It has happened to all of us at least once; and to more than a few of us, several times:  forgetting someone’s name. It is a universally embarrassing, all too common, experience. In this BBC article, journalist Tom Stafford takes a closer look at this phenomenon and helps to explain the science behind forgetting and remembering people’s names.

Leaders rise and leaders fall. Communities that try to keep up with these vicissitudes may soon find themselves in a real political and financial bind, when it comes to the names that adorn their streets, alleys, rivers, highways, and byways. What is a legislature to do? Should it keep the toponymic reminders of leaders gone-by as valuable sociohistorical signposts of days-gone-by? Or should it try to go with the times and periodically replace public toponyms, particularly those once inspired by leaders who have since fallen into disrepute. In this UK Guardian article, reporter, Nick Van Mead, explores this question and how it has been answered in several major US and European cities.

We all have at least one and most of us have several. Some of them we use once others we use almost every day. For the most part, we create them ourselves but increasingly they are assigned to us. We are told we should keep them a secret but we often share them with thousands or even millions of people around the globe. What is all this fuss about? Usernames. In this MSN video, learn all about what your own username(s) may be telling the world about you.

Have you ever wanted to invent an entirely new name? In 2015, Nameberry.com offered name-connoisseurs a chance to send in their submissions for the best invented name. The contest rules for creating a new name were simple. People were asked to combine two or more existing names, convert a pre-existing word into a name, or come up with a completely unique onomastic creation all on their own. Some of the best contest entries were Hallory, Aliciana, Kahlia, Cardigan, Mazana, and Faraday. Learn which entries onomastic specialists Pamela Redmond Satran and Abby Sandel selected as their favorites.

Why was Tribune Publishing’s re-brand as Tronc a failure? This week’s New Yorker addresses sound symbolism and its importance in choosing a brand name.

Ever heard of Zzyzx, California? Learn the story behind the strange toponym.

Wondering why icy Greenland isn’t called Iceland? Listen to Merriam Webster’s Editor Kory Stamper’s short explanation of these toponyms.

Estately.com looks at some of the most outrageous toponyms in the United States. Enjoy!

In summary, middle names are “a way to keep family names going and thus preserve relationships,” but their history is more complex. Learn more about this onomastic component of identity.