Talk:List of unusual personal names

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This article was nominated for deletion on January 9, 2006. The result of the discussion was no consensus. An archived record of this discussion can be found here.

[edit] Condi???

Yes, it's a bit unusual, but I don't really think it's unusual enough to be put on this page. There are millions of more unusual names than Condoleezza Rice. --dool325 02:50, 26 December 2006 (UTC)

I agree. D'Brickashaw Ferguson comes to mind. Zenmiester 01:14, 12 January 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Apples isn't unsual

I removed the FetNat reference, as it seems to be an urban legend. I'd also like to see the fictional names list removed -- it is woefully incomplete and even more subjective than the real names. The science fiction section of a moderately-sized bookstore would probably yield thousands of names for this list. --Misterwindupbird 22:20, 19 Jun 2005 (UTC)

"Apple" isn't that unusual. Lots of Chinese are named "Apple".

Is Gwyneth Paltrow Chinese? Ignoring that, I question the ability of this article to be NPOV. Euphoria 09:37, 5 Dec 2004 (UTC)

Let's not make a mountain out of a molehill here. There may be borderline cases, but I sincerely doubt calling Optimus Prime an unusual name is POV. Even If-Christ-Had-Not-Died-For-Thee-Thou-Hadst-Been-Damned Barebone was fairly unusual in a time when names like Praise-God Barebone were not completely unheard of. We could consider List of unique personal names and/or add the note that the unusualness is taking into account the context in which the name was assigned (calling a Chinese child "Apple" (in Chinese, of course) is not unusual; calling an American child "Apple" is (but likely not unique)). JRM 18:46, 2004 Dec 6 (UTC)

I agree that "Apple Martin" just doesn't cut it. Famous parents and a mildly out-of-the-ordinary name aren't a good qualification for the list. Bill Oaf 08:54, 6 December 2006 (UTC)

Speaking of something completely different, the name Ringo is 'apple' in Japanese, though I know that isn't why he's called that. Can someone explain how exactly "Cotton Mather" is unusual? Cotton's a common southern name, isn't it? His father's name was a bit more odd.

I do think "Increase Mather" is an unusual name, as is "Cotton Mather." However, I think this really needs to be addressed by someone who is more familiar with the time period. I feel that names like this should only be included if they are both "unusual" by today's standards as well as "unusual" by the standards of the time period that they originated in. Otherwise, what's to stop this article from being filled with other names that were commonplace in past centuries, but considered strange now? Ministry of Silly Walks 17:06, 4 December 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Guidelines?

Are there any guidelines for what is to be inlcuded in this list? People seem to be adding any moderately strange name that is somewhat atypical, generally without citation. I think the names Sirhan Sirhan or Boutrous Boutrous-Gali are a bit odd, should they be included? I would say no, but something needs to be decided because this article is becoming too unverifiable and arbitrary. -R. fiend 19:13, 4 Apr 2005 (UTC)

Why is Coco Arquette listed but not Coco Chanel? Does the homeless guy from Maryland really deserve mention? Does he legally change his name? I sincerely doubt it, as I believe changing your name isn't free and I doubt a homeless guy has money to spare. Aren't "unusual" names in fiction pretty common? Anyone can write a book and name a character "Pooper-scooper Lewis" or something, it's hardly noteworthy unless it's a real person who actually lives with a name like that. I'd like to get a discussion going on this article because it needs severe work and I don't want to gut it without some input. anyone? -R. fiend 20:47, 24 May 2005 (UTC)

i say gut away if you're interested. let anybody who disagrees find their fave material and put it back. then the discussion, if there's to be one, can happen.

although i think the "major major major major" and "wayne wayne wayne jr" are exceptional and interesting fictional names, if you want to zap the fiction category, that's cool with me. i wouldn't make a big deal about "legally" changing one's name, but that's more because i don't think one's name is up to anybody but himself. if that's what he goes by, it's his name. i think it's not critical how much money a person's willing to spend on a "legal" name change -- only if they're willing to go by that name. i see some validity to an argument that a "mentally ill" person isn't as includable in the list, but it's a slippery slope. would err on the side of how "creative" the name is, since mentally ill people can be quite creative. SaltyPig 14:45, 2005 May 25 (UTC)

On the Coco subject, I find that the name of the Boston Red Sox's center fielder, Coco Crisp, is fairly unusual, particularly if you've walked down the cereal aisle in a United States grocery store within the last several years. --RandomPrecision 23:38, 1 July 2006 (UTC)

I'm of the opinion that people should only be listed here if they are otherwise notable. Maybe only if they have a wikipedia article? The book Freakonomics cites a report that 30% of black baby girls born in California are being given names that no other baby in California born the same year is given. There are an awful lot of people around with "unusual personal names". --Misterwindupbird 00:05, 23 Jun 2005 (UTC)

[edit] FetNat

I have heard of FetNat as a joke in France, I doubt it s true 128.12.66.248 03:39, 17 Apr 2005 (UTC)

[edit] How to clean this page up

We need to find some way to categorise these names in order to clean this up:

Strange Parents: Akuma, Albin, Depressed Cheesecake, Espn, version 2.0 ...
Strange name changes: They, homeless guy, RooRaaah, ...
Eccentric Celebrities: most of them

But there are a few borderlines: the Barebones, for instance.

Can I get some feedback on this categorisation, and maybe some better category names?

Also, as an alias, I think Archimedes Plutonium should be removed from the list.

--jnothman 07:20, 21 Jun 2005 (UTC)

Plutonium claims to have legally changed his name, though whether legal name changes should be here or not is debatable.

I'm thinking categorizing like that might end up being too controversial unless the categories are really clear. Maybe just alphabetical by first name? --Misterwindupbird 17:54, 21 Jun 2005 (UTC)

I think name changes need to be confirmed and legal, otherwise I could make the list by stating "today my name is Thhoggbotzz". I mean, certainly internet handles don't qualify or we'd all be listed here. This page certainly needs cleanup, though I'm not sure categorization is necessarily it. -R. fiend 20:38, 21 Jun 2005 (UTC)

It seems to me that there's one straightforward way to categorize names:

Self-selected unusual names
Unusual names inflicted by the victim's parents

--Carnildo 23:19, 22 Jun 2005 (UTC)

I'm not sure I see how that improves the page. Truth be told, I'm not sure what the purpose of this page is. Maybe if we established that, it would be clearer how to organize it. --Misterwindupbird 23:48, 22 Jun 2005 (UTC)

Okay, I was bored and organized it in the least-controversial way I could think of: alphabetically by first name. --Misterwindupbird 07:54, 25 Jun 2005 (UTC)

On the "What's the purpose of this page?" point, I came here to seek inspiration for my fourth child. His two brothers (he has a sister,too) have what I'd deem unusual names - "Huckleberry Shuttleworth" and "Indiana Shuttleworth" - and I can't follow this with "Fred" (no offence to Freds in general). On that basis, I'd welcome a larger rather than shorter list of unusual names.

On the "How To Order The List?" point, how about a category for names that are unusual because of the way the first and last name interact (Ima Hogg) vs a category for names that are just a bit out of the ordinary (Moxie Crimefighter Gillette) ? Itsterry 16:15, 29 September 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Barebones

Barring further evidence, I've moved the remander of the Barebone clan here. They only seem to appear in lists of wacky names, there's no mention in any online bio of Nicholas Barbon I could find (save one) and they have the aroma of urban legend. Text read:

Fear-God Barebone, Jesus-Christ-Came-Into-The-World-To-Save Barebone, and If-Christ-Had-Not-Died-For-Thee-Thou-Hadst-Been-Damned Barebone (who later changed his name to Nicholas Barbon), brothers and sons of late-17th-century member of Parliament Isaac Praise-God Barebone.

That said, "online biographies" are not exactly authoritative or exhaustive. But the original article isn't exactly referenced either, so it's anybody's guess. JRM · Talk 15:29, 2005 Jun 25 (UTC)

According to this source Praise-God's full first name was "Praise-God-and-Flee-Fornication" and he had a brother called "Rise-Up-and-Tell-the-Glory-of-Emmanuel". If someone can come up with a more authorative source it would be nice to put in their full names. --Philip Baird Shearer 11:47, 12 June 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Talking of weird names...

No mention of Sollog? ;) Ojw 14:41, 25 September 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Suggested defition of unusual name

In the face of AfD, this may seem futile but I think there could be some definitions that what really constitutes an "unusual" name. Rules and laws regarding personal names vary widely so what is forbidden in one place is practically required elsewhere. Therefore most "ordinary" names would not apply. Couple of suggestions:

Names that no culture usually uses (like the Brfxxccxxmnpcccclllmmnprxvclmnckssqlbb11116)
Names that were intentionally chosen to make a point (Yorkshire Bank PLC Are Fascist Bastards)

Names that would not be that unusual:

Names that sound amusing in another language
Combinations of personal name and surname that merely sound unusual when procounced

Matter of homage names based on historical persons (of fictitious characters, for that matter) may be a borderline case. They are not that unusual, actually, and would be hard to define unless the whole "personal name" is the whole name of the original person. - Skysmith 11:36, 9 January 2006 (UTC)

I prefer a more objective criteria: A name is considered unusual if the name has been the subject of a newspaper article. --Carnildo 21:10, 9 January 2006 (UTC)

This page is about names that are intentionally unusual - either because the parents wanted it to be or the person changed their name to be unusual. -- Netoholic @ 04:34, 11 January 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Post AfD

Ok, I'm here and ready to clean up. - brenneman ^(t)^(c) 10:59, 14 January 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Just another weird name

There's an artist from whom I bought a couple of pieces in Venice Beach, California, who legally changed his name to O O. He originally wanted it to simply be O, but apparently, CA law requires a first and last name. He showed me his driver's license... and that's his legal name. If I had any sort of documentation, I would add it to the article. But I thought I'd just share, because it's pretty awesome. Kicking222 17:18, 20 March 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Prince

I removed the bit of the prince section that said the symbol was pronounced "the artist formerly known as prince", as the symbol was in fact unpronounceable, and intentionally so. See the "behind the name change" section in the Prince (artist) biography section. Con D e m^Talk 00:51, 21 April 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Increase Sumner

I removed Increase Sumner from the list, because I fail to see how this name is unusual at all. The surname "Sumner" isn't really that unusual, and although "Increase" may be a bit uncommon, history is filled with people such as Increase Mather and Increase Lapham. Although it is a name that is not commonly used anymore, it is not at all unique, exclusive or original, and hardly seems noteworthy. If anybody disagrees with me, you're free to object.

64.12.116.74

[edit] Would Zsuzui be considered?

Zsuzui or Zsuzai (pronounced Suzie) being usual makes it also difficult to verify however it is referenced here [1] and in a book that Usenet thread refers to ISBN 0584102437 If those sources aren't enough then appearing in newspaper print is considered enough? Is there any requirement between local, regional or national newspapers? Would a birth certificate, driving licence or passport be required? For what it's worth I can vouch for the name because I have a sister called Zsuzui (same spelling as you can see). Being Zsuzui's brother does not make me impartial however, this is why I am seeking advice as I do not wish to make an edit and get admin trolled. 81.179.96.245 20:13, 20 May 2006 (UTC)

[edit] External link after Yorkshire Bank PLC Are Fascist Bastards.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/comedy/newsquiz_25.shtml must've been replaced by this new one. I wanted to read about that! Anyway I edited it out. RincewindSW 16:26, 31 May 2006

Once the Wayback Machine (www.archive.org) starts working again, it might be possible to see the old version. --Carnildo 01:19, 1 June 2006 (UTC)

[edit] KFC changed his name

It was all over the news recently. Kentucky fried cruelty .com changed his name back to Chris. Ling.Nut 18:53, 24 August 2006 (UTC)

[edit] unsual names

forgot to add MoonUnit and Weezer; Frank Zappa's kids

[edit] Armand Hammer

Since the product was only marketed starting in the 1970s and he was born in the 1890s or so, why is that funny? He was named about 80 years before Arm & Hammer existed. --The Dark Side 01:09, 8 September 2006 (UTC)

If you dig deep enough chances are youll actually find a few English Pubs named the Arm and Hammer. Squad'nLeedah 15:54, 28 December 2006 (UTC)

[edit] cardinal sin

why the hell would anyone confuse the concept of cardinal sins with the GUY whose name is cardinal sin? your general audience is not retarded. I should like to punch the neck of the smug prick who made that remark.

[edit] Trout Fishing In America

There are at least two people with this name (which may make it less unusual, but it's still pretty damn odd) as per the Richard Brautigan article. I say add it. 24.98.209.224 01:02, 18 September 2006 (UTC)

damnit. -HX 01:03, 18 September 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Dick Trickle

On 30 August, User:Carnildo deleted Dick Trickle as "unsourced"; when I pointed out that the Wikipedia "Dick Trickle" article was itself sufficient reference, he said that "there is no source for "Dick Trickle" being considered unusual".

I have restored "Dick Trickle" with a reference.

-- Dominus 21:46, 18 September 2006 (UTC)

Lol how could someone not know Dick Trickle. Even we got his death on the news over here. Now, question is, and i know how the commentators used to pronounce it, but if his name wasnt dick, would he pronounce his surname Trickle or Treacle? Squad'nLeedah 15:52, 28 December 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Wonderful Terrific Monds III

Renowned baseball writer Peter Gammons, in the article cited, said "One of the greatest names of the last decade is Wonderful Terrific Monds III, who briefly played the outfield for the Braves. Monds is the son of a former Canadian Football League star." If you think that name is really less unusual than "Apple"... well, I don't know what to tell you. Wahkeenah 17:22, 10 October 2006 (UTC)

My opinion doesn't matter. What matters is if you can find a source that says the name is considered unusual. --Carnildo 19:37, 10 October 2006 (UTC)

Does Peter Gammons' description suffice? Also, where's the citation for "Apple"? Wahkeenah 20:38, 10 October 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Christine Daaé

I saw that somewhere on the internet. She changed her name because of how much The Phantom of the Opera had improved her life. -Monk e y 13 !!! 16:55, 4 November 2006 (UTC)

I found it! There's even a link on the Christine Daaé artical. -Monk e y 13 !!! 16:58, 4 November 2006 (UTC)

OK, explain what's so unusual about this name that it's worthy of inclusion here. Wahkeenah 19:59, 4 November 2006 (UTC)

Christine Daaé is the name of a character from The Phantom of the Opera. -Monk e y 13 !!! 00:32, 5 December 2006 (UTC)

And that makes it unusual? Wahkeenah 04:28, 31 December 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Misty Hyman

Guys, im not even a yank and you forgot her!!!! So ive added her straight in. She is a US Swimming champion and came over to Sydney for the Olympics, i laughed almost every time she came up Squad'nLeedah 15:50, 28 December 2006 (UTC)

Do you have a source for the name being considered unusual? --Carnildo 22:18, 29 December 2006 (UTC)

I don't think it's as much unusual as it is unfortunate. I don't think it really merits inclusion, as I doubt her parents intended for it to be "strange" when she was born. 24.206.232.82 04:09, 31 December 2006 (UTC)

Maybe one of youse could explain to this apparently-naive guy what's so "strange" about it. Wahkeenah 04:27, 31 December 2006 (UTC)

Hyman is a homophone with hymen. —Dgies^t c 04:57, 12 January 2007 (UTC)

I'm well aware of that. It's also not that unusual a name. Unless there is some significance to a "misty hymen" that I'm unaware of. Wahkeenah 10:43, 12 January 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Removing "unsourced" additions

This revert claims to be removing "unsourced" additions. I'm not sure exactly what sourcing is required, as all these subjects are notable enough to justify their own articles, and it's silly to say their own name needs a citation. Surely the burden of proving these people exists belongs on those individual articles. Carnildo, please explain why a link to an existing article needs further citation. —Dgies^t c 20:56, 11 January 2007 (UTC)

The problem is not the existence of the people, but the "unusualness" of their names. Basically the trick is deciding what names are genuinely unusual based on certain criteria. As anyone can have an opinion on such a matter, we need third party verification that the names are considered unusual enough that they (the name itself, not the person) has been the subject of some sort of mention in the media. Brfxxccxxmnpcccclllmmnprxvclmnckssqlbb11116 for example, as the subject of numerous stories just because he had such a weird name. Someone with a name like "Luke Warm" might not be, though some people could argue that it is unusual. There used t be an article on place names that had similar problewms; all sorts of people added any name of any place that sounded somewhat out of the ordinary to the list. It became a meaningless pile of trash. This article has routinely wandered in that direction. We must keep in mind that we are an encyclopedia, not a collection of vague factoids. -R. fiend 21:46, 11 January 2007 (UTC)

OK, that makes a little more sense. I have restored Dick Pole, adding citations from the article. —Dgies^t c 22:03, 11 January 2007 (UTC)

Adding a person requires sources indicating two things: that a person with that name exists, and that the name is considered unusual. Names also cannot be nicknames: unusual nicknames are quite common. --Carnildo 00:01, 12 January 2007 (UTC)

He is known professionally as Dick Pole. That's what his sports records show, that's what his article is titled. This isn't titled "List of unusual given names", it's littered with the names that people actually go by. Can you give any justification why "Richard Pole" is a more dominant form than "Dick Pole"? If not, then is there any other rationale for excluding him from the list? —Dgies^t c 04:50, 12 January 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Dick Pole

He's a real guy, as described. Dick is a normal diminutive of Richard, and the article intro doesn't say anything about nicknames being excluded. You are trying to impose your own judgment without discussion. Wahkeenah 02:55, 12 January 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Rece Davis

Forgive me if I'm not picking up on something but why is that unusual? I took it down. It doesn't really make sense. Again, if I'm not seeing something, just tell me and you can put it back up. User:Saget53 23:59, 2 February 2007 (UTC)

Whoever added it probably had just never heard of the name Reese so thought this was weird. FWIW, the article says his given name is actually "Laurece" which is slightly weirder. —Dgies^t c 19:50, 3 February 2007 (UTC)

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