarly works and even speaks several languages.
When we look into the root meaning behind his last name, Giles, one finds that it means 'young goat'. As is well-known, goats are stubborn, as Giles was when he was younger. He was so determined to do what he wanted, rather than what others wanted, he broke away from the tradition of his family of tweedy Watcherdom and used dark magic. He refused to become a Watcher for several years in his late teens to early twenties. And although he eventually acceded to his father's wishes and followed in his footsteps, this stubbornness still peeks through from time to time in Giles as well. Goats are also very hardy creatures, able to live off of meager food when necessary. Giles has survived numerous blows to the head, injuries and end of the world phenomena that it is safe to say that he too is a survivor.
Although similarities between a character's name and their actions or personality are not always evident, it is interesting to note the correspondences between them. However, it is essential that a writer keep in mind that while a name might give some insight into the character, it should never be used a hard and fast rule for writing the character. Remember, the characters change and grow, while their name stays the same.