Edna, Alma, Hannah, Gladys: Why are these names always used for "maid characters" by writers in their novels?

Question

Were these names given to maids centuries ago or something? Especially the names "Edna" and "Gladys"; it's always given to the maid characters by most writers.

Answer 1

You'll find these names were popular with the working classes around a century ago, along with Ida, Ruby and many others. Upper-class names would be more like Elizabeth, Alice, Mabel, Frances, Edith, Diana, etc. Every generation has its favourites. This list of names is for 2005:
http://www.behindthename.com/top/lists/100us2005.php

Reading about, for instance, Tudor times, popular names were Mary, Elizabeth, Jane, Anne, Catherine, etc.

I remember in the TV series "Upstairs, Downstairs", a maid arrived who was very imaginative and wanted to be called by a French name. This was frowned upon as being fanciful and highly unsuitable for a servant, and she was given the sensible name of Sarah, which we consider to be a lovely name now!

Answer 2

Writing a novel is easy, because it's all about your story: what you want others to know. But publishing is the worst part of it. You need someone to proofread it before going to the publisher. Though your book is already proofread, it will not guarantee that the publisher will publish it right away. They will read it first and proofread it once again and sometimes they'll reject your book until it's already "flawless". Infact other bestselling authors also had rejections. I think, after finsihing the book, you should consult a proofreader to proofread your book and to have some advice and then if you're really happy with your book, go to the publisher and there'll be more possibilty to get your book published. I do not suggest you to publish it online because it's really not worth it especially if your story is really original and very special. Good Luck.

Answer 3

Funny...here in LA, the maids all have names like "Lupe" or "Consuela." Not a Gladys in sight!

Answer 4

Because they're all two syllable words that end in the diminutive. you know---like: Here boy. Roll over. Play dead. Sweep floor. make bed. Serve dinner.

Answer 5

Because they want you to know up front not to confuse them with the heroine whose name is pretty like Julie, Susan, Laurie, or something like that...?

Personally, it's kinda discriminatory, IMO, but it's the author's right to choose the names (s)he wants.

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Answer 6

My all time favorite is "Jeeves" for a butler.

Answer 7

I don't know. its like 'james' or 'jimmy' for a limo driver.................