How popular is the baby name Appendicitis in the United States right now? How popular was it historically? Use the popularity graph and data table below to find out! Plus, see all the blog posts that mention the name Appendicitis.

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Popularity of the baby name Appendicitis


Posts that mention the name Appendicitis

Siblings named Tonsillitis, Meningitis, Appendicitis…

Gravestone of Tonsillitis Jackson (1932-2006)
Tonsillitis’ gravestone

About 80 years ago, Mr. and Mrs. Emsy Jackson of Oklahoma started naming their children after medical conditions:

  • Tonsillitis “Tonsy” Jackson (boy) – born Nov. 7, 1932
  • Meningitis “Mennie” Jackson (boy)
  • Appendicitis “Pendy” Jackson (girl) – born Dec. 25, 1936
  • Laryngitis Jackson (girl)
  • Peritonitis Jackson (girl)
  • Jakeitis Jackson (girl)

The family first made the news in early 1937, right after Appendicitis was born. Their story ran in Newsweek, Reader’s Digest, and TIME, not to mention a bunch of regional papers.

Tonsillitis made headlines twice more after that — when he enlisted in the Navy in 1951, and when he re-enlisted in 1955. (Before he re-enlisted, he had to be treated for tonsillitis, ironically.) In these articles, he explained that his mother had been suffering from a sore throat when he was born, hence the name Tonsillitis.

And what about Jakeitis — was her name made-up? No, actually. Though “Jakeitis” isn’t a recognized medical condition, the word was used in the 1930s to describe the paralysis that afflicted drinkers of Jake, a slang word for Jamaica Ginger.

What are your thoughts on these names?

Sources:

  • “Aftermath.” West Australian 8 Nov. 1951: 1.
  • All in the Family – Futility Closet
  • “Miscellany.” TIME 25 Jan. 1937: 36.
  • “Navy Has Case of Tonsillitis.” Toledo Blade 26 Aug. 1955: 2.

Image Brian of Find a Grave