Quite a lot as far as Rowling is concerned:
Hermione Granger – The name Hermione means “eloquence,” something that surely does not relate to her personality or character traits. However, her mythological counterpart is Hermione, daughter of Helen and Menelaus. Greek stories about Hermione usually concern her superior intellect and how it makes her disliked at times, something that happens to Hermione Granger often.
Harry Potter – Not a lot of thought seems to have gone into Harry’s name, but there are still definite references to his life hidden in it. The name “Harry” is extremely common in Britain, hinting at his pauper status while living with the Dursleys. Furthermore, the surname “Potter” may have relativity to the biblical term “potter’s field,” a place where unknown persons were buried. J.K. Rowling has said on several occasions that Harry is her favourite name for a boy, and if she had a son that would be his name
Ron Weasley – Popular mythologist Charles Hart did some digging through ancient Scottish folklore and discovered a very interesting bit of information that Rowling may have had in mind when naming Ron. A rather obscure legend says that ancient warlord Running Weasel was an extremely talented chess player (like Ron) and died of an accident involving a rat that had been dyed yellow – something that Ron attempts in Book I. NOTE: The surname “Weasley” does not seem to have any reference to the word “weasel” besides its spelling and similar sound. It does not imply that the Weasley family members look or act like weasels. The connection is only in word and spelling and does not prove any personality connections to the family
Oliver Wood – The last name “Wood” sounds a lot like “wad,” which means “crazed” or “mad” – likewise, Oliver is extremely passionate about Quidditch and very eccentric, as well.
Argus Filch – The Hogwarts caretaker has a mythological familiar: the Greek Argus. Argus had a hundred eyes, intended for watching over the castles and towers of the gods. Indeed, Filch’s job is to watch over Hogwarts and walk the corridors at night, serving as a dutiful watchman.
Remus Lupin – Both Lupin’s first and last names tell us of his wolf-like qualities – being able to transform into a werewolf at the full moon. Remus is taken from the fabled Roman brothers Remus and Romulus, who were raised by wolves (Romulus later killed Remus and went on to build the Italian city of Rome). Lupin is the Latin word for “wolf.”
Lord Voldemort – “Voldemort” is French for “flight of death.” Other ideas are the root “mort” which is included in such words as “mort” (death), “mortify” (to punish), and “mortuary” (a place of burial).
Fawkes – Fawkes, Dumbledore’s pet phoenix, is named for Guy Fawkes, the leader of a famous attempt to blow up the English Parliament building in 1605 (often called “The Gunpowder Plot”).
Hedwig – Hedwig was a German saint who lived in the 12th or 13th century. She delivered messages to townspeople.
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