Just when we think modern parents are creating new and unique ideas for naming, it turns out the Victorians have been there, done that, and bought the proverbial (T-)shirt. In this letter to the editor of The Standard in 1892, an unnamed Vicar gives us a wonderful insight into the creative naming process of two Victorian parents.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE STANDARD
SIR — A few weeks ago, at a baptism of a baby, the names "Azile Pauline" were given me. Not knowing or recognising the first name, I asked that it might be spelt. Not being much enlightened, but imagining it might be some French name to go with the second, which was pronounced with the French accent, I baptised the baby with those names. On asking the mother after the service where she had got the name from, she replied, "Neither my husband nor myself likes the name Eliza, so we thought we would spell it backwards!"
I am, Sir, your obedient servant, VICAR
April 9.
The Standard (London), April 11, 1892
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'Twas Ever Thus...
Just when we think modern parents are creating new and unique ideas for naming, it turns out the Victorians have been there, done that, and bought the proverbial (T-)shirt. In this letter to the editor of The Standard in 1892, an unnamed Vicar gives us a wonderful insight into the creative naming process of two Victorian parents.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE STANDARD
SIR — A few weeks ago, at a baptism of a baby, the names "Azile Pauline" were given me. Not knowing or recognising the first name, I asked that it might be spelt. Not being much enlightened, but imagining it might be some French name to go with the second, which was pronounced with the French accent, I baptised the baby with those names. On asking the mother after the service where she had got the name from, she replied, "Neither my husband nor myself likes the name Eliza, so we thought we would spell it backwards!"
'Twas Ever Thus...
Just when we think modern parents are creating new and unique ideas for naming, it turns out the Victorians have been there, done that, and bought the proverbial (T-)shirt. In this letter to the editor of The Standard in 1892, an unnamed Vicar gives us a wonderful insight into the creative naming process of two Victorian parents.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE STANDARD
SIR — A few weeks ago, at a baptism of a baby, the names "Azile Pauline" were given me. Not knowing or recognising the first name, I asked that it might be spelt. Not being much enlightened, but imagining it might be some French name to go with the second, which was pronounced with the French accent, I baptised the baby with those names. On asking the mother after the service where she had got the name from, she replied, "Neither my husband nor myself likes the name Eliza, so we thought we would spell it backwards!"
I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
VICAR
April 9.
The Standard
(London), April 11, 1892
Posted at 07:01 PM in Historical Name Commentary | Permalink
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