What's In a Name?

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet."

-Juliet (Romeo and Juliet)

As parents we all spend a lot of time deciding on the names we give our children. Some people want to pass on a legacy or a family name. For example I am a junior. Others simply have names given to them that are traditional in their families. My wife's family has many Richards and Edwards and in my family the names Serafina and Gregorio are somewhat common.

Writers also spend a lot of time on giving their characters appropriate and defining names. I mean who can forget an Ebenezer Scrooge or a Robinson Crusoe. Of course we've all heard about Atticus Finch and the unfortunate turn of events in regards to that character.

Anyway, my point is that a lot of effort and time goes into the naming of characters. Even us gamers can be known to take a bit of time before choosing what name we are going to give our avatar or ourselves. Or perhaps what glorious names we are going to bestow on our other game characters, NPCs, or even Amiibos. I've even come across a "what did you name your amiibos" thread on Reddit.

So yes, a lot of time can be spent on coming up with creative names. Or not.

Yelly, because he is wearing a yellow shirt.

My daughters are terrible at coming up with names. All their stuffed animals are named after random things that they're wearing or what they were thinking about at the time. 

Cute little Whirlms in Viva Pinata.

Once in a while I am lucky enough to see their thought process in action. The little wheels spinning in their tiny, beautiful heads. Much like "Verbal" Kint looking around the room coming up with ideas for their next masterpiece, their next "nom de jouet". 

Much like Prince and Madonna, Cool is an icon.

And sometimes you get Cool. Because she's cool.

Of course this is all in good fun. I'm excited that my girls are actually old enough to enjoy gaming with me and personalizing their games and toys. 

I miss my little babies but as they like to point out, big kids can do more things, and in many ways they're more fun.

To be fair, it's also very helpful in regards to remembering the names of all their precious what-nots. Blankey, Taggy, Bluey, Lamby, and some are downright good like Dobey the Doberman, Linky, and Pika.

Oh, Ruby is now insisting I write about Little Bitty Kitty Flower Cane, her purple kitty.

So on that note, I'm off to have a tea party with these little weirdos. I'm talking about the toys. 

Fine you got me, I'm talking about my kids too.

- Gil