In the prologue of The Names, we are introduced to four characters. Cora, the mother, Gordon, the father, Maia, the sister, and the boy who has just been born. In this prologue, the discussions of names are evident throughout. What do you think of how Cora felt about choosing a name for her son? She worries that by giving the name Gordon, he will be forced to fit into a mould instead of growing into the person he is meant to be.
The boy has three potential names. Gordon, if his father has his way. Julian, if his mother wins this battle, and Bear, given by his sister. Each names honours something different. Which is your favourite and why?
Cora’s husband is very assertive. Do you think that by giving her son the same name, he will become like his father? Will Cora be forced to fear both her husband and her son’s control?
In the chapter titled Bear, we see Cora take a moment and call her son after the name chosen by her daughter. The joy is capable in both characters. We learn very quickly that things are not as they seem between Cora and Gordon. What do you think of the moment when Maia says “Thank you, Mama. This is just one of the most specials things that’s ever happened to me”?
Do you think that Maia will come to realise the sacrifice Cora made when she named Bear?
Before telling Gordon what she had done, Cora goes about ensuring the safety of her kids but never ensures her own. Do you think that Cora had looked for help before and didn’t receive it?
What do you think of Gordon’s reaction to finding out his son is named Bear?
Cora is saved by a kind neighbour and Gordon is arrested. What do you think will happen next?
It is clear that Maia is aware of the weight of Gordon’s anger. Do you think she will be blamed like she suspects?
What do you think of Cora suggesting that Maia be there for the name reveal?
We see a bit more of Maia in this chapter. What do you think of everything Maia has had to learn in her short life?
In the next chapter, we see that Cora named the boy Gordon and has almost an immediate reaction to it. Besides for everything we know about the boy’s father, what other qualities do you think come with the name?
What do you think of Cora’s various first reactions to the three different names?
Based on these reactions, which one do you think was the most right for Cora?
11 responses to “The Names – Day One”
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I originally liked the name Julian, but after reading the first Bear chapter, I love the significance of the name for Cora and the baby. It’s not just about breaking a pattern of generational violence, but it lets Maia have some agency in something important for their family and allows Cora to find the courage to go against her husband.
I think that if Cora names her son Gordon, he’ll grow up under the weight of an abusive namesake and lineage. I don’t know for sure if he’ll turn out like his father (I hope not), but I do think it would be a sign of giving in and not fighting against what makes Gordon who he is.
I thought the moment where Maia thanked her mom was special between them and baby Bear. It made me so sad and happy for Maia when she said she genuinely didn’t think her mom would choose her name, which made me wonder how overlooked/ undervalued she feels at home. So that moment probably made Maia realise her opinions and input are valuable to her mother.
Most definitely. There’s no way that Maia isn’t smart or old enough to have an idea of what’s going between her mom and dad. I don’t think she knows the extent of it yet, but she’ll definitely be able to reframe her mother’s actions and choices when she’s older, and see them for the sacrifices and risks they were.
Judging by her reaction to the people at the end of the chapter, I don’t think she’s asked for help before. I think she feared that she wouldn’t be believed, or that Gordon held too much sway in the community for her to be believed. So she probably kept it to herself.
I was disappointed and scared for Cora, but not surprised by his response. There have been hints to Gordon being prone to violence until his outburst, and if she was scared of going against him for something like naming the baby, I figured the scale violence must have escalated prior to this prologue for them. I wasn’t expecting it to be so brutally captured, but I’m glad Cora fought back.
I hope that man is thrown in jail and kept there without bail. And I hope Cora and her children can find a the courage to move on and find happiness in their lives without Gordon in it.
I don’t think she’ll be blamed. Parts of the community already rally to her aid at the end of the chapter, and I think they’ll continue to support her as she transitions from a life of fear into one of freedom with her children.
I was unsure of how to feel about that part. On one hand, Maia’s presence would ensure Gordon’s outburst wouldn’t be as violent. On the other hand, that’s a risky situation to put a child in, especially if she can pick up on the dynamic between her parents.
I’m glad we got to see more of Maia and how she behaves around her family in contrast to her friends. The poor girl has grown up in an environment where she needs to be the quietest, most invisible version of herself to not make things worse for her mom by angering her father. My heart went out to her when she started placating Gordon. No child should have to learn how to navigate the volatile moods of others at her young age.
I think entrapment and control comes with the name. Both Cora and baby Gordon would be trapped by the finality of the legacy she’d give him if he had his father’s name. We see how confined she is, how controlled she is by Gordon, and now Gordon is trapped by the legacy of violent men, carrying down that name.
I think her reactions to each of the names are kind of cool. It embodies the idea that names have power while showing how Cora’s life and who she is is tied to her children’s identities. Maia is “mother” (she feels a kinship to, and protectiveness over, her as her mom), and with the courage of Bear comes Cora’s courage to finally break the cycle and fight back; with Julian’s name comes the momentary freedom she feels at her micro-defiances against her husband’s commands; and with the finality and repetition of another Gordon in her life, she feels trapped by the finality that this is her life and the cycle of violence will repeat at home with Gordon because she hasn’t broken it.
Based on the immediate outcomes of the different names, I like Bear the best. Not only does it include Maia in symbolically breaking the cycle of Gordon’s violence, but it gives them the strength to finally stand up to the man and carve the possibility of a safer future for themselves.
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1. Cora feels like if she names her son Gordon, he will become like his father, who we start to see is not a good man. Her fears are valid.
2. It seems Maia and Cora don’t experience much joy or happy moments but this one for Maia is one of those rare moments in time.
3. I think Maia is very aware of her parents’ relationship and it’s difficulties, she will definitely know the sacrifice her Mom made in naming her brother Bear.
4. I don’t think Cora has tried to get help, she knows what her husband is capable of and she’s already taking precautions.
5. Knowing that Gordon has a violent nature, his explosive reaction doesn’t come as a surprise.
6. I’m think that maybe Gordon will be released soon enough because he’s a pillar of the community and will hopefully try to rehabilitate himself for his family and reputations sake.
7. I don’t think so because Cora says that he’s never taken his anger out on Maia.
8. It’s probably a way to help diffuse the situation that Cora is anticipating will be tense.
9. Maia has learned the nature of her father. She’s learned to placate him and to act as a buffer between her parents which is sad. She is sensitive to her mother’s suffering.
10. Gordon to me is an old fashioned, hard name. I don’t like it either.
11. Her reaction to Bear and Julian as names actually made her happy despite knowing that she’d pay the price for disobeying her husband. The name Gordon made her feel sad, hollow and revulsion.
12. Bear because she know she’d given Maia a precious gift and they were both happy with this name. -
I agree that a name can carry a lot of weight to it as it forms a part of our identity and can play a role in shaping us, especially when we are named after someone. However, I believe that we are ultimately shaped by the actions of those around us and especially those who raise us.
I love the name Bear most, because instead of representing his father (Gordon) or representing the desire to be nothing like him (Julian), the name Bear is entirely based on who the son could become in his own right. It is filled with hope and a childlike belief beyond the circumstances that he will become strong and kind.
As mentioned previously, I think that Cora could have a great impact on whether her son lives up to the “Gordon” name – she can show him that even though he is named after his dad, he can become his own person and she can have an immense impact on how he grows up to view himself.
The moment with Maia was so beautiful. She was so proud that she got to choose her brother’s name. I think it also gave her a sense of feeling like she has an important role to play in the story of her brother.
I think that Cora’s name choice in the Bear chapters will probably play out in a positive way in that Cora’s approach to her son and how she navigates her life choices will be more based on doing the right thing by her kids.
Cora’s probably followed her instincts with ensuring the safety of her kids and not thinking of herself. As a mom, I know I have the tendency to also do this in much less serious situations in life. I think it’s quite a natural thing to do.
I was not surprised by Gordon being angry regarding his son being named Bear. He seems like the prideful type who would think that Bear is a “feral” name or childish. He didn’t even give a moment to think or ask about why she might have chosen this name, which just shows where his interests lie. The physical reaction he had is unbelievably disgusting and made me want to jump into the book and stop him.
Following his arrest, I suspect Gordon will try to clear his name and act innocent and people will probably tend to believe him because he is a doctor and does not act this way in front of others. I suspect there to be a struggle of who will be in charge of the kids.
I don’t think Maia will get the blame she expects, because Cora seems like she would do everything to protect her from that. I do think though, that it would have been safer to not let Maia be a part of the reveal, but I do also understand that Cora was hoping it would help calm Gordon and shield her.
It is so sad that Maia has seen so much inhumanity in her short time on earth. It breaks my heart that this is the reality for so many kids out there. A child should never have to be exposed to that kind of cruelty.
Other qualities that could come with the Gordon name I think are pride, an unhealthy need to do whatever it takes to become who your parents want you to be instead of growing into your own identity, lack of empathy and an emphasis on how you are perceived by others.
Cora’s reactions to the different names hints at how each version of the story will play out. I am interested to see where each one goes.
Controversially, I actually think the way things have played out in the Gordon chapter might lead to the best outcome in that it made Cora have a very real revelation that she needs to stand up to her husband and she needs to get away from him.
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1. On the one hand, I think Cora might be overthinking it and that a name alone doesn’t determine who someone will become. People grow into their identities through experience, not just labels. However, given Cora’s past and the trauma she’s experienced, especially in connection to her husband Gordon, it makes sense that she’s hesitant. For her, the name isn’t just a word. It’s tied to pain, disappointment, and a version of life she doesn’t want for her son.
2. I like Bear the most, mainly because Maia gave him that name out of pure love and childlike honesty. It’s not about legacy or control , but about how she sees her baby brother: warm, lovable, and strong in a gentle way. It feels the most personal and free from the baggage the other names carry.
3. I don’t think he’ll become just like his father as I don’t believe a name automatically decides who you are. While Gordon is clearly assertive and controlling, Cora and Maia will bring a very different energy into the boy’s life. With their love, influence, and values shaping him, I believe he has a chance to grow into a strong but kind and compassionate person.
4. It was such a touching, yet bittersweet moment. The fact that something so small meant so much to Maia made me feel like she’s not used to being heard or seen in the household. It shows how deeply she craves recognition and connection, and how rare those moments are for her.
5. Yes, I do. Maia already shows so much maturity for her age, and I don’t think it’ll take long for her to grasp just how much Cora has been through, and how big a sacrifice this name choice really was.
6. I don’t think she has. I think she’s scared of not being believed or worse, that Gordon would find out and things would escalate even further. There’s a deep fear in her silence, and it feels like she’s been surviving more than living.
7. I was expecting a bad reaction, but I didn’t expect it to escalate that quickly or become so physical. It was disturbing and sadly, it confirmed everything we feared about his character.
8. I really hope Gordon is sent to jail, but I’m also worried. He’s such a respected figure in the community, and that kind of power can protect people like him. I just hope the truth is louder this time.
9. I don’t think she’ll be directly blamed. Gordon’s anger has always seemed to focus more on Cora. But that doesn’t mean Maia won’t feel the weight of it. Children in abusive households often carry blame even when it’s unspoken.
10. I understand why Cora wanted Maia there; it was a moment of love and defiance, but I do think it was risky. Putting Maia in the middle of that situation, especially knowing Gordon’s temper, felt slightly careless and unsafe.
11. I feel deeply for Maia. She’s had to grow up far too quickly and take on emotional burdens no child should ever carry. She’s incredibly resilient, but it’s heartbreaking that she’s had to be.
12. The name Gordon seems to carry a sense of control and expectation, and for Cora, probably fear. Naming her son after her husband feels like a loss of agency. She’s clearly struggling with postpartum and already feels disconnected from the baby, and I think being forced to use the name only deepens that divide.
13. It was really sad to see how she lit up at first, only to spiral into panic. It’s clear she wants to feel joy and freedom in choosing her son’s name, but she’s constantly weighed down by fear of Gordon and what he’ll do.
14. Even though it led to the most aggressive response, I think Bear was the right choice. It was a name given in love, not fear. And by choosing it, Cora finally made a decision for herself and in doing so, her situation was exposed. It gave her and her children a real shot at freedom.
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I think we are in for long ride with this book.
Julian brings Cora joy, it’s a name she’s chosen, a name she’s researched and found to like.
Bear is a name that brings Maia joy. Cora wants her children to be happy. It’s clear in the Bear chapter that Cora and Gordon’s relationship isn’t as it seems and Cora wants to ensure her children’s safety.
In the Julian chapter it’s clear that Maia is aware of her father’s temper and tries to make light of the circumstances by telling him she loves the name. But she’s also submissive because she’s obviously learned that she needs to be a good girl or she will be punished. I think little Maia is aware of her mother’s feelings towards her father.
The Gordon chapter really showed me how Gordon always thought he had the upper hand. How he charmed his way into Cora’s life.
I think Cora is trying hard to break that generational curse attached to the name Gordon and wants something very different for her son. Because her husband is a horrible man.
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I agree with Cora, especially where she said sometimes we can be so focused on paying our respects to the generation passed instead of the one coming. That hit me hard. I think we get stuck in tradition and sometimes we should pause and ask ourselves does it still make sense or should we path a new route.
Bear. Always trust a child to see things as purely as they can be. They’re untainted by the world and Maia’s characteristics to the name are simple, beautiful and very powerful.
Her husband is not assertive, he is a cowardly man who is incredible weak. He has no redeeming qualities.
I think Gordon is a misogynist. He only sees their value as being pretty, practical with house hold chores, and submissive. I think Maia’s joy comes from realising that her thoughts and contributions are valued and relied upon.
I think so, I think her father’s abusive tendencies will soon be directed to her as well. Especially if she thinks she is equal to him in thought.
No. I don’t think she looked for help in the past. She’s come to accept this reality. That’s why she does something she wouldn’t do in calling out for help before the neighbour arrived.
He has never been defied, it’s comical to think she’d actually go against his wishes, that’s why he responds in that. It’s inconceivable.
He will be arrested but probably let off. Domestic violence isn’t taken as seriously as it should. Especially where there is such a huge power imbalance. He makes all the money do he sets the rules.
I think when it comes to Maia, she is being trained early on to be a good and dutiful wife but I think Cora is either trying to prepare her for that life by including her in the reveal or maybe she’s trying to show Maia to take a different path than what she did. You can see that Cora is aware of how Maia has picked up ob pandering to Gordon and her response is one of being impressed by quickly she has learnt but also of dismay because she doesn’t want that sort of life for her daughter.
I think that with the name Gordon comes the expectation to follow in his father’s profession as well. It sounds like Gordon Sr was a surgeon and this Gordon is now also a doctor so likely that his son will have to become one as well.
I can’t say which Cora preferred most because the different perspectives have different trade offs. I personally like Bear because there is no association to the generation before it. Though Julian is not Gordon it still ties the two of them together by acknowledging the father aspect. I think each child is a combination of both parents but is very much their own individual person. Bear gives him the freedom to be fully himself without any attachment to his father either in direct name or in acknowledgement.
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1) I think that Cora is associating naming her child a generational name (Gordon) with her own trauma associated with that name/person. Her apprehension is understandable; although I do not think that a generational name will pass on characteristics of that person to the child. Regardless of what name she gives the child; how he is raised and the morals and values instilled in him through his upbringing ultimately determine who he will become.
2) My favorite name is Bear. The sentimental value the name holds for Maia tugs at the heartstrings, but most importantly I love that the name Bear symbolizes both love and tenderness as well as being brave and strong; and is a subtle reminder that both can coexist without conflicting and overpowering the other.
3) I do not think that by giving the child the same name as his father that he will become just like him. One does not inherit characteristics based on a name alone. I believe that regardless of the name she chooses, Cora and Maia’s influence in his life will be loving and positive, thus leading me to conclude that Cora will not be forced to fear her son’s control.
4) It was heartwarming reading how appreciative Maia was of being asked for an opinion and someone taking it seriously. It gave Maia a sense of validation and appreciation that her opinions matter. It also begs the question of; how often is she overlooked and undermined? I may be reading too much into this, but Maia says, “just one of the most special things that ever happened to me” and for me the emphasis was on “just one”; which could either be interpreted as it not happening often enough; or it could be interpreted as Maia holding out hope that this won’t be the one and only time.
5) Yes, I do think that Maia will realize the sacrifice that Cora made. We can already see how mature and intuitive Maia is. It is sad to read that she no longer has her childlike naivety to protect her from the harsh reality of her family life.
6) I do not think that Cora has looked for help before. I think that she is afraid and that her husband’s family name as well as his respected reputation within their community has made her doubt if anyone will believe her.
7) I expected him to be upset about it based on all the precautions Cora was taking prior to telling him; but I did not anticipate him getting so violent with her going against his wishes.
8) I would love to predict that Gordon will face the consequences of his actions and that justice will prevail but sadly I think his reputation within the community will get him off the hook.
9) I don’t think that Maia will be blamed as Gordon has not shown anger aimed directly towards her, but I do think that Cora will be blamed for giving Maia an opinion. I think that Maia will however subconsciously blame herself though she may never voice it.
10) Cora wanting Maia there is understandable; but also careless because of Gordons’ temper and how violently he reacts to defiance. A child should not be used as a buffer in an abusive home.
11) Maias’ level of maturity and understanding is far beyond her years. It’s heartbreaking that most of her childhood is lost and she has not been given the chance to be a happy and carefree child or to feel safe and loved in her home.
12) For Cora there is nothing positive that she associates with the name Gordon. She feels like she is burdening her child with the expectations that come with that name and in turn like she is failing him by not giving him his own identity. Postpartum depression is a very heavy burden to carry and now she will continually be questioning her decision whilst struggling to bond with her son.
13) It’s sad to see how overwhelmed and conflicted she is. Naming a child should be a joyous occasion and the name itself should bring hope and happiness. It should not be an act of defiance and liberation, nor should it be done with the fear of repercussions from the name one chooses.
14) Despite the sequence of events from naming him Bear, I still think it was a great choice. It held strong sentimental value for Cora as well as Maia. I also think that the symbolism of the name Bear resonated with Cora too. It was also a significant moment in the book that potentially alters the story line.
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1) I think Cora’s feelings are valid. Names are powerful and can be used to bring pain or joy.
2) I love Bear – there’s something so uniquely powerful with it. I just get that feeling.
3) I think by giving her son his name she has actually given the power to her husband. Kind of like saying well, here he is, make him like you.
4) I think she already feels he is like his father with how she quickly fell into PPD after naming him Gordon – compared to the other names.
5) It broke my heart a little – that maybe she doesn’t feel special or loved. I’m sure Maia already knows the sacrifice that has been made.
6) I don’t think she had looked for help before. Especially considering the time it takes place in.
7) Gordon’s reaction was hectic. I did not think it would be that intense – nothing warrants a reaction like that.
8) I think Gordon might be released because of how he is “loved” by the community. I hope not though.
9) I think she will be punished in other ways – ways that mean she won’t feel she is loved by her father.
10) After the Bear chapter, I was so worried about Maia being present. What if Gordon hurts her too?
11) It’s very unfortunate that Maia feels she needs to protect her mom like that and she is so young.
12) A name comes with certain expectations I think or preconceptions. Because she has very little love left for her husband and mostly fear – I think those feelings will be felt for her son.
13) It was done so well – her reactions show how one small decision can change the course of someone’s life and those around them.
14) Maybe Julian – because she now wants to leave to protect her children? Or Bear, only if she has a way to support herself and the kids and Gordon doesn’t come back! -
1. I think her feelings are valid, there’s so many small things to consider when choosing a name for a baby, nevermind her fear of repeating a cycle that she can see and feel in her own family. A person tends to associate traits and behaviours with certain names that you experienced from people with those names so her fears are valid.
2 I’m not particularly a fan of any of the names, but I’d have to go with Bear. I Associate Julian with two Julian’s I know of who are/were not very nice. Gordon was my grandfather’s name and I used it as an unofficial third name for my son to please family – so that says it all. So that leaves Bear, I liked Maia’s associations with the word/name.
3. If her husband is like his father, then her fears will likely come true.
4. It’s such a small but significant moment, her voice and opinions were heard, she felt seen.
5. I’m not sure time will tell, she may blame herself though.
6. I hope in this timeline he stays in prison. He needs to.
7. I hope she won’t be blamed by her father or grandparents. I think she’ll put things together, she seems to be a protector and tries to placate her father.
8. Either trying to let her have a part in what’s meant to be a joyous moment, or hoping it will stop her husband from being angry.
9. Fear, apprehension, distancing one’s self.
10. I think the author did a fantastic job of showing the different scenarios, and showing Cora’s emotions, I could feel them. I think her reactions were valid.
11. I think Bear, if he stays away in prison, it may have taken that to escape. Drastic measures but a possibly better end result.
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Reading the early chapters of The Names left a deep impression on me — especially through Cora’s emotional tug-of-war in choosing a name for her son and the pain of domestic abuse. To her, naming wasn’t just symbolic. It was loaded with history, trauma, and fear. The name Gordon, with all its connection to her domineering husband, felt like handing her child a script she didn’t want him to follow. I truly felt the weight of that decision in every moment.
Out of the three potential names — Gordon, Julian, and Bear — I found myself drawn most to Bear. Not only did Maia suggest it with innocent love, but it also represented warmth and strength without aggression. Bear felt like the only name untainted by legacy or expectation. It was born out of affection, not fear, and that made it all the more powerful.
I don’t believe a name makes someone become their namesake, but I understand Cora’s apprehension. Naming her son Gordon felt like caving in, like giving up the hope that he could be something new and better. And if he did adopt traits from his father, consciously or not, I imagine how terrifying that would be for her—to fear both the past and the future in her own household.
One of the most poignant moments was when Maia said, “Thank you, Mama. This is just one of the most special things that’s ever happened to me.” That line hit me hard. It made me wonder how often Maia has felt unseen. Her gratitude for something as simple as being heard reminded me how easily a child can be pushed to the sidelines when tensions dominate a home.
I do think Maia will grow to understand the depth of her mother’s sacrifice. She already shows so much emotional maturity, and while it’s heartbreaking to see a child lose their innocence so quickly, I believe that awareness will shape her empathy and strength in the long run.
Cora’s actions before telling Gordon — making sure the kids were safe but neglecting her own protection—spoke volumes. I don’t think she’s sought help before. It feels like fear and Gordon’s influence kept her isolated. That kind of silence doesn’t come from weakness—it comes from being unheard too many times.
Gordon’s reaction was horrifying. I was holding my breath, hoping for restraint, but he exploded — confirming every fear Cora had. The moment he was arrested, I felt a flicker of hope. But I’m cautious. People like him often have power in the community, and I just hope the truth shines brighter than his reputation.
Maia’s fear of blame is painfully realistic. I don’t think Gordon would blame her outright, but children internalise so much. And Cora, in choosing to involve Maia in the name reveal, was reaching for connection — but also taking a risk. That moment was beautiful and dangerous all at once.
Maia’s experiences broke my heart. She’s had to learn to tiptoe around rage, offer emotional support, and even act as an anchor in her mother’s hardest decision. No child should have to shoulder that.
When Cora finally renames her son, her reaction is immediate and gut-wrenching. The name evokes so much more than just her husband’s traits — it carries loss, fear, and emotional disconnect. I saw the name Bear as the only one that brought genuine light into the story. Despite the fallout, it was chosen from love, and that made it the most right for Cora in that moment.
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1. Bear is my favorite. I love that it was given by his sister and the meaning that she had for picking that name.
2. I don’t believe that he will become like his father. I do think it will add a lot of pressure and expectation for him to behave and act a certain way that will definitely influence his character and personality.
3. I liked that moment between Maia and Cora. It showed the special connection between them.
4. Yes. Maim is smart and observen enough to notice theres something going on between her parents but possibly isn’t aware that its an abusive relationship yet.
5. I’m not surprised. Cora’s fear to the thought of his reaction shows that he has been violent and aggressive to her before. His reaction to her was terrible and I felt heartbroken and scared for her.
6. I hope she presses charges and gets a restricting order and takes her kids and moves away from him.
7. I don’t think so. There are people out in the world who want to help people get away from domestic abuse situations and I believe that if Cora reaches out and asks for help there will be people on her side.
8. I think she wanted to share that moment with her daughter but she may also be using her as a buffer for Gordons anger.
9. Maia seems to have had to mature at a very young age. Shes observen and has probably noticed things that happen in her house with her parents and has had to grow up to fix and buffer these situations.
10. I think if shes names him Gordon she will believe that he may follow in his fathers footsteps and may start to resent her own son.
11. It was interesting to see how her choice of name can change her future.
12. I think Bear is the best because in that universe it leads to her standing up for herself and her children and getting away from Gordon and asking for help.
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