WHAT’S IN A NAME?

 

Whether we like it or not, we all bear the marks of being labelled with a name. This will usually be our given name, bestowed upon us at birth by our parents, although it is quite common that, once we reach adulthood, for this to be changed to a name of our own choosing. The name by which we are known could also be an affectionate pet name (Lilibet springs to mind in relation to QEII) or a nickname representing a characteristic of our personality or a physical attribute, or a title given by virtue of our marital status, or job.  

The question is, how important is a name? I would argue that it is very important. Certainly, there is a degree of snobbery when it comes to our Christian names. Choosing a traditional name, perhaps with royal connections, such as William, James, Charles, or Elizabeth, Charlotte, or Anne conjures up a safe, stable image, however misjudged. Match it with a double-barrelled surname, and almost unconsciously, we are automatically transported into the realms of wealth and privilege, and the assumptions that go with it. By contrast, when introduced to a Chardonnay, Jezebel, Damien or Judas we are also likely to make judgements that might be less favourable.  

Likewise, when we speak of the towns or cities in which we live their reputation goes before them in how we perceive them to be and what our own experience might be should we choose to visit them or live there.  

When the magnates of high finance decide to form a company considerable thought, lining the pockets of consultants, goes into the name and the image it portrays to potential investors and customers. Big brands, whether it be supermarkets, clothing, jewellery, cars, or sportswear, rely on the image their names invoke, and reputations can quickly be won or lost.  

Mention M&S or Waitrose and you immediately think, posh, expensive food; by contrast Lidl and Aldi are seen as downmarket. Gucci and Chanel mean luxury, whilst Primark implies downmarket, budget clothing and accessories.  

Names though can be deceptive. By buying into the concept of the brand, or the name, and its label, being the be all and end all, we are allowing ourselves to be manipulated.  

I raise the issue because recently, at a meeting of the Trustees of Ilminster’s Literary Festival, we spent some time on discussing whether or not we should change the name, on the presumption that ‘Literary Festival’ might sound rather too high brow for us to be able to widen our audience beyond our traditional supporters, along with considering how we might expand the types of events we put on. After much deliberation, given how successful the festival has been so far, now in its sixth year, we decided to go with the status quo, at least until next year.  

This year’s festival, owing to the impact of Covid will be a shortened event, held in November from 10^th – 13^th.  

Look out for details in the coming months at www.ilminsterliteraryfestival.org

It is all in the name; promoting our market town, focusing on the written word, and having fun at the same time. What’s not to love?