Canberra, the capital of Australia, was established (and named) on March 12, 1913 — almost exactly a century ago.
So the Canberra Times is asking people to suggest baby names that could commemorate Canberra’s centennial year, 2013.
Here are some names they’ve come up with so far:
- Acacia, a genus of trees, most of which are native to Australia
- Bluebelle, “after the Royal Bluebell, our Territory’s floral emblem”
- Corymbia, a type of eucalyptus
- Makaira, from the genus of the Black Marlin
- Melliodora, another type of eucalyptus
One reader mentioned that his daughter was named “Aisha Caitlyn Truelsen” — initials ACT, same as the initials of the Australian Capital Territory. Her father said “she is quite chuffed about seeing ACT all over the place.”
What other Australia-specific (or, better, Canberra-specific) baby names would you suggest?
Here’s one idea: Gertrude, for Gertrude Mary Denman (1884-1954). Her name might not be stylish right now, but she was the person who officially named Canberra back in 1913.
Source: State of baby names range from the botanical to fishy
EDIT: Waltzing More than Matilda has tracked down an article about the baby that kicked off the Canberra Times’ search for centennial names — Allegra Bluebelle, born in Canberra last year on December 28.
Wow! Botanical names, how very town planner-ish! Those kind of names are regularly seen in new housing estate projects. If I had to nominate,I’d go for Carillion, (female) as one of the landmarks in Canberra is a large bizarre musical sculpture of this name. Griffin, (male) after the most famous architect working in but not a citizen of Australia, Walter Burley-Griffin.
My daughter suggested “Snowy” as Canberra is at the base of Australia’s best ski resort (she is 6!). My eldest son suggested, “Boring”, due to the most common Australian view of Canberra, due mostly to Canberra being largely populated by public servants… His brother chose, “Trex”(m) and Bron (f) because there is a dedicated dinosaur museum there.
Canberra is also famous for an amazing floral festival, called” Floriade”, so maybe, Flora /Fleur and Banks, after an early botanist cataloguer who sailed on the Endeavour, on early voyages of discovery to “the Great SouthernLand”
Wow, we had a really lively conversation over dinner this evening!
BTW IT is nearly 10pm here, kids finally got to sleep after a stupidly long discussion fuelled by your post, Nancy :-)
Wow, thanks for the great suggestions! I love that your whole family got involved. :)