HOME > Original Name of Dracula
Introduction
The name Dracula is one of the most recognizable in the world of horror. It conjures up images of blood-sucking vampires, gothic castles, and the dark, misty forests of Transylvania. But where did this name come from? Who was the real-life figure who inspired Bram Stoker's iconic character? And what was his original name?
The Historical Dracula
The real-life figure who inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula was a 15th-century prince of Wallachia, a region in modern-day Romania. His name was Vlad III, also known as Vlad the Impaler. Vlad was born in 1431 and ruled Wallachia on and off for much of his life. He was known for his cruelty and brutality, particularly his penchant for impaling his enemies on stakes.
The Origins of the Name Dracula
The name Dracula actually comes from Vlad's father, Vlad II, who was also known as Vlad Dracul. Dracul means 'dragon' in Romanian, and Vlad II was given this nickname because he was a member of the Order of the Dragon, a chivalric order founded by the king of Hungary to fight against the Ottoman Turks. Vlad III was therefore known as Dracula, which means 'son of Dracul'.
Bram Stoker's Dracula
Bram Stoker's Dracula, published in 1897, was not the first vampire story, but it was the most influential. Stoker drew on a variety of sources for his novel, including Eastern European folklore, Gothic literature, and his own imagination. He also drew on the historical figure of Vlad the Impaler, whom he had read about in a book called An Account of the Principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia by William Wilkinson. Stoker was struck by the name Dracula and the association with vampires, and he decided to use it for his character.
The Legacy of Dracula
Since the publication of Bram Stoker's novel, the name Dracula has become synonymous with vampires and horror. Countless movies, TV shows, and books have been inspired by Stoker's character, and the name Dracula has been used in countless ways, from Halloween costumes to breakfast cereals. The real-life figure who inspired the name, Vlad the Impaler, has also become a popular figure in popular culture, with his image appearing in movies, video games, and even heavy metal music.
Conclusion
The name Dracula may have originated as a nickname for a 15th-century prince of Wallachia, but it has since become one of the most iconic names in horror. Bram Stoker's novel, inspired by the historical figure of Vlad the Impaler, has had a lasting impact on popular culture, and the name Dracula continues to evoke images of vampires, castles, and the dark, misty forests of Transylvania.
