Are you watching the Olympics?
I’ve written about Red, which might prove influential, and Mirai, which strikes me as a naming just ready to be discovered.
But C in DC raised a question about Pita, the name of the Tongan flagbearer who walked into the winter games shirtless and won the internet. I’m pretty sure it’s a form of the evergreen Peter. That’s also one possible explanation for Peeta, the name of a major Hunger Games character. But is this a possible boy’s name? Or is it bread, plain and simple?
Neither spelling is really used in the US, so as of now, the answer is no. But what flips the switch, and transforms something from not-a-name to name-I’ll-consider? It’s an interesting thing to ponder …
Elsewhere online:
- How fascinating are these regional favorites from England & Wales? Finding choices like Osian, Rhys, and Macsen in the Wales’ list isn’t a shocker, and neither are Musa and Mohammed in London. But what drives other regional favorites, like Ralph and Oakley?
- On the girls’ side, the rarities are just as striking – and some really gorgeous names make the lists. Loving Esmae, Edie, Betsy, Mariam, and … well, just go read the full list!
- One of my favorite things about royal names isn’t the grand, elaborate, and traditional names – it’s what they actually used with their nearest and dearest. Like this gem: Princess Caroline-Mathilde Louise Dagmar Christine Maud Augusta Ingeborg Thyra Adelheid of Denmark was called Calma by her family.
- Did I know that Russell Wilson and Ciara named their daughter Sienna Princess? I know we talked about the first name, but I feel like the middle is fresh information. And it reminds me how much I like a bold middle, even a middle that I would never consider as a first.
- While we’re on a regal theme, how ’bout these names inspired by the French royal family over the years?
- Every Monday, the Dictionary of Medieval Names from European Sources shares a mystery name – something they’re trying to understand. I’m captivated by this recent entry: Caracossa. They’ve also found Italian compound names like Bellacara and Caradonna. Proof that 21st century American parents aren’t the first to embrace – and discard – trends.
- Ooh … a fascinating look at names borrowed from days of the week.
- So much wisdom in this Name Lady answer: yes to a little bit of cultural sensitivity, and yes, Internet searching can lead us astray.
- Would you consider Onyx for a child’s name? I like it for a boy.
- While we’re on the would-you-ever thread … how ’bout Lettice?
- How much do I adore sisters named Hattie and Millie?
That’s all for this week! As always, thank you for reading – and have a great week!
I’ve used Onyx for a female character in an RPG. She was a sister to Jett & Coal. I like it better as a girl name than a boy. I wouldn’t use it for my own kid because it doesn’t fit with our established style (and because all my kids tend to be blond) but I think it’s a beautiful name.
When I saw Ciara’s daughter’s name earlier in the week, I immediately looked up Ciara’s full name. Her middle name is also Princess!
Looking up Pita I found a cool list of Samoan names (Pita is one) https://samoan.manuatele.net/names.html I’m sure readers will see the influence of the King James Version of the bible in Tonga. Just to be clear Samoa and Tonga are different countries with different language and culture but they are both Polynesian so there are some similarities of language etc. I particularly like their version of David: Tavita.
Pita the Tongan athlete is the epitome of great sportsmanship and such an inspiration. I really wish his name wasn’t associated with bread in English (and other languages).