Introducing "What's In A Name"

Hello All,

I am introducing a newly created group entitled, "What's In A Name". The aim of this Gathering spot is to provide a space for articles related to personal names;given and nicknames of people, name origins, and other content surrounding individual names.

Why?

Reason One

In a recent article, I discussed my own life-long "mission" of unofficially changing my given name. I undertook this mission by convincing people who already knew my "real" name to begin calling me "Robb." I am aware that it requires a great amount of effort for people who have been calling me something else for years. Another part of my effort to unofficially change my name was to introduce myself to people as "Robb," being careful to never disclose my true given name. This undertook this effort because I felt my given name was fine for a boy and perhaps a teen, but not something fitting an adult.

On the opposite side of the coin, using a three-foot long given name while cooing at an infant or talking to or referring to a small child is equally as awkward. I have known some who, upon dubbing there child with a full, rich, adult name, one filled with family history and meaning insist their child be called "supercalafragalisticexpialadocious" with no exceptions. I certainly respect their wishes, however, in many of these circumstances it seems a more appropriate approach would be to use the official name's modified version (i.e., Jimmy for James) and let the child mature into the official name and allow them to determine, in later years, if they want to continue with the solid nickname or, at some point, undertake a metamorphosis into the "adult" version.

I suppose I am simply advocating that parents name a child with options in mind. In the above example, if a couple desires to call their newborn Jim or Jimmy, that is fine. But please consider naming him James, for his future's sake. My parents did not account for that possibility and my birth certificate is forever imprinted with what they wanted to call there "newborn" with no thought given to any matter of the name's impact in adulthood..

Perhaps I should found a non-profit organization with the goal of disseminating these suggestions and advocating forethought in choosing a life-long name for children. In our governmental system I could probably locate a treasure trove of grant money available for such a worthy and valuable undertaking.

Reason Two

A second aspect of this unofficial name change was one undertaken over years, begun even before the mission above: the elimination of any knowledge of my middle name. At one point in my life I despised the moniker. Now I simply detest it. For the most part, I have been successful in my mission to stamp it out of existence. I do not believe anyone who did not previously know my middle name has any knowledge that I have one. In the case of "official" forms and documents, I always put my middle initial if I must, but nothing more. With lots of hard , consistent cajoling and reminding, the effort has been pretty successful.

Reason Three

My cultural heritage has placed me amidst an extended family system where it is very common to honor older family members by naming children after them. I think this a worthy and admirable trait. Nonetheless, I also believe serious consideration should be given as to how the name will impact the child in later years. For example, it is a wonderful thing to desire to honor your favorite great-uncle by giving your newborn son his name. However, I think the impact of naming your newborn "Mordecai Silvanus Jones" should be thoroughly scrutinized.

Reason Four

My cultural heritage is also one of those in which it is very common to refer to others using either both first and middle name or by the individuals' first two initials. In the event a male happens to be named after his father, an unwritten, but seemingly automatic rule is invoked and the son is called "Junior." If he happens to be named after another male relative, he may be strapped with a nickname or referred to by his first two initials to distinguish him from the older namesake.. For example, I have a cousin, now approaching 50 years of age who has been called W. T. all his life, while the honored relative was referred to by the name(s),

Reason Five

Another venue which I hope is explored by writers posting in this space is how their names originated. As most know, throughout history many last names were formulated based upon the person's occupation. For example, imagine a small medieval village in which two lads were given the name of Simon. Perhaps one of the two was apprenticed to a tanner. Over time as he mastered this trade and distinguish himself from the other Simon, the village folk began to refer to him as "Simon the Tanner." Perhaps the other Simon's father was named Richard. Thus, he became distinguishable by referencing him as, "Simon, the son of Richard" or "Simon, Richard's son." With the passage of time, these methods of distinguishing between the two were shortened, as we often do with all sorts of words and names, to "Simon Tanner" and "Simon Richardson." From there the "last names" of an entire lineages are created.

Reason Six

This group is also the place to discuss being named in honor of a historically significant figure and why. For example, I wonder how many are still being named "George Washington Whatever." On the flip-side, I hope some choose to explore the dynamic behind those who are tagged with names which defy all logical explanation, no reason or rhyme as to why parents chose to name their children what they did.

Though not entirely illogical, as it does have a basis, I am familiar with a father who insisted on naming his first child, a girl, "Shelby" Nothing is inherently distorted about the name. In fact, I like the name. However, I cannot agree with her father's reason for naming her thus, no matter how pretty the name. You see, he has a passion for and owns a "Shelby" automobile's a Ford Mustang Shelby, mind you. I was sternly correct4ed when I made a mistake along those lines, but a "Shelby" The car is so much a part of his life, he named his child to honor it. I see the logical pattern, but not one that makes any sense. I am happy for her that his automotive passions did not lie in a "Lincoln" or "Cadillac."

My late, great-uncle was given the name of "Green Carnegie Hoyt." I have found no records that this was a continuation of a name from within the family lineage (which is quite common, even though it may have skipped a generation or two) In all probability, they named their son, probably from liking the sound of the famous name as they heard it spoken of on their old, battery-powered radio. In all likelihood they knew little or nothing about Andrew Carnegie. However, after naming their soon Green Carnegie, he was known throughout his life as "Champ Hoyt." The origin of this nickname remains a mystery as well.

Reason Seven

Finally, I was blessed to work in a profession where the use of a co-worker's nickname and last name was used much more frequently than their given name. In some cases, I worked alongside individuals for years without knowing their "real" name. What I, and everyone else, called them (and they answered to) was not their real name.

Many of these nicknames were very descriptive, sometimes down right politically incorrect. Many were based on the individuals cultural heritage, physical characteristics, personal habits, or some other quirk that could be exploited. Many were dubbed with names that "stuck" following their entanglement in very unusual and often colorful situations. Some of these explanations require a full article's explanation. Thus, another use planned for this particular group space.

In the case of these nicknames, No matter how demeaning some of the names sounded or how tragic the incident in which the name was created, if the nickname "stuck," as others accepted and utilized it, there was no "turning back." In most cases, the name was accepted by the individual, often with a sense of pride.. They answered to the nickname without hesitation. On the other hand, those who fought to prevent being called such names as "Howdy Goody," to the point of threatened lawsuits, only made it more likely, with their resistance, to seal their fate and new name.

Closing

There you have it; the reasons for this group's creation and some of the ways it is to be utilized. This is not a moderated group. However, please do no be offended if an article is removed because it is too far off the above guidelines Furthermore, any article containing adult content that I feel is inappropriate will be eliminated.

I am confident there are many colorful stories out there among our membership regarding their names or those of friends, loved ones and acquaintances. Tell us about them. In doing so, please limit your articles to those which are true and people-focused. Names and nicknames for things such as pets, inanimate objects, etc. are not the focus of this forum and will be removed.

I am hopeful that you will join and participate!

Robb F.