I’m always intrigued by the names that rock bands call themselves. There’s the “Trying to be clever” name – The The- Everything Everything (sorry guys, you’re gonna come unstuck Googling this).
Then there’s the creative clever name – Everything but the Girl – My Morning Jacket. There are those names that are just good fun – Pearl Harbour and the Explosions – The Fatal Microbes. And then there are those that are just daft – Bonzo Dog etc. The name, however, can be everything. Harold Richardson and The Popstars is not as snappy as,…. just about anything else, actually.
Artists change their names too. Banksy. Brassai. It’s the launch point for the brand. Most of us are given what we might call “Ordinary names” , which, for most of us, is a blessing. No Moon Unit for us, eh?
image: meghalayatours.wordpress.com
Then there are the names that get you recognised. I came across this in the Guardian today. I quote;
……Adolf Hitler is running for election in India. So is Frankenstein.
The tiny north-east Indian state of Meghalaya has a fascination with interesting, and controversial, names and the ballot for state elections on Saturday provides proof.
Among the 345 contestants running for state assembly are Frankenstein Momin, Billykid Sangma, Field Marshal Mawphniang, and Romeo Rani. Some, such as Kenedy Marak, Kennedy Cornelius Khyriem and Jhim Carter Sangma, are clearly hoping for the electoral success of their namesake US presidents.
Then there is Hitler.
This 54-year-old father of three has won three elections to the state assembly with little controversy despite his name…………..
A ballot paper where Jimmy Carter runs against Frankenstein and Hitler has to be something to see.
So, parents, and those who would like a more interesting name, give it some serious thought indeed, because choosing a new name for yourself is a serious business.The brand is everything.
And if you bless your beautiful bawling bundle with Josiah William Humphreys-Templeton ( or near enough) for a handle – whose to say he won’t change his name to Zorro when he becomes 18?
singlemaltmonkey 
Everything Everything are pretty damn hot though 😉
🙂
I oftentimes wonder, if I changed my own name, if that would make all the difference.
I once heard a story about a writer who entered a writing competition using an Asian name because he felt that the judges were looking to give the prize to an International, perhaps Asian writer. He won. He was right. This is a long time ago and who knows if it still goes on. Having said that Anna, I think you have a great name. 🙂
… Oh, and I think you are a great writer too !
I hear so many different names I have to say, now how in the hell did those parents come up with that. The names with 94 letters (just the 1st name) always boggles my mind..
True enough. You have to wonder at what they are thinking sometimes.