Eponine is a female name that has been popularized by the character in Les Misérables. The spelling of Eponine is pronounced /ɛ.pɔ.nin/ according to the phonetic transcription in IPA. The first two letters "ep" are pronounced as "ehp" as in "epic" with a silent "c". The letter "o" is pronounced as "oh" and the combination of "in" is pronounced as "een". Overall, Eponine is a unique and beautiful name with a distinctive spelling and sound.
Eponine is a proper noun and primarily refers to a fictional character in Victor Hugo's novel Les Misérables. Eponine Thénardier is an important secondary character in the novel, first introduced as the daughter of Monsieur and Madame Thénardier, a corrupt innkeeper couple. Eponine's role is significant in the narrative as she becomes entangled in a love triangle involving herself, Marius Pontmercy, and Cosette. Despite being initially portrayed as a cunning and manipulative young woman due to her unfavorable upbringing, Eponine undergoes a transformation, revealing a selfless and devoted nature.
The character of Eponine has transcended the original novel and has become a well-known figure in theatrical adaptations of Les Misérables, particularly in the acclaimed musical version. Eponine's story arc and emotional journey have resonated with audiences, making her one of the most beloved and iconic characters in musical theater.
Beyond the fictional character, Eponine does not have a commonly used dictionary definition. However, variations of the name, such as Éponine, can be found in French dictionaries as a female given name. In this context, it is a relatively uncommon name, derived from the Greek name Eponina, and may carry meanings associated with bravery, loyalty, or fidelity.
The name "Eponine" originated from French and has its roots in Greek mythology. It is derived from the Greek word "epi", meaning "upon", and the name "Onos", which was associated with horses. In Greek mythology, Epona was the name of the goddess who embodied fertility, horses, and abundance. The name "Eponine" gained popularity through its usage in Victor Hugo's novel "Les Misérables", where it was given to one of the main characters, Eponine Thénardier.