Skylark by Barbara Gould c1940

Barbara Gould’s choice of the name "Skylark" for her 1940 perfume is both poetic and evocative, drawing on rich natural imagery and symbolism. The word "skylark" comes from Old Norse origins, "lǫkr" meaning "lark," combined with "sky," reflecting the bird's tendency to ascend and sing while airborne. A skylark is a small bird known for its melodious and uplifting song, often associated with freedom, joy, and the vastness of open skies. This delicate creature, with its soaring flight and musical voice, naturally conjures images of lightness, beauty, and nature’s grace.

In the context of scent, the word "Skylark" suggests a perfume that is airy, bright, and fresh. One might imagine a fragrance that opens with vibrant top notes, perhaps citrus or soft green accords, leading into a bouquet of delicate florals like apple blossom, rose, or lily of the valley. The perfume would likely evoke feelings of freedom, happiness, and a connection to the outdoors, much like the skylark's flight evokes a sense of liberation and peace.

For women in the 1940s, "Skylark" would have held significant appeal, especially as the world was on the brink of war. The United States was still recovering from the Great Depression, and the perfume’s launch in 1940 came just before the country entered World War II. During this tumultuous time, the name "Skylark" would have symbolized an emotional escape from the challenges of daily life, offering an image of serenity and beauty. For American women, who were increasingly stepping into new roles due to the war, a perfume called "Skylark" might have represented a sense of hope, optimism, and resilience. The bird’s association with freedom and its uplifting song could symbolize the desire for peace and the return to simpler, more carefree days.

Nocturne by Barbara Gould c1952

Barbara Gould’s fragrance Nocturne, launched in 1952, evokes an air of sophistication and allure, bringing with it a unique and evocative name choice. The term “Nocturne,” derived from the French word for “night” (from the Latin nocturnus), is often associated with evening and night. In music, a nocturne refers to a piece designed to evoke the tranquility or mystery of the night, with a mood that can range from contemplative to deeply romantic. By naming the perfume Nocturne, Barbara Gould likely intended to conjure images of evening elegance and allure, suggesting a scent that would envelop the wearer in a soft, velvety aura as dusk gives way to night.

As an oriental fragrance, Nocturne is classified by its rich, sweet notes that are characteristic of the genre, often utilizing ingredients like spices, resins, and deep florals. Such fragrances are typically warm, opulent, and inviting. The oriental category, which often suggests a sense of exoticism and mystery, was especially popular among women of the 1950s who were drawn to the allure of luxurious and intense scents. The name Nocturne would have evoked emotions of warmth, intimacy, and perhaps a hint of the exotic, reflecting the allure of nightfall.