Harry Potter and Hidden Meanings. Easter Eggs, Secrets, and References in the Names and Titles of the Iconic Universe

«Names are very important to me — some characters had eight or nine names before I chose the right one». — J.K. Rowling
Remember what you felt the first time you encountered the Harry Potter universe: the thrill of discovering a new, interesting world? Or perhaps sympathy for Harry's fate? In any case, we were all excited watching the first Quidditch match, getting to know Fluffy, or strolling down Diagon Alley with Harry. But why is Quidditch called Quidditch, Diagon Alley, Hogwarts and Durmstrang, hippogriffs and house-elves, Amortentia and «Avada Kedavra» called exactly that, and why do objects soar into the air after the phrase «Wingardium Leviosa» (Levioso, not Leviosa, as you know)?

Anya Komarevich, a professional translator and linguist, who is also a fan of the Harry Potter universe, analyzes the names, titles, spells, and sayings that give the magical world its own uniqueness.
- Which knight of the Round Table resides within the walls of Hogwarts?
- What meanings are hidden in the full name of Albus Dumbledore?
- What do Peter Pettigrew and the Icelandic skald Gunnlaugr Ormstunga have in common?
- How did the names of the schools of magic described by Rowling come about?
- What hidden meanings do the names of Hogwarts professors carry?