Hello, everyone! After a several-month-long hiatus (sorry for that), I'm back with the second article of the "What's in a Name" mini-series — and this time, with Heathlegs.

Now, as you can see, unlike with the Minlout chart, in which neither of the characters had much of a selection concerning the meanings of their names, the members of Team Heathlegs actually have a lot of definitions to their names. Fishlegs had so many, in fact, that I had to pick and choose which definitions to have in this chart! And, as you can see, it was a bit of a tight fit; I actually had to resize this a few times in order to fit all of that in his section! It was messy. (I had forgotten how many uses "fish" has in the English language. lol XD)

Fishlegs

Now, of course, Fishlegs, having the disadvantage of not having a name with some historical influence, makes it difficult to pinpoint any exact meaning that be "deep" or anything — but that doesn't mean that I won't try! And just because it's a Hooligan name, doesn't mean I can't try to give it some neat meaning, eh? ;-)

Now, if we ignore the most obvious meaning of Fishlegs' name — that is, literally, "a fish with legs" — the possibilities are endless.

Here are most of the definitions of "fish":

• Edible vertebrates that live in the water.
• The zodiacal sign and constellation Pisces.
• A person who is strange in a specific way.
• To search, by groping or feeling for something concealed.
• A flat piece of metal, wood, or another material used to give additional strength to a beam or joint as a temporary repair, such as a ship's mast or spar.

Let me tell you, I never expected that Fish was attributed to the constellation Pisces (even though Pisces is Latin for "fish"). Though, if I'm honest, I'm not very knowledgeable with the constellations.

To be honest, with Fishlegs being Fishlegs, and with his family clan having a strength in oral and written knowledge, this fits him. In fact, this fits him A LOT!

Not only could this be when Fishlegs was born, as Pisces comes around on February 19th to March 20th (which would make Hiccup a Pisces, I guess), but Fishlegs could've very well been named after this constellation by his parents either because of this and/or because of his parents' love for knowledge and astronomy, knowing the symbolic nature of Pisces. (Or it could just be that they just REALLY love fish.)

Honestly, this is probably the best and most plausible headcanon for Fishlegs' name I could ever make — aside from the possibility that Fishlegs is just... Fishlegs, and has no relative meaning at all. But I refuse to entertain that possibility.

The next one (that's not in the chart, but I decided to note it, anyway) is when one is fishing... for fish. With a hook, net, etc. Which, according to my headcanon, fits Fishlegs' family, as one of their main occupations is the fishing industry and as traders. Which would explain Fishlegs' appearance: he looks like he comes from a wealthy family. (I'll explain this more in a later article.)

"Fish" is also a slang term for a person who is strange in a specific way. Which is actually interesting to note, since fish are strange in general; and Fishlegs is most definitely "strange" in that he, along with his family, don't share the love for battle that the other Hooligans seem to have, and prefer being philosophers than warriors (though that didn't necessarily stop them from participating during the Dragon Wars and others). Fishlegs is also "strange" for being very affectionate and... compassionate and... stuff — which aren't Viking traits, to be sure. To prevent from explaining further and making this longer than it already is, I'll just nip it in the bud and say that, in general, Fishlegs is considered by many to be strange (save us in the modern era, who are similar to him).

Of course, we know that he's not strange at all. But back then, in Viking Times, it would've. But we must take note that Heather never viewed Fishlegs like that. From their first meeting in "The Heather Report", she's accepted and liked who he was and was drawn to, and had great respect for, his intelligence. She even told Astrid in "Have Dragon, Will Travel" that she preferred a smart man over a man with brawn — like Fishlegs (who, conveniently, has BOTH). Fishlegs definitely has a different perspective on life and in general that Heather appreciates and Hiccup uses to their advantage during their adventures and battles.

(Though I have to take note that Fishlegs was very fortunate that Snotlout was such a pompous idiot... or else Mrs. Lout probably could've ended up becoming a reality had Snotlout been more... I don't know, like Hiccup. More smart, humble, and sensitive. lol XD)

Another definition of "fish" is to search, grope, or feel for something concealed — like searching for something in your pocket or a bag or sack. Fishlegs, of course, is known for always "fishing" for things: whether it's documents, information, maps, charcoal pencils, food — whatever! And curiously enough, it also seems to imply and symbolize Heather's predicament, who has been searching for a home and a place to belong "since the first time he met her," and it also sums up their relationship quite nicely. It's beautiful. :')

(I also think it'd be hilarious if this was also because Fishlegs was being difficult during the birthing process, so one of the midwives had to "fish" for Fishlegs in the canal in order to get him out, hence the name. lol XD)

The last definition is an interesting one — and one I've never heard before:

• A flat piece of metal, wood, or another material used to give additional strength to a beam or joint as a temporary repair, such as a ship's mast or spar.

I really love this concept in defining Fishlegs; it has something to do with his family — due to my head canon of his family being fishers/traders — and it sums up who he is nicely. Not only is he strong and a steadfast support, but he also is kinda the healer of their group. And aside from Hiccup, Fishlegs is also the mediator within the group and keeps the group balanced. He also helps Hiccup with literal repairs.

To be honest, I can see Fishlegs' family being shipbuilders, too — having their hands in a lot of honey pots, as it were. lol ^_^

Anyway, now to the "-legs" part of his name. Here are the following definitions:

• Appendages of humans and animals.
• Used to refer to the sustained popularity or success of a product or idea.
• A section or stage of a journey or process.

Again, ignoring the obvious literal "fish legs" meaning.

The definition of "referring to the sustained popularity or success of a product or idea" is actually an interesting one. Another one that I've never heard of. Very educational. This fits Fishlegs; he's full of ideas, and they tend to *usually* work and successful. And like Hiccup, Fishlegs makes things, too. So, basically, this sums up Fishlegs' character.

The other definition is "a section of stage of a journey or process." Which, when you think about it, sums up Fishlegs' entire character arc. I mean, we see him from HTTYD 1, to RoB and DoB, to RTTE, and the latter 2 films, and we gradually see him changing from a timid, cowardly, unconfident, and nervous individual to someone who ends up being brave, heroic, confident, stands up for himself, more outgoing, steadfast, a warrior even, and someone that can be depended on. This entire arc was definitely a journey of self-discovery for Fishlegs. I mean, it was for the entire Gang, but still.

Also, this could also apply to astronomy and the movement of planets and stars, etc.

Of course, leg(s) has LOTS of definitions; but I don't have the time, room, nor relevance to include them. So these were the three definitions for "legs" that I felt was more appropriate and plausible for Fishlegs' name.

So that is everything that you now know about Fishlegs.

Now, on to Heather's name.

Heather

Heather's name, while having undergone much scrutiny and criticism in the past, does, in fact, fit Heather and her character arc. And is not a Mary Sue name. As you will see below, Heather is a Scandinavian name, and is, in fact, plausible for her to have that name. The Old Norse word for heather is "ling", so some variant was used for the name (though I've yet to find any Old Norse names rooted from this word). 

Not only that, but as I believe in my head canon that she has some Anglo-Saxon blood in her family lineage, she could've easily have been named by one of those relatives.

Here are some fun facts about the name — and the flower — Heather:

• Of Anglo-Saxon, Scots, Irish, Dutch, German, and Scandinavian origin.
• A hardy and beautiful cluster of flowers that live in hilly and rocky areas and blooms in the winter, giving it the appropriate name, "Queen of Winter."
• Symbolises independence, protection, strength, admiration, solitude, beauty, and good fortune.
• Comes in white, purple, red, or even pink colors.
• Were used to stuff mattresses and induce sleep.
• Were also used to make aromatic brooms to sweep and clean their homes.

As Heather is a flower-based name, there's not really much to add on other than getting into the symbolism and meanings of the flower and its uses.

The Heather plant was often used to stuff mattresses and induce sleep, and were also used to make homemade brooms to sweep and clean house interiors. Interestingly enough, the genus name for this flower is Calluna, which possibly comes from the Greek Kallyno "beautify, sweep clean" — an appropriate choice, I dare say. This is a wonderful reference to her domestic life with her foster family and Tribe.

The flowers also come in a variety of colors: white, purple, red, and even pink. (Heather also becomes those colors as well. Hehe.)

Also like the flower/plant, Heather is independent, wanting to do things herself and is reluctant to ask for help, and she survived for years on her own. Heather is strong, both physically and mentally, and despite the trials and struggles that Life throws at her, she stands strong and fights back; she's a fierce warrior as well; and like how the heather plant protects, our Heather is willing to fight to the death to protect those she holds dear and cares about.

Heather is also beautiful, like the flower, both physically and in personality; but it's a mellow beauty, not loud and gaudy in nature. She is also admired by many and admires many in return, reaping great respect from her friends and allies. Heather also represents solitude, and our girl has had a tough time, and has had to deal with her trials alone for so long that she almost prefers to remain alone — until Fishlegs and the Gang came along. She is finally, like the flower, the symbol of good fortune; not only has she found a family in Fishlegs and the Gang, and their dragons, and in her foster parents and in Windshear, but she has also lived a good life and has even managed to build a home with her birth Tribe, the Berserkers. She also has been good luck to Hiccstrid and has been a steadfast supporter for her best friends to get together; and lastly, she has been a source of inspiration and companionship for Fishlegs and they have had a strong bond since they had been reunited.

A fitting name for a fitting maiden. ^_^

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Conclusion

So in conclusion to this very long article, these are the points you should take away from this article:

• Fishlegs' birthday could plausibly be around February or March.
• Fishlegs' parents could've named him after the Pisces constellation, or something that was tied to their profession as fishers/traders.
• Fishlegs' name could just be what it is due to a stupid Hooligan tradition of naming children, but we shall ignore that to the best of our ability.
• The name Heather is of Scandinavian origin just as much as it is of Anglo-Saxon, Celtic, Dutch, and German origin.
• Heather's name FITS her character. End of story.
• The Heather flower/plant is a pretty neat flower/plant.
• It's also tough and hardcore. Practically shouts "Screw you, Winter, I'm growing and blooming whether you like it or not!" the whole season long. Love it. lol XD
• Heather is practically the plant/flower personified!
• Heathlegs really are meant to be together.

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Hope you enjoyed reading this article, and I hope that you've gained more appreciation for Heathlegs, and the characters themselves. Thank you for reading this and hope to see you soon.

I will be posting the third and final installment of the "What's in a Name" miniseries at a later date, which will get into the name meanings of Ruffthrok (Ruffnut/Throk). Hope you'll stick around for that. I promise that it won't take so long to post it. No several-month-long hiatuses, I swear. lol XD

Until next time.

Keep Calm and Ship Heathlegs!

— Minlout3Heathlegs3RuffthrokFan

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Word Count: 2250 words

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Date Published: 04/18/21