Would a Rose by any Other Name Smell as Sweet?

There are no syllables that can be more important to us or defines our personalities more than our names.  In primitive times, a name was very guarded.  In those times, it was believed that by knowing someone’s name was the same as having possession of a piece of that person.   Aside from that, people have been saddled with some pretty silly names.  Here are some really outrageous names that have been forced on unsuspecting children.

We all have first and last names.  Today, we are given a first name to distinguish a particular person from all others who have the same last name.  However, in the past, it was the other way around.  For instance, take the name William.  In the middle ages, to avoid confusion, a William would also be known by the occupation of his family or himself.  Sometimes, a last name would serve to identify who the father was.  For instance, if your father’s name was William and your name was John, you would be known as John Williamson.  This custom comes from the 15th century when Henry V decreed in 1413 that a person’s occupation and dwelling be included in all writs.

That is all well and good, but sometimes parents came up with names that are completely out of the ordinary, and in some cases, the source of a lot of teasing and embarrassment.  For instance, in the United States, during the 18th century, one Rhode Island couple named their two boys “Praise God Barebone of London” and “If Christ had not died for thee thou would have been damned Barebone”.  That particular brother humorously shortened his name to Damned Barebone.

Twins certainly get there share of odd names.  Take for instance one set of twins were named Charlie and Extra Charlie.  There was another set of twins on record that were named Jeru and Salem.  The parents did this so they could piously call them to dinner as Jerusalem.

America has it’s share of odd names to be sure.  In a commerative streak, the parents of one child named him States Rights Jones.  Another couple went with E. Pluribus Ewbanks.  Another child was named K.N. Bill for the Kansas Nebraska Bill.  His sister’s name was Missouri Compromise.  One boy was even named 54 (degrees) 40′ which stood for the dispute over the Oregon Territory.

Names and occupations and natures seem to synchronize for some reason.  Here are some examples.  There is a man named Groaner Digger who happens to be an undertaker.  I have to include a man named I.C. Shivers who became an iceman (someone who delivered ice blocks at the turn of the 20th century, and Ronald Supina who became a lawyer.  then there is a Cardinal in the Catholic church named Cardinal Sin of Manilla.  To top it of let us consider a Mr. Vice, who happened to be a New Orleans criminal.  I personally went to school with a girl named Penny Nickel.  I even knew of a doctor in town who’s name was Dr. Fixit.

What a person is named can even color how they are treated in life.  In a British study, it was discovered that students with the names Karen, Lisa or David received higher grades for assignments than those turned in by Elmers, Berthas or Huberts – even though they turned in identical papers.

So in conclusion, I would have to say this….a rose would by no means be as attractive of pleasant by any other name.