Remus Lupin

Remus John Lupin (born March 10, 1959) is a fictional character in the Harry Potter novels, portrayed by David Thewlis in the films.

Name etymology

This character's name is a clear example of Rowling's careful use of descriptive names for her characters, settings and other story elements. His first name, "Remus", is an allusion to Romulus and Remus, the legendary twin founders of Rome, who as infants were cared for by a she-wolf (named Lupa). His last name, "Lupin", recalls the English word "lupine" (meaning "characteristic of or relating to wolves"), which in turn is derived from Latin lupus ("wolf").

Related Topics:
Romulus and Remus - Rome

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"Lupin" also refers to a type of plant (genus Lupinus), so named because it was believed to leech and devour the soil, and is also the name of a wolflike monster in the folklore of northern France noted, surprisingly, for its shyness.

Related Topics:
Lupin - France

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It has also been speculated that the name comes from two Monty Python's Flying Circus skits: a repeated one involving "Professor R.J. Gumby", and one involving "Dennis Moore, the Lupin Thief".

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