A good naming essay from GQ

Great suggestion from Cindy and we’re both shocked it came from GQ. However, the author forgot one thing…stupid people tend not to read, they’ll be waiting for the miniseries or film of his advice.

Naming a child is something Somara and I have never had to experience. This turned out to be a good thing because it would be a huge bone of contention. I thought the debates over naming a new cat could turn ugly; I still say I’m better at this since Spumoni is superior appellation for a Calico than Ninja.

We agreed on a daughter being called Athena. Not after the weak single by the Who or the character from Battlestar Galactica (the Mormons in Space version). Athena is the goddess of democracy, defense and wisdom. Ergo the patron for Athens and its Athenians we idealize despite numerous misconceptions. Plus my name is Greek in origin, my first nephew too, why not hers.

The son was when the arguing kicked off. I pitched Apollo. He’s the god of music, poetry and philosophy. Carl Weathers’ performance as Apollo Creed has held up over the decades. Somara thought it would lead to teasing and ridicule. She never gave specifics so I dismissed the argument as emotional tripe. Now that I see it in writing, I guess the Spanish speakers could snicker for it resembles “chicken” in Spanglish.

Apollo derailed everything yet I do have other names if the “replacements” ended up being two boys or two girls. Daughter number two: I was leaning toward Penelope, the wife of Odysseus yet the goddesses may have been more appropriate, don’t want to give the kid a complex, so Demeter, Gaia or Artemis. Son number two: Hermes or Heracles.

It’s probably best we’re kept to just cats. However, I’m adamant against naming anyone after another living person. I find it to be an exercise in vanity with uber-needy people.

This entry was posted in Anthropology, Factoids, Science & Technology and tagged , . Bookmark the permalink.

Leave a Reply