Although Canadians are known the world over for their liberalism, in some provinces officials can actually forbid parents from selecting a name they deem inappropriate. For example, according to a February 2016 article from the Huffington Post Canada, in Saskatchewan, swear words are not allowed as baby names. In Quebec and British Columbia, a baby name may be denied if officials believe it may lead to future embarrassment or bullying.
US Name Change Law by State
After the cake has been cut and the presents opened, many modern newlyweds decide to follow the tradition of taking their spouse’s name. While the decision to alter one’s last name can be bitter-sweet emotionally, the logistics involved in making the onomastic switch can lead many to despair. To help out newlyweds out, the website NameChangeLaw.com has assembled useful information state-by-state.
England’s Rudest Street Names
Coronation Street and Notting Hill, Number 10 Downing Street and Strawberry Fields, the place names of England are famous for their charm. But not all English toponyms are positively regal. In fact, some are just the opposite. Find out more about some of what the BBC has labelled “England’s rudest street names.”
Guide to the names of England’s cities, towns and villages
Ever wanted to know more about the names of England’s cities, towns, and villages? The Institute for Names Studies at the University of Nottingham has made available a newly updated website providing information on the history and meaning of over 10,000 place names in England.
Conference: One-Name Studies – Home and Away, Birmingham, England, April 3, 2016
On the 3rd of April 2016, the Guild of One-Name Studies, an onomastic organization devoted to the intensive investigation of single surnames, will be holding a conference at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, England.
The Guild of One-Name Studies commemorates World War I
To commemorate WWI, the Guild of One-Name Studies, in cooperation with the Imperial War Museum, will be holding a series of digital events designed to document the lives of the millions of soldiers and civilians who lost their lives.
About Names: Cinderella: Her real name, like her shoe, is lost
Dr. Cleveland Evans writes about names for the Omaha World-Herald. This week’s column explores Cinderella.
Call for Papers – Special Session of ANS about Texas Names, Austin, January 5-8, 2017
The 2017 annual meeting of ANS will be January 5-8 in Austin, TX. In recognition of this occasion there will be a special session devoted to Texas names.
Abstracts on any aspect of Texas names are welcome:
- place names in Texas
- personal names in Texas
- regional or ethnic names in Texas
- changes of names
- pronunciation of Texas names
- street names in Texas
- ranch names
- Texas brands
- folk etymology in Texas names
- fanciful stories attached to Texas names
- names of Texas radio and TV stations
- Texas highway names
- names of Texas politicians
- Texas formal vs. colloquial names
- Texas names in media
- names of Texas newspapers
- New England names in Texas
… the list goes on.
You need not live in Texas nor be a native or even a naturalized Texan to participate. Texans, former Texans, closet Texans, Texas wannabees, Texans from all parts of the world are welcome.
If you are interested in presenting a paper at this special session, please send an email to Edward Callary [callary1@hotmail.com] no later than April 30 expressing your interest and a general idea of your topic.
Motorola Brand Changed to Moto
In an effort to breathe new life into one of its problem-children, Lenovo executives have decided to sacrifice the brand name Motorola and replace it with the sleeker, shorter name Moto. According to the company, the decision to doff the 83-year-old brand name was not easy. However, executives are convinced that the new brand name will attract new customers and bring back some old ones.
Quebecois and/or French-Canadian Literature Call for Papers
Onomastic researchers working within the areas of Quebecois and/or French-Canadian Literature are invited to send in article proposals to the Literary Encyclopedia. The purpose of the Encyclopedia is to provide a global understanding of world cultures and literatures in a responsive digital format.