Names scholars whose research focuses on indigenous languages are encouraged to attend the “Symposium on American Indian Languages” (SAIL) on the 22nd of April, 2016, in Rochester, NY. The purpose of SAIL is to bring together scholars, educators, activists, and members of indigenous communities to discuss methods for documenting, conserving, and revitalizing Native American languages. Names scientists who would like to present their research are asked to send in abstracts by the 31st of January.
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Another Name of the Year
At the 2016 Annual Conference of the American Name Society, Caitlyn Jenner was selected as the official 2015 Name of the Year. The ANS decision is made by a team of names specialists who deliberate over the cultural, linguistic, and historical significance of the onomastic nominees,
However, the ANS is not the only organization that bestows this onomastic title. The www.nameoftheyear.com organizers announced that “Amanda Miranda Panda” won a whopping 60.75% of internet users votes, as compared to its top contender “Infinite Grover”. This winner is crowned by popular vote from site visitors.
International Conference on Historical Lexicography and Lexicology (ICHLL), Bloomington, IN, July 12-15, 2016
From the 12th to the 15th of July 2016, the International Conference on Historical Lexicography and Lexicology (ICHLL) will take place in Bloomington, Indiana. The deadline for 500 word English-language abstracts is February 1, 2016.
In particular, the conference welcomes papers addressing problems associated with dates and dating and periods and periodization. In addition, the conference solicits abstracts that concern how chronology is re-conceived in the era of digitally-driven lexical research.
There are four plenaries planned for this event:
- Fred R. Shapiro (Yale University, dates and dating)
- Anne Curzan (University of Michigan, periods and periodizing)
- Mira Podhajecka (University of Opole, theories of history)
- Sarah Ogilvie (Stanford University, digital chronologies)
Top Wacky Dog Names of 2015
Following the top wacky cat names for 2015, here are some of the Nationwide Pet Insurance’s eclectic onomastic winners for the canine members of the family.
In first place is “Baron von Furrypants”. Taking second, third, and fourth place are “Artoo Dogtoo”, “Rosie Picklebottom” and “Parker the Barker”. Finally, the fifth prize was awarded to “Abigail Carmichael Spartacus”.
A fish called Tim Winton: scientists name new species after novelist
Australian author Tim Winton has received several national and international awards for his literary scholarship. Along with being shortlisted for the coveted Man Booker Prize, he has received the prestigious Miles Franklin Award and the Centenary Medal for service to the literature.
At the start of 2016, Mr. Winton was able to add another rather unusual accolade to his long-list of accomplishments: a newly identified species of fish will now carry the Western Australian writer’s personal name. According to the Guardian, wildlife specialists involved in the onomastic project selected Winton for this honorific to recognize his continuing efforts to protect aquatic flora and fauna Down Under.
Yosemite Changing the Names of Popular Park Landmarks Following Trademark Dispute
Yosemite is changing the names of iconic and historic places. Read more about the trademark dispute that led to these changes.
Bowie Street sign ch-ch-changed to honor David Bowie in Downtown Austin
In memory of David Bowie, a fan (presumably) altered an Austin street sign, changing it from Bowie Street to David Bowie Street. Although unsanctioned, officials have agreed to leave the sign for now. There is a change.org petition to make this change permanent.
Submit Name News to the ANS
If you see an interesting news story about names, the ANS wants to know so that we can publicize it.
Submit your new item through the ANS New Submission Form. The link to the form is located in the upper right-hand corner of the news page:
Nationwide publishes Wacky Pet Names of 2015
Looking for a name for your new feline family member? How about “Sir Nigel Meowmittens of Oscelot Court”, “Sophistikitty”, or “Cornelius McPudness Vandercat”? All of these fanciful feline names are taken from the list of real-life monikers featured on Nationwide’s year-end list of Wacky Pet Names.
Ruling Could Help Washington Redskins in Trademark Case
Just days before the Winter Holidays, the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, D.C. declared that the first Amendment “forbids government regulators to deny registration [of trademark ] because they find the speech is likely to offend others”. This ruling came in response to a petition by an Asian-American rock band that had previously tried, unsuccessfully, to register the name “The Slants”.
For many Washingtonians who have been following the debate over the city’s controversial name of the local football team, this recent ruling has sent off a tidal wave of emotions, ranging from relief to rage. On the 9th of January 2016, the Executive Director of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), Jacqueline Pata, spoke to the American Name Society on the use of racist and derogatory names by US American sports franchises.
ANS member Laura Heymann, from William & Mary Law School, mentioned this specific ruling in her talk “Naming and Reclaiming”, which she presented at the ANS annual meeting on the 10th of January 2016. She also covers it in a guest post on the Technology & Marketing Law Blog.