Meaning of Ilse's nickname - "If So Girl"?

**studiouslaura** · November 30th, 2009

Hi everyone!

I am re-reading Duma Key again (I'm saving the newest novel for a trip that's coming up, and boy is it killing me) and this question is driving me nuts. What is the meaning behind Ilse's screen/nickname? Edgar even discusses at one point how if Ilse finds out that her boyfriend is cheating, it will change her, and she will go from being his "if so girl" to something less innocent (essentially).

What am I missing?

Thanks, y'all!

Laura

**SusanNorton** · November 30th, 2009

Hi, Laura! It's been a while since I read Duma, so I don't know if he ever comes out and says exactly what the meaning is, but I'd assumed that the "if" stood for her initials (Ilse F.) and the "so" stood for something else - maybe where she was living? I cant remember. I probably shouldn't have answered this, since I'm apparently pulling stuff out of my butt.

**studiouslaura** · December 1st, 2009

Aha! I totally didn't think about the initials. Thanks!

**fredo** · December 1st, 2009

Was it not a nickname Edgar had for her when she was younger? Man, now I gotta go re-read. Again.

**BallroomDancer** · January 4th, 2010

Ilse always stood up for Melinda. If Melinda did something wrong, Ilse would say, "If Melinda did that, she did it because (blah blah blah), so don't get mad at her." I do believe that must be why.

**Reason4Happenings** · February 15th, 2012

I don't know where else to put this, but I MUST say it, so I will squeeze it in here.

I loved Duma Key. It's in my top 3 fave SK books ... but ....

I HATED, HATED, HATED, HATED, HATED the name "Ilse."

I mean Ilse = Isle ... really, Steve? REALLY?

*whew*

I feel much better now.

**CCAL** · February 15th, 2012

Of all the names SK has used in all his storys why did you choose Ilse to unleash all your anger on? what does Ilse=Ilse mean? Its not like its the main character and her name has hidden meaning...if you want stupid names heres some, how about Taffy (like the candy only not spelled the same ma'am) it was my ex daughter-in-law's legal name. Another is April who was born in ....wait for it SEPTEMBER! The mother just liked the sound of April. Well I made my point.so enough with the name game. Sometimes a name is just a name

**ghost19** · February 15th, 2012

Originally Posted by CCAL

Of all the names SK has used in all his storys why did you choose Ilse to unleash all your anger on? what does Ilse=Ilse mean? Its not like its the main character and her name has hidden meaning...if you want stupid names heres some, how about Taffy (like the candy only not spelled the same ma'am) it was my ex daughter-in-law's legal name. Another is April who was born in ....wait for it SEPTEMBER! The mother just liked the sound of April. Well I made my point.so enough with the name game. Sometimes a name is just a name

I hear ya CCAL, bashing the master for name choices..geezzzz.

**Reason4Happenings** · February 15th, 2012

I cry your pardon!

I know that sometimes a name is just a name. But Ilse's name is an obvious play on the word "Isle." (with the "s" and the "l" transposed) As in, short for "Island." As in, where Duma Key is set. It got under my skin but did not, in any way, hinder my enjoyment of the story. But - believe me - I know that it's just one girl's opinion and I'm sure it's no skin off of Uncle Steve's hide.

**md10pc** · February 20th, 2012

Seems like we had a pretty good discussion about the If-So-Girl question a few years ago. One point I remembered from the discussion was that the name "Ilse" is also a form of "Elizabeth".