At one time in my life, I thought of writing a book called, “What’s In A Name?”  In fact, a character in my first attempt at a novel titled, “Thank God There’s an Ocean,” achieves notoriety through a book by that name.  I’ve even kept some notes through the years, should the opportunity to put it all together materialize.  Well, maybe the time has come.  The only problem is that the title has already been used on multiple occasions in both print and music.   I would have to contemporize the title to read, “What’s With That Name?

In a quick Google search, there’s a song from Late Night Alumni called “What’s in a name,” but it has no reference, other than it’s very the first line, as to why they chose that as the title .  Also, it has absolutely nothing to do with anyone’s name.   In addition, there’s an old comedy bit by Rodney Dangerfield, with a reference to William Shakespeare.  The phrase was made famous in Romeo and Juliet through the words of Juliet:  “What’s in a name? that which we call a rose.  By any other name would smell as sweet.”

Susan Osborn published a baby-naming book titled “What’s in a Name?” in November of 1999, over 400 years after Shakespeare initially penned the title.  Ellen Wittlinger used the title for a paperback, and Ian Murray Tough examined the historical significance of words and family history known as etymology.  My book would probably not be that serious.  Etymology – what’s with that?

I have a natural curiosity for how people and things got their names and or nicknames.  I know how I got mine, and how it affected my life.   (Post #136:  Part 1)  I also understand how a nickname can literally takeover your identity.  It made me sad to lose my name, and I resisted being re-branded.  I often wonder if others are as uncomfortable with being re-named as I was?  And, I’m fascinated with those who see a nickname as a special honor of recognition.  I’m assuming that many nicknames originate in the entertainment business and sports, where sometimes they can function as a protective disguise.

You never have a choice when it comes to a birth name, but a nickname often sticks in its stead.  Very few of us make up our own byname, and are therefore subject to what others tag you with.  You can show your approval or disapproval, but often times there’s little you can do.  There are no rules.  Difficult to pronounce names are often shortened.  There have also been times in our history, where last names are Americanized to mask ethnicity.  It is also fashionable to append a surname with a numeral, Jr. or Sr., to distinguish it from other family members.  A nickname can serve a purpose here, as well.  Just hope you don’t have mean siblings!

Entertainers are notorious for stage names.  There are far too many to mention.  I worked in radio and television for many years where everyone seemed to have an alias.  “The King,” “Sting,” “Prince,” “Chairman of the Board,” “Bono,” and “The Fab Four,” once had common names like you and I.  Similarly, Robert Zimmerman changed his name to Bob Dylan, as a tribute to his favorite poet, Dylan Thomas.  Elton John was once Reginald Dwight, and John Denver was born Henry John Deutschendorf, Jr.  Rappers are especially known for their self-imposed nicknames.  Jay-Z is short for “Jazzy.” Waka Flocka Flame comes from a Muppet Babies character, Fozzie, who liked to say,  “Waka, waka, waka.”  Eminem was derived from his initials, M&M, and Snoop Dogg was fondly called “snoopy” by his mom.  They aren’t all made up through a “Rapp Name Generator!”

Band names tend to have several variations of a story behind them, because controversy is key!  For example,  ZZ King sounded too much like their “top” blues idol, BB King, so they ultimately decided on ZZ Topp.  Led Zeppelin came from an idea that might have gone over “like a lead balloon.”  KISS was misconstrued to be an abbreviation of  Knights In Satin’s Service.  ABBA was also based on initials – the first letters of each band members name.  Vincent Furnier changed his name to Alice Cooper based on the character who replaced Aunt Bee in the TV show, Mayberry R.F.D.  The Beatles name evolved from Buddy Holly’s group, The Crickets, and Bad Company was a 1972 western starring Jeff Bridges.  Steely Dan has a really foul connotation, based on the book, Naked Lunch, by William Burroughs.  Some of these may even be true!

In the world of baseball, “Shoeless” Joe Jackson played minor league baseball in his stocking feet, Joe “Ducky” Medwick walked like a duck, George “Birdie” Tebbetts spoke with a high-pitched voice, shortstop Vincent “Rabbit” Maranville fielded with a hippity-hop in his step, and Harold “Pee Wee” Reese earned his moniker by playing marbles.   A couple of immediately recognizable ones include the baby-faced 19 year old “Babe” Ruth when he was with the Red Sox, and Yankee catcher “Yogi” Berra, who’s name was an offshoot of the Italian word “giochi,” pronounced “jokey.”  These according to Baseball Digest researchers.

Politics is filled with nicknames and name-roots, many times as a result of the political cartoonists.  “Slick Willie, and “The Governator” are two that immediately come to mind.  Abe Lincoln was referred to as “The Rail Splitter” for his ax skills.  Does this have anything to do with vampire killing?  Gerald Ford didn’t have a nickname, but his rarely used middle name was Rudolph.  The only U.S. state named for a President is Washington, and the Teddy Bear is credited to Theodore Roosevelt.  Finally, Chicago supposedly got its “Windy City” label because of political blowhards.

Speaking of blowhards, comedian Don Rickles was know as “Mr. Warmth.”  Broadcast mogul, Ted Turner was characterized as, “The Mouth of the South.”  Trump and Twitter might have a similar future in nicknames?  The “King of Cool,” Steve McQueen and the “Rat Pack,” – Sinatra, Martin, Davis, Lawford, and Bishop – are much more revered nicknames.

Do you know the most popular street name in America?  The names of all the Earp Brothers?   The most common surname in the world?  Or the origin of the Coca-Cola brand? The answers are below.  Need a drink?  If so, you should get to know the abbreviations behind the bar.  V.S.O.P. is short for Very Superior Old Pale, and B&B is Benedictine and Brandy.  An I.P.A. is India Pale Ale.  What about cartoon names?  Olive Oyl’s brother was named Castor, her father Cole, and she had a niece named Deezil.  She then named her son Popeye Junior.  Popeye himself was a one-eyed sailor, so perhaps his other eye just “popped” out?

Each of these categories could easily represent a chapter in “What’s with that Name?”  It would take a lot of time and research to put it all together, and I’ve got the time.  However, in retirement, that might be too much like work!  If you like trivia as it applies to name-calling, I think you’d find it to be an enjoyable read.  In the meantime, I’ve got your answers:  Park Street;  Wyatt, Morgan, James, Virgil and Warren Earp: Chang; and the Coca tree.  Thanks for playing the What’s Up With That Name? game!