Introducing….

Everyone, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce someone to you….

Meet young master Kvothe:

IMAG0532

(You may have heard of him.)

You can click to embiggen if you like, but he’s pretty tiny. There’s only so much embiggening that can be done….

Here’s the story, and forgive me if I’m a little vague on the details, but I’ve promised his parents I’ll keep quiet about specifics for the most part.

I was contacted by a relative of little Kvothe a couple weeks ago. He mentioned that there had been a baby born in his family named Kvothe, as far as he could tell, my character was the only Kvothe out there.

(This is true. Somewhere in my files, I have a screen capture of a pre-publication google search that showed no hits on “Kvothe.” As far as I can tell, I was the first.)

My reaction to his e-mail was pretty much along the lines of “pull the other one, it’s got bells on.”

I wasn’t quite so British about it. (I’m reading some Pratchett right now, and it’s seeped into me.)

In fact, I think my whole response to his e-mail was, “Seriously?”

I honestly didn’t believe him.

I knew it might happen eventually. Statistically, it was probably going to happen sooner or later. I’ve already had one baby named out of the book a couple years back. But that was “Andan.” His name just comes up a couple times in the book, and if you wanted, you could always claim that you pulled the name from the Swedish word for “Breath” or something like that.

I’m pretty sure there’s a little girl with the middle name “Auri” out there too. Though I lost some e-mails a while back, and I can’t find record of it right now….

But yeah. They were serious. His name is Kvothe. They even sent me a picture of the birth certificate.

So there’s a little Kvothe out there in the world. It boggles the mind a little bit.

I feel an attachment to the little guy. I feel like a godfather or something, though I’m not. I feel like I’m responsible for him in a way.

All of which is crazy, of course. I’m aware of that. But I have a problem in this regard. It’s hard for me not to feel responsible for things.

Ah well, crazy or not, all I can really do is wish him the best….

Hello little Kvothe, 

It will probably be a long time before you read this, if ever. I just wanted to give you my best wishes and fond hopes for the future. 

I hope you grow up sweet and loving. I hope you grow up clever and strong. I hope you are happy.

I hope your life is hard, but not too hard. I hope you are careful, but not too careful. I hope you make beautiful mistakes and learn things. 

I hope you always have ten good friends who are close to you. I hope you know that you are loved. I hope you make the world a better place.

Thanks for making me smile, 

pat

This entry was posted in babies, naming, Surreal enthusiasm. By Pat68 Responses

68 Comments

  1. jayh
    Posted August 12, 2013 at 7:55 AM | Permalink

    I’ve got just one word ….. awwwwww. Sweet sentiments Pat. Thanks for sharing. And have too much fun at Gencom

    • jayh
      Posted August 12, 2013 at 8:04 AM | Permalink

      or Gencon even.

  2. jmbomm
    Posted August 12, 2013 at 7:57 AM | Permalink

    Someone just earned the title of “Master Namer.”

    Well done :)

  3. ladydoor
    Posted August 12, 2013 at 8:01 AM | Permalink

    Welcome to the world baby Kvothe! Your parents may be the coolest people on earth.

  4. Valarya
    Posted August 12, 2013 at 8:02 AM | Permalink

    That lil hat is adorable. And your letter to tiny-Kvothe might be the most touching thing I’ve read in a long time. :)

  5. Posted August 12, 2013 at 8:04 AM | Permalink

    My girl’s name is gonna be Auri btw

  6. morwynskya
    Posted August 12, 2013 at 8:07 AM | Permalink

    –>d’oh!<–
    right in the feels!

    (what a cutie!!)

  7. kaszy86
    Posted August 12, 2013 at 8:12 AM | Permalink

    Wow! He does in fact totally look like a Kvothe!… Congrats master namer :)

  8. kayeled
    Posted August 12, 2013 at 8:18 AM | Permalink

    As the mummy of a tiny teenie baby, I would guess that Kvothe is perhaps a tiny teenie too. So extra love and best wishes from me in the UK. And Pat- when I get my little one christened, I may well borrow your fine words. A really smashing piece which has brightened up my day. (I dropped a little bit of British colloquialism in there just for you…)

  9. Arshness
    Posted August 12, 2013 at 8:19 AM | Permalink

    I love the name Kvothe. Once I wrapped my head around how to pronounce it I was totally all in love with it. :)

    Well there’s a kid who’ll have a hell of a time getting people to pronounce his name right for his entire life… but with a namesake that makes it worth it. ;)

    Welcome to the world, kid! You have a huge rep to live up to! ;) heh!

  10. Megachix
    Posted August 12, 2013 at 8:21 AM | Permalink

    I’m Cristina from Spain. I’m 28 weeks pregnant of my first child. And he’s gonna be Jon Kvothe ^__^ This little guy seems to be only the first of many “Kvothes” all around the world. And he is absolutely adorable.

  11. Knightrous
    Posted August 12, 2013 at 8:32 AM | Permalink

    Pat, might it be a little presumptuous of me, but when the third book is finished might you send him a signed set of the trilogy? Just a little something to have read to him, as he grows up, his own personal set of his namesake/inspiration. Obviously, I don’t expect you to do it for everyone who calls their child Kvothe (well, not unless you really do want to reward fan dedication beyond the call of duty), but as the first it seems somewhat appropriate.

    And, as for Terry Pratchett, I was reading “A Blink of the Screen” last night and came across something that would be appropriate to yourself. When I get home, tonight, I will hopefully remember to return and type it out for you.

    • Posted August 12, 2013 at 12:43 PM | Permalink

      I’ve already sent a care package….

      • Knightrous
        Posted August 13, 2013 at 1:18 PM | Permalink

        There’s something ominous in those four small periods…

        And now for something completely diff… sorry, channeling Monty Python instead of Pratchett. From Sir Pratchett’s Nac Mac Programme Book, Discworld Convention, August 2000, I’m not going to type up all of it, just the two afflictions/ailments described that seemed pertinent:

        SIGNITUS
        A minor but chronic ailment, which causes the sufferer to groan and sometimes run away at the sight of anyone holding more than three books. Brandy has been found to relieve the symptoms, possibly with the addition of more brandy.

        BURSARITIS (CHRONIC CON-TINENCE)
        The illusion that you have brought hundreds of people a long way in order to celebrate something that doesn’t really exist. Symptoms are manic-depression, a fixed waxy smile, and a tendency, unless physically prevented from doing so, to sell T-shirts at people. Those afflicted may shout things like “Only 1,978 mugs to sell before we break even!” WARNING: sufferers may spontaneously combust if woken suddenly from their trance-like state, and it is best to humour them until they wake up of their own accord. Be kind to these people. It is not their fault.

  12. Harv
    Posted August 12, 2013 at 8:37 AM | Permalink

    You are such a softy.

    After the thousandth Kvothe though it might start getting old.

  13. dustyh
    Posted August 12, 2013 at 8:48 AM | Permalink

    My wife and I have a 9 month old named Denna, 100% pulled from the book. She insisted on a D name and we both loved the book, made it an easily agreed upon name. Everyone loves her name and we haven’t met another Denna to date.

    • Posted August 12, 2013 at 11:40 AM | Permalink

      Could you send a picture? I’d love to see her….

      • dustyh
        Posted August 12, 2013 at 12:00 PM | Permalink

        Couldn’t find an email, so I shot you a Facebook message with a photo. Enjoy!

    • giantbooger
      Posted August 17, 2013 at 5:16 AM | Permalink

      Really sorry to chime in like this, but there has been relatively famous Denna in Goodkind’s Sword of Truth for quite some time ;)

      Not that it matters. <3 to little Denna! :)

    • Posted December 29, 2018 at 3:11 AM | Permalink

      My name is Denna and I’m 35 yrs old. I’ve never heard of my name till I seen the book.

  14. chronosnight
    Posted August 12, 2013 at 8:49 AM | Permalink

    Just wanted to let you, and your fans, know that five weeks ago, my fiance and I had our first baby. We had settled on Josephine as her first name long before she was born, but chose her middle name after the fact. Alora, one of Dennas pseudonyms. Though most people make the Willow connection. Thank you for the amazing books and for helping us name our beautiful daughter!

  15. Arwen wannabe
    Posted August 12, 2013 at 10:27 AM | Permalink

    The pursed lips! The squint! The hat! Gorgeous. Hope you’re enjoying the Pratchett, he’s one of my favourites.

  16. GhostWriter
    Posted August 12, 2013 at 10:36 AM | Permalink

    Wow! Folks naming their kids after your characters. What a mind job…
    -GW

  17. Robo
    Posted August 12, 2013 at 11:04 AM | Permalink

    The protagonist in my book is named Shithead.

    Uh-oh…

    • LordZod
      Posted August 20, 2013 at 3:30 AM | Permalink

      I once spoke to a person (I work in a call center, so that happens) named Shithead. She didn’t seem amused when I pronounced it the way that seemed natural. Apparently, it was pronounced “Shih-theed.” Thought that might help

  18. adaq
    Posted August 12, 2013 at 11:36 AM | Permalink

    In fact, acording to our National Statistical Institute, there are 54 Auri (a variant of Aurea) in Spain.

  19. Kurty
    Posted August 12, 2013 at 11:36 AM | Permalink

    He best be a red head. Otherwise I am not going to be very happy.

  20. rab787
    Posted August 12, 2013 at 11:39 AM | Permalink

    I am having a baby boy due Sept 25, and my husband and I, who both love your books, seriously considered the name Kvothe. We liked it a lot but our family had shot down so many of the names we liked, that we thought “Kvothe” would be too far of a stretch for them. We decided on McCoy (yes from Star Trek but also because it was the only name on the list of Irish/Scottish names my husband likes and it means “fire”). We tested it out with our friends first, they liked it, so we told our family that was it. Either they liked it, or they took our hint to be quiet about it if they didn’t. I did name my new cute little blue car “Auri” though. :)

  21. Posted August 12, 2013 at 12:44 PM | Permalink

    There’s also some bank software (that I may or may not have written) named “Kilvin” and “Elodin.”

    We have to trick our users into believing that the names stand for something, though… still working on how to get an “Elxa Dal” application up and running without arousing too much suspicion…

  22. spoonyspork
    Posted August 12, 2013 at 1:23 PM | Permalink

    Eeeeeeeeeeee….

    (all of my ability to make words just mushed into feels and mommy instinct)

  23. Robo
    Posted August 12, 2013 at 1:25 PM | Permalink

    I’m going to name my next son, Ambrose. Because every world needs that guy.

    (We’ll name the dog Hemme).

    • mehawk
      Posted August 12, 2013 at 2:11 PM | Permalink

      “(We’ll name the dog Hemme).”

      That made my smile embiggen.

  24. Straze
    Posted August 12, 2013 at 1:51 PM | Permalink

    Haha, very cool and strange all at once!

  25. mandabanda
    Posted August 12, 2013 at 3:13 PM | Permalink

    I always wondered how authors felt about that. Your response makes me happy, since our third child is named after a character from one of my favorite authors (not you, but that’s probably because I didn’t know about you back then!). His name is a little more main-stream, but odd enough that he’ll probably be asked about it. We named all our kids after our favorite little corners of nerddom. It’s our way of bringing awareness to our favorite things.

  26. katie
    Posted August 12, 2013 at 3:18 PM | Permalink

    We’re currently expecting our first (waiting to be surprised if its a boy or girl). We wanted to use Auri as our girl but unfortunately it has a sing song rhyming sound with our last name :( I don’t believe I am bold enough to use Kvothe (forgiveness, please), but we are stuck on a boy name. I actually told husband last week that we need to reread the Kingkiller books with the purpose of looking for a boys name.

  27. Posted August 12, 2013 at 3:30 PM | Permalink

    I think this deserves an Achievement Unlocked picture!

    And little Kvothe is adorable, he definitely looks like he could use more pockets though. :)

  28. HTrain3000
    Posted August 13, 2013 at 1:58 AM | Permalink

    I have two cats, Kvothe and Elodin. I suspect you have a lot of pets named after your characters.

  29. bakaup
    Posted August 13, 2013 at 3:46 AM | Permalink

    He’s got clever eyes! O_O I dearly hope against all hope that his parents don’t sing the wrong sorts of songs…this might seem a bit rude, but was there a gold screw in his bellybutton? ahahaha

  30. towo
    Posted August 13, 2013 at 4:24 AM | Permalink

    First, his name shapes him, and then he will shape his name in turn.

  31. svalic
    Posted August 13, 2013 at 4:53 AM | Permalink

    First, from one father to another, I can’t imagine a better greeting! Second, I think they gave him the perfect name, though I can’t see his hair to say for sure.

  32. jomateixa
    Posted August 13, 2013 at 5:28 AM | Permalink

    Kvothe, Denna… It’s amazing!
    the baby kvothe is so beautiful.

  33. jomateixa
    Posted August 13, 2013 at 6:12 AM | Permalink

    and your letter is so tender…

  34. jpm2621
    Posted August 13, 2013 at 7:22 PM | Permalink

    What a beautiful kid. My wife and I agreed Kvothe would be a wonderful name for our son, and had planned on naming him just that. These folks beat us to it, though. Don’t know what the wife will think when she finds out…

  35. Josh
    Posted August 13, 2013 at 8:45 PM | Permalink

    I think that’s the best set of wishes I’ve ever come across.

  36. theaustralian
    Posted August 14, 2013 at 1:40 AM | Permalink

    Cute and all but when is the REAL Kvothe returning in Book 3, I cannot see anything about it on your website?

    • Holmelund
      Posted August 14, 2013 at 7:45 AM | Permalink

      Read his FAQ for an accurate answer.

  37. Posted August 15, 2013 at 3:14 PM | Permalink

    Heh. I’ve been named ‘Andan’ for almost 40 years. My father says he made it up.

    Turns up in several other languages (Swedish, Spanish) and as a surname in Eastern Europe. Dad says he didn’t know any of that.

    I’ve heard from a few other Andans over the years, thanks to the Internet.

  38. Kate@LivingTheFrugalLife
    Posted August 15, 2013 at 4:30 PM | Permalink

    Hey, got a random question for Pat and/or an informed reader of Pat’s. I’m pretty darn sure I heard about a short story centering on Bast that Pat had written/published, or else was in the works. Is this correct, or am I only wishing it were so? If correct and it’s been published, publication details, please? Otherwise, a kind someone might clear up the misconception or tell me to be patient.

    I need a Rothfustian fix, and am doing my utmost not to whine.

    • Jack
      Posted August 16, 2013 at 5:09 AM | Permalink

      Not 100% sure that this is what you mean, but Unfettered is a collaboration between a lot of the fantasy greats, including a short story from Rothfuss in the 4 corners world. I haven’t gotten my hands on a copy yet, so not sure if it is Bast or not, but it is definitely the Kingkiller Chronicle world!

      http://grimoakpress.com/2012/08/unfettered-edited-by-shawn-speakman/

      Cheers,
      Jack

      • Kate@LivingTheFrugalLife
        Posted August 16, 2013 at 6:06 AM | Permalink

        Thanks, Jack, but no, the Unfettered story is not the one I *may* have heard about. Got Unfettered and went straight for Pat’s story. It’s a good one, very much not what KKC readers will have come to think of as Rothfustian style. Different from his other stuff, but I liked it a lot. From my reading, it might or might not be in the Four Corners world, though if Pat says it is, then it is. His story in Unfettered is called How Old Holly Came to Be.

        Maybe this short story about Bast is just a figment of my imagination, or desperate wish fulfillment fantasy. Maybe Pat mentioned it once as an off the cuff possibility for some as yet not begun tale. I’d sure like to see it if it exists though.

        • Jack
          Posted August 17, 2013 at 12:19 AM | Permalink

          Bother. I thought that might have been it! I don’t think it is a figment of your imagination; I remember reading the same announcement about the Bast story, and I think I must have just assumed it was the Unfettered one!

          Report back if you work it out – I’d be interested to know.

          Cheers,
          Jack

    • mmogilvi
      Posted August 16, 2013 at 1:09 PM | Permalink

      Perhaps you are thinking of the Kvothe vs Jaime Lannister cage match (actually fought by Bast).

      http://suvudu.com/2010/03/cage-match-2010-round-4-14-kvothe-versus-15-jaime-lannister.html

      See the “Click Here for Patrick Rothfuss…” link. Unfortunately, it doesn’t currently seem to be working properly. But if you “view page source”, and search for “cagematch_author_1”, it can be found right after that.

      —-

      Or maybe you are thinking of two years later, when Pat wrote one short section as part of a blog post, and would have written another story about Bast if the cage match had gotten that far:

      https://blog.patrickrothfuss.com/2012/03/suvudu-cage-match/
      https://blog.patrickrothfuss.com/2012/03/consolation-prize-kvothe-vs-aslan/

      • Kate@LivingTheFrugalLife
        Posted August 18, 2013 at 5:23 AM | Permalink

        Ha! That cagematch story with Bast was awesome. Thanks for pointing me to that, mm, it totally made my day. Scratched that need-some-Rothfuss itch. I recommend this to anyone else in the same predicament. Viewing the page source to get at the story is a wee bit of work, but well worth it, in my opinion.

        Now I’m off to ponder whether this story adds anything to my estimation of Bast, his motives, and his place in the unfolding story.

  39. Posted August 16, 2013 at 2:57 AM | Permalink

    So cute!

  40. Lord Periwinkle
    Posted August 16, 2013 at 6:05 AM | Permalink

    I feel I should point out that saying “pull the other one, it’s got bells on” isn’t particularly British. I’m British and I’ve never heard anyone say that, although I have heard people say “you’re pulling my leg” and once or twice I have heard someone say “pull the other one” but I’ve never encountered the bells outside of a Pratchett novel.
    Your response would be much more typical of most british people, although I think “fuck me” would be the most common around here. Personally I’d have gone for fuck a duck, or maybe bugger a badger.

    Also, aww so cute.

    • Willow17
      Posted August 22, 2013 at 5:37 AM | Permalink

      No, I’ve not heard it outside of Pratchett either, but my mother assures me it is very British, if rather archaic. It was in common use forty or fifty years ago. Apparently it refers to Morris dancers.

  41. moelodin
    Posted August 16, 2013 at 6:10 AM | Permalink

    Poor guy, after what i believe is coming in the books..

    My name is E.Lodin and im also a crazy physics/art teacher. Yes, i made two students drop paper balls and one believe very hard that it wouldnt touch the floor. The whole class betted on the competition, me of course on guess who’s side. Naturally both balls fell to the floor but for a small moment, they werent certain..

    Cheers from sweden

  42. bearfootbandit
    Posted August 16, 2013 at 1:16 PM | Permalink

    If I ever have children the boys name will be…. Elodin.

    Yeah, crazy runs in the family so thats only appropriate, eh?

  43. reids77
    Posted August 17, 2013 at 10:00 AM | Permalink

    Hi Patrick! I’m a huge fan from Finland and just wanted to tell you that Auri is an old finnish name, given both boys and girls though it’s given to girls much more often. Love your books & can’t wait for the third day!

  44. SeekingPlumb
    Posted August 17, 2013 at 5:13 PM | Permalink

    Pat, this was a beautiful dedication!! If I ever wanted kids, this is the type of thing I would want someone to say to them. Just perfect!!! You’re the bomb!!!

  45. Posted August 18, 2013 at 2:25 PM | Permalink

    I knew ’embiggen’ was a perfectly cromulent word, and I am delighted to see it in common use.

    And young Kvothe seems perfectly delightful (though at 2 am babies that size are occasionally less delightful, their cuteness still makes parents want to keep them anyway).

    Congratulations!

  46. 00radio
    Posted August 20, 2013 at 9:32 AM | Permalink

    You know, if you’re reading Pratchett, I believe the quote is actually “Pull one of the others, it’s got bells on.”

    • AlistairM
      Posted August 21, 2013 at 8:17 AM | Permalink

      I don’t think he was quoting Pratchett directly just using an English idiom

  47. kaishaku
    Posted August 22, 2013 at 8:34 PM | Permalink

    Hi Pat,

    Long time lurker, first time poster, thought I would direct people to your recent incarnation as a Lord of Waterdeep on Tabletop: http://youtu.be/D7DvEIfrP84

  48. AlistairM
    Posted August 23, 2013 at 5:21 AM | Permalink

    Pat was on Wil Wheaton’s Tabletop!

    Go to the youtube channel geek and sundry to find it! :D

    • AlistairM
      Posted August 23, 2013 at 5:24 AM | Permalink

      Should also say that this is a program called “Tabletop” and not physically on Wil’s tabletop.

      I’m sure a video like that would violate Youtube’s terms and conditions :P

  49. Bilbo
    Posted August 25, 2013 at 3:15 PM | Permalink

    Felurian is also a beautyful name but I don´t think that the child would like it…

  50. angledge
    Posted September 19, 2013 at 9:01 AM | Permalink

    Pat, on the topic of naming babies, check out this recent NYT column:

    http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/09/18/will-a-black-name-brand-my-son-with-mug-shots-before-hes-even-born/?smid=pl-share

    The article and comments bring up many interesting points about the powers of names.

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