A couple from Myanmar have filed for a new name for their two year old son, Justin Bieber. The couple, who is from Myanmar, named their son while living in a refugee camp in Thailand. They have since realized that this name might not be well received as their son grows up in the United States.
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About Names: The name Eugene has prestige, but not popularity
Dr. Cleveland Evans writes about names for the Omaha World-Herald. This recent column explores Eugene.
Ukraine’s Decommunization Gets Boost As 175 Towns, Villages Renamed
On the 4th of February, the Ukrainian Parliament approved changing the names of 175 towns, villages, and districts. The momentous onomastic sweep is a part of the government’s ongoing effort to “de-communize” the nation. Many of the new names that have been chosen are older names which existed before the Soviet influence.
The onomastic makeover has not been with criticism. According to the February 11th issue of Radio Free Europe, many ethnic Russians in the Ukraine have taken offense to this plan.
Americans recognize ‘past presidents’ who never were
Not including Presidents Obama, Clinton, Bush, or Reagan, how many US American Presidents can you name in 30 seconds? Now be honest, how many of you included Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Moore, and John Calhoun. If you did, you are in good company.
According to a 2016 psychological study on naming and recognition conducted by H. Roediger & K. DeSoto at Washington University in Saint Louis, many Americans routinely misidentify the names of famous historical figures as US Presidents.
Disney Character Onomastic Quiz
Think you know your Disney name characters?
Here’s a chance to test your onomastic prowess. Self-proclaimed Disney-experts are challenged to name the character who made a world-famous…okay, well-known quote.
Canada’s Official Place Names
According to the Canadian Encyclopedia, Canada has approximately 350,000 official place names. Learn more about Canada’s toponymic treasures from the Canadian Encyclopedia.
Sociolinguistics Symposium, Murcia, Spain, June 15-18, 2016
From the 15th to the 18th of June 2016, the 21st annual Sociolinguistics Symposium (SS21) will be taking place at the University of Murcia, Spain. The general theme of this year’s conference is “Attitudes and Prestige”. Although the call for papers has closed, registration is still open.
Why Do We Use Pet Names in Relationships?
Pumpkin, sweet pea, honey, sugar, bear, tiger, kitten… names scholars have long known that the terms of endearment couples use for one another in private (and in public) come from a wide range of semantic categories.
However, as reported in “Scientific American,” the intimate names partners use may also reveal a lot about their relationship.
Tarantula in Black: Dark, Hairy Spider Named After Johnny Cash
Tarantulas are famous among spider- aficionados for their spectacular range of colors. From neon blue, dusty purple, and sunburst orange to soft charcoal grays and milk chocolate browns, the world’s catalog of tarantulas come in a dazzling array of hues.
In 2016, a newly discovered species delighted fans of the eight-legged giant. A sleek, black, newcomer who immediately reminded scientists of the legendary singer-song-writer, Johnny Cash. In honor of the star, the tarantula was named Aphonopelma johnncashi.
Survivor band members in fight over name
In 1996, the Chicago rock group “Survivor” made headlines when it was announced that co-founder James Peterik would be leaving the band. According to a recent lawsuit lodged in the Chicago federal court, it seems that that musical split did not end the association.
According to the lawsuit, Peterik has continued to use the Survivor name without legal authorization. This is not the first time that the legends of US classic rock have made headlines over trademark infringement. In the fall of 2015, the band sued one-time Republican hopeful, Mike Huckabee, for his unauthorized use of the Survivor hit, “Eye of the Tiger” at a rally to support Kim Davis, the Kentucky county clerk who refused to issue same-sex marriage licenses.