[Opinions] Re: Benjen
in reply to a message by Billina
That's a bit silly. Many names become popular because of books. In fact, it's speculated that there a lot of names that authors invented. Not all of them are as fantastical as Martin's names, but that just means the person that enjoys them is a fantastical person. Names are what they are. Who knows.... some of Martin's wonders could be considered at least somewhat common place some day if enough people like the way they sound.
Replies
This is true. My own name was coined by the author of a novel for use in the novel. Then it started to be used and eventually became mainstream. My name was based upon a name that already existed, but Benjen seems to be based upon Benjamin.