Thingamababy

Cory Doctorow of BoingBoing.net became a father this week. His name selection? Poesy

Emmeline

Fibonacci

Nautilus

Taylor

Doctorow.

Whew. Now I don’t feel so bad about wanting an unusual name. Here are the next 29 entries (oops, miscounted) in the (since concluded) Name My Baby Boy Contest. Your comments about the names, as always, are welcome.

The final installment of names is coming Friday afternoon…

Name: Peregrine or Peregrin

Story: The peregrine falcon is a beautiful large falcon and has the added cool-kid factor of being named after a bird of prey. Even though it was an endangered species (due to DDT), it recovered and is the world’s most prolific falcon. A survivor, a traveler. In fact, peregrine means "traveler" or "wanderer."

It is a strong, but academic name. It goes well with a common last name too, such as Peregrine White who was the first child born in the "New World" to a couple on the Mayflower.

Peregrin Took (Pippen – a great nickname) is a Hobbit from the Lord of the Rings series.

Shoe: Peregrine would wear Lars, a hiking boot styled shoe that will take him through his travels. Good for long hikes and outdoor adventures.
—from Jessica G.

Name: Lucian

Story: Lucian of Samosata was a satirist who is noted for his witty and scoffing nature and is thought by many to be the father of science fiction for his work A True Story describing a trip to the moon. How cool is that for a science fiction fan? I also think the name sounds very sophisticated — nicely different without being weird. Lucian means "illumination" or "light." Also, Saint Lucian of Antioch was a noted scholar during the 4th century.

Shoe: Lucian would wear the Stripe shoe in navy, because as a satirist he spends a lot of time inside writing and is more concerned with comfort than fashion.
—from Dawn D.

Name: Gilgamesh or Gil

Story: He was a Sumerian king who was the central character in the Epic of Gilgamesh. He is described as two-thirds god and one-third human, making him one of the first superhuman characters in recorded history.

• Gilgamesh is known as "The Forgotten One" in Marvel Comics and is a member of The Avengers.
• Gilgamesh appears in both popular computer games, Civilization III: Conquests, and Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword as the leader of the Sumerian civilization.
• Gilgamesh is also a recurring character in the Final Fantasy series.
• Gilgamesh is referenced in the They Might Be Giants song The Mesopotamians.

Shoe: Gilgamesh would wear the Daniel in brown because of its rugged yet stylish practicality.
—from Dawn D.

Name: Zadig

Story: Zadig was a rich, beautiful philosopher and hero in ancient Babylonia in the book Zadig, ou La Destinée, (Zadig, or The Book of Fate) in 1747 by Voltaire.

The Arabic form (Sadiq or Siddiq) and Hebrew form (Tzadik) both mean "truthful."

Shoe: Zadig would wear the Adam in brown because it looks like something a rich, beautiful philosopher might wear.
—from Dawn D.

Name: Pilgrim

Story: Billy Pilgrim is the main character in Slaughterhouse Five and is described as a man who has "come unstuck in time." In the book, he visits another planet, gains personal peace and spreads his philosophy to other humans and becomes a popular figure.

Of note is also The Pilgrim’s Progress from This World to That Which Is to Come by John Bunyan (published February, 1678), which is regarded as one of the most significant works of English literature and has been translated into more than 100 languages. A pilgrim is one who undertakes a significant journey, and what’s a more significant journey than the life your little one is about to begin?

The Pilgrim Award is an award presented for lifetime achievement in the field of science fiction scholarship.

Paul Henry Pilgrim was an American athlete who won three gold medals at the 1904 and 1906 Summer Olympics.

In music:
â–ª Pilgrim (1973 album) by Larry Gatlin.
â–ª Pilgrim (1989 album) by Barry McGuire.
â–ª Pilgrim (1992 album) by Joey Molland.
â–ª Pilgrim (1995 album) by Shaun Davey.
â–ª Pilgrim (1998 album) by Eric Clapton.
â–ª Pilgrim (1999 album) by Marty Stuart.
â–ª Pilgrim (2001 album) by Ruthie Henshall.
â–ª Pilgrim, a song from Uriah Heep’s album Sweet Freedom.
â–ª Pilgrims (song), a song by the band Widespread Panic.
â–ª The Pilgrim (song), a song from the Iron Maiden album A Matter of Life and Death.

Shoe: Pilgrim would wear the Martin in blue and white because he is an on-the-go risk-taker.
—from Dawn D.

Name: Apollo
Story: Apollo is the main character and hero in the original television series Battlestar Galactica.

Apollo is also one of the most important gods in Greek and Roman mythology and has been variously recognized as a god of light and the sun, truth and prophecy, archery, medicine and healing, music, poetry, and the arts. Apollo is son of Zeus and Leto. In literary context, Apollo represents harmony, order, and reason.

The Apollo program was a series of American space missions which succeeded in landing men on the Moon and returning them safely to Earth

in fiction:

• Apollo, a character in the fictional universe of Masami Kurumada’s manga, Saint Seiya.
• Apollo (Star Trek), a member of a race of god-like beings played by Michael Forest in the Who Mourns for Adonais? episode of the Star Trek television series
• Apollo (comics), a member of in Wildstorm Comics’ The Authority
• Apollo Creed, a boxer played by Carl Weathers in the 1976 feature film, Rocky
• EAS Apollo, an EarthForce destroyer from the Babylon 5 television series
• A class of ship in the Star Trek television series.
• Apollo, a X-304 (Daedalus class cruiser) in the Stargate Universe.
• Apollo, a character in The Amory Wars.

Shoe: Apollo would wear the Andy in brown and white because of its sporty and chic style.
—from Dawn D.

Name: Dirk
Story: I like this name because Dirk Pitt is the main character in action/adventure books by Clive Cussler that I love. Dirk Eric Pitt is a renowned adventurer and comparable blend of Indiana Jones, MacGyver, and James Bond. He has a commanding presence combined with a quick, sly wit. His character was played by Matthew McConaughey in the 2005 movie "Sahara."

Dirk is also a Scottish word for a long dagger. Dirks were used to swear an oath upon in Celtic cultures. In Dutch, Dirk means "people ruler."

Dirk Benedict played the part of Starbuck in the original Battlestar Galactica.

Shoe: I think Dirk would wear the Stan in brown and orange because it looks sophisticated yet casual.
—from Dawn D.

Name: West

Story: I am selfishly nominating the name we named our 8-week-old baby. West is not a common name, but it is hot. What won it over for us was we knew that a boy named West was guaranteed to be popular with the ladies (or with the gents, we won’t judge who he loves).

Shoe: West would wear the Blomma in green because we live in Portland and it rains a heck of a lot, boys like puddles… West would like the floral print on this boot because it would remind him of his mommy’s garden, and he loves his mommy.
—from Kimberly M.

Name: Burgess

Story: This is a stealth sci-fi (well, sorta) name, because it’s the surname of Anthony Burgess, who wrote a great deal of futuristic dark fiction. From cannibals to infamous violent offenders, if it was dark, edgy, and brilliant, he wrote about it. He is a terribly underrated author because so many people only know A Clockwork Orange (which is great, but so is everything else).

Shoe: Burgess must be prepared for anything (from butt-kicking to trekking across the country), so he would choose the Ivar.
—from Alisha K.

Name: Siddhartha

Story: Siddhartha Gautama was the historical Buddha, founder of Buddhism. He gave up his life as a prince to search for truth and enlightenment. He could go by the low key, but still uncommon, nickname of Sid, or the intimidating, sci-fi nickname Darth.

Shoe: Sidhartha probably wore sandals, but would appreciate the comfort of the Gert.
—from Sathya S.

Name: Turing/Mathison

Story: Alan Mathison Turing! Old school is cool school and Turing is way old school for computers. You will always hear his name revered, and the Turing Award will always be awarded.

Shoe: He would totally wear the Viktor shoe.
—from Kelly

Name: Linus

Story: Derived from the Greek word for "linen" or "flax," the Latin name Linus is at once strong and gentle, an ideal masculine name. Although it is now most popular in the Scandinavian countries, the name has an ancient pedigree, as Linus was traditionally one of the sons of Apollo and a skilled musician. Linus was also named as one of the apostle Paul’s companions in his Second Epistle to Timothy.

Today, the name is widely associated with the character Linus van Pelt, the philosopher and theologian member of the Peanuts gang, best friend to Charlie Brown and endearingly insecure in his blanket habit.

It is also the name of one the kingpins of the geek world, Linus Torvalds, the creator of the Linux kernel. The name is unusual in the United States, but everyone will know how to spell and pronounce it.

Shoe: The Linus, of course! But failing that (and since the Linus shoe does not appear to be available anymore correction: Linus is for sale), the Max. Max is a practical shoe that looks good without requiring much thought, which is perfect your your aspiring and absent-minded musician, theologian, or programmer.
—from Eric H.

Name: Blaise

Story: Many Catholics might remember Saint Blaise’s feast day because of the Blessing of the Throats that took place on this day. Two candles are blessed, held slightly open, and pressed against the throat as the blessing is said. Saint Blaise’s protection of those with throat troubles apparently comes from a legend that a boy was brought to him who had a fish bone stuck in his throat. The boy was about to die when Saint Blaise healed him. Holy Heimlich kid!

Shoe: Oskar in red, light on his feet to jump up and save the throats of American playgroups everywhere
—from Amy TS

Name: Aberdeen

Story: Scotland! Deen is a cool name..obscure and tough/nuff said.

Shoe: Adam, hip like he is destined to be.
—from Amy TS

Name: Frankenstein

Story: If you’ve seen the movie Big Daddy, with Adam Sandler, then you know that it’s the name of choice of little boys. This is the name your son would choose for himself if he had the option. He may also choose not to bathe and maybe also pee in the plant in his classroom.

Shoe: Frankenstein would wear the H2O boot, because he really needs a bath.
—from Susan C.

Name: Boaz

Story: Derivation: Hebrew "strength is in him." Biblically, Boaz is a landowner who married the widowed Moabite Ruth. One of the stars of the Book of Ruth, who in part represents the themes of
redemption and loving kindness ("hesed") evident in this Book. He is the great great grandfather of Joseph, the ‘adoptive’ father of Jesus.

Shoe: As a rich landowner, he would go with the stylish yet practical
Viktor.
—from Jed G.

Name: Deckard

Story: The last name of the lead character from Blade Runner, Rick Deckard. Often referred to in the movie as Deck, I’ve often thought it could make a great unusual first name. The surname Deckard originally meant someone who covered a roof with straw, tile or slate, so I’m thinking architect someday…

Shoe: Robin in black. They’d be comfortable for a day of chasing replicants, and still have a little bit of an urban edge.
—from Barbara O.

Name: Zebediah

Story: There are lots of previously used names that aren’t
getting properly recycled. This one was found on a gravestone in Vermont. Zebediah can go by Zeb, Zebe or Zeby.

Shoe: Zebediah would wear Lorenz because mud season is just around the corner here in Vermont.

AJ’s Disclaimer: That’s a fake tombstone I made based on a cultural reference to the film Pulp Fiction. Click the tombstone for a Youtube clip to understand the joke that my wife said is too vague for people to understand (Zed, not Zeb, but close enough).
—from Andrea W.

Name: Ranon

Story: Ranon was the son of Willow in the movie Willow. It was Willow’s children who found and convinced him to keep Elora — the little baby who saves the day from the evil Bavmorda. They were a sweet, loving family so it would be a good name to choose.

Shoe: For shoes, probably the Adam, because they look the most outdoorsy of the choices — for a little boy who likes to be outside.
—from Molly M.

Name: Winter

Story: The name Winter brings to mind the cold, white, magical season that is essential to nature’s cycle of life. It is a time to sleep, to rest, to renew. Winter is also a time when nature’s strength and power humbles us and steers us inward to reconnect within the warmth of our homes.

For a boy, Winter is a beautifully strong and mystical name. It is pure. It is captivating. How many times have you stood and looked out your window and just watched the snowflakes fall to the ground? If you read some of the classic poems written about winter, you are instantly swept away to images of quiet, white magic and mystery.

"Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow."
Robert Frost, excerpt from Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.

Shoe: Winter would wear Ivar boots, because they are a hearty, warm boot, designed to withstand the cold, snow and ice of the season. I can see Winter stomping through powder, tumbling down a snow-covered hill in his sled, and crawling through the deep terrain of his backyard to build a snowman in his Ivar boots.
—from Darby H.

Name: Ryken

Story: I found this name when I was helping my husband edit a business database for a client of his. There was a business named Ryken Enterprises. In an attempt to be creative, I went online and searched "Ryken" only to find that there is a St. Mary’s Ryken High School and that the most Ryken results are associated with Dr. Leland Ryken, a professor of English at Wheaton College and Dr. Phillip Graham Ryken, a preacher. And then there is the YouTube video of a little guy named Ryken who is "dancing" in his car seat. He is the reason I really like the name Ryken.

Shoe: Ryken would wear Martin shoes because they are fun, Velcro (easy for little fingers) and good for all types of weather so he can go play rain or shine!
—from Carlin G.

Name: Rudy

Story: From the movie Rudy, the true story of Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger, one of my favorite movies. An excellent movie about an amazing person.

Shoe: Rudy would wear brown Andy shoes of course!
—from Mary K.

Name: Peyton

Story: Peyton most commonly brings to mind Peyton Manning, and Walter Payton. It’s not too common but not too crazy. It fits for a variety of personalities, from the creative to the athletic. You can’t go wrong.

Shoe: Peyton would wear Stan shoes. They are unique yet classy, just like his name.
—from Mary K.

Name: Ezra

Story: One of my daughter’s favorite books is The Snowy Day written by Ezra Jack Keats. He even won a Caldecott Medal for the book. After conducting some research on him I found he was the first American picture book maker to make a black child a main character in a book. Pretty amazing and bold for his time.

Shoe: The Kasper boot would be my choice…this boot would honor one of Ezra Jack Keat’s most popular books, The Snowy Day.
—from Gina B.

Name: Toller

Story: Toller Cranston is a figure skater and artist. He contributed significantly to the skating community with his artistic style.

Shoe: The Albin. Ice skaters need warm feet after hours of practice.
—from Molly M.

Name: Bixby

Story: One of my favorite lines from a Dr. Seuss book: "So…be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O’Shea, you’re off to Great Places!" — it always just sticks in my head. You could probably pull a couple of other suggestions from that line but I like Bixby the best.

Shoe: The Hampus. You need something sporty for all the places you will go.
—from Molly M.

Name: Notah

Story: Notah is a Native American name — though I am not sure what tribe it originates from. A friend’s son who is Comanche has the name and there is also a Navajo golfer by the name of Notah Begay.

Shoe: I suppose something like the Smith, maybe just because it sort of looks like a golf shoe.
—from Molly M.

Name: Weston

Story: Named after the American photographer Edward Weston, who was known for black and white photos of shells, vegetables, and nudes. I liked the name, but my husband didn’t; I think it was the alliteration, because our last name also begins with a W.

Shoe: Weston would wear the Viktor shoe while traveling through California and Mexico. It looks both stylish and comfortable.
—from Kathleen W.

Name: Orion

Story: We named our first son Orion after gazing up at the stars on our honeymoon. We also have a common last name and wanted an original first name. Orion is a constellation often referred to in Greek mythology as The Hunter. It is a prominent constellation, one of the largest and perhaps the best-known and most conspicuous in the sky. Every winter we enjoy showing our son his very own constellation. I suppose he’d be willing to share it with you.

Mark Twain’s brother was named Orion Clemens.

The Bible mentions the constellation Orion specifically: twice in Job (Job 9:9 and 38:31) and once in Amos (Amos 5:8). The Hebrew name for Orion is Chesil which means "a strong one, a hero." The Egyptian name for Orion is Oar meaning "brightness" and also Hagat, "this is he who triumphs."

Shoe: Orion would wear Tom because they look like boots that could withstand outer space travel.
—from Sandy W.

See also:

• Baby Name Submissions, Installment #1 (10 names)
• Baby Name Submissions, Installment #2 (10 names)
• Baby Name Submissions, Installment #3 (30 names)
• Baby Name Submissions, Installment #4 (30 names)
• Baby Name Submissions, Installment #5 (37 names)
• Baby Name Submissions, Installment #7 (56 names)

Thursday, February 7th, 2008Baby Names, Contests