And it’s a problem every historical romance writer needs to understand.
Wait… Tiffany Is Historical?
Yes! The name Tiffany dates back to the 12th century, derived from the Greek Theophania, meaning “manifestation of God.” It was used in medieval Europe, particularly for girls born on or near Epiphany. But despite its age, the name feels modern because of its 1980s pop-culture boom—cue Tiffany jewelry, teen pop stars, and mall culture.
So when readers encounter a medieval lady Tiffany, they think: That’s not right—even though it is.
Reader Perception Matters
You could write a perfectly accurate character named Tiffany, wearing a woad-stained tunic and quoting Chaucer, but readers might still be thrown off. Why? Because authenticity in fiction isn’t just about historical fact—it’s also about emotional believability. Readers bring their own biases, references, and associations to the page.
Welcome to the Historical Romance Tightrope
Writing historical romance means constantly balancing fact and feeling. Too much accuracy, and you risk sounding archaic or inaccessible. Too little, and you lose the richness of the era. This is where creative license becomes your best friend.
- Maybe your 15th-century heroine isn’t named Tiffany—even though she could be.
- Maybe you skip the historically accurate hygiene habits for the sake of reader comfort.
- Maybe your brooding duke has suspiciously modern views on consent.
It’s okay. You’re writing a love story, not a dissertation.
Accuracy Serves the Story—Not the Other Way Around
At the end of the day, historical accuracy is a tool, not a rule. Use it to build immersive worlds, add texture to your plot, and shape believable characters. But don’t let it override clarity, pacing, or emotional resonance. Your readers came for the romance, the longing, the drama—not a perfect replica of 1372.
So if you love the name Tiffany… maybe save it for your 1980s time-travel romance. Or don’t. Just know why it feels wrong—and choose what serves the story best.
