What's in an unusual name? More than you might think

news. ^ | Nov 17,

[JoeProBono]

– Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes might have thought twice about naming their daughter Suri if they'd known that it means "pickpocket" in Japanese, "turned sour" in French, and "horse mackerels" in Italian.

Today Translations, a London-based translation company, is offering parents-to-be -- particularly celebrities -- the chance to check the meaning of prospective baby names in other languages.

For 1,000 pounds ($1,678), the company's linguists will carry out a "basic name translation audit" of names, checking their meaning in 100 languages, or more for an additional cost.

While open to everyone, the firm said it expects the service to attract celebrity clients who are known for giving their babies unusual names.

[JoeProBono]

Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes’ daughter Suri

[Question Liberal Authority]

For 1,000 pounds ($1,678), the company's linguists will carry out a "basic name translation audit" of names, checking their meaning in 100 languages, or more for an additional cost.

That's so much cheaper than a Google search.

[Julia H.]

These days, if you want your kid to have a unique name, go with Mary, Jane, John, Michael, or Susan. Your daughter is guaranteed to be the only Susan in her class of L-as and K8lins.

[GeronL]

Google Translator is free. I guess we call that a “basic” one too.

[GeronL]

There are also going to be a lot of Muhammad and Jose’s in the class.

[CrazyIvan]

It also sounds like a small horse drawn vehicle in English.

[Stand Watch Listen]

It also sounds like a small horse drawn vehicle in English.

Hmmmm...with the fringe on the top??? ;)

[Darnright]

I've always regretted I couldn't go back and name my daughter after a freakin' Llama.

[JoeProBono]

“Some choices are beyond easy translation however, the company admits, such as Jermajesty — the son of Michael Jackson’s brother Jermaine.”

[Cyber Liberty]

Things you can find out from an unusual name:

"My parents were on acid when I was born. That's how I got the name 'twannashellymaumau.'"

[not_under_duress]

Honey...where's my wallet?

[JoeProBono]

Suri you jest.

[Titus Quinctius Cincinnatus]

JoeProBono

Yeah, I mean, who would give their kid a middle name like "Pro" anywise?

[T Minus Four]

YOU shouldn’t talk about weird middle names TQ, LOL! Oh wait, mine is “Minus”. Never mind.

[dangus]

HORSE mackerels? WTH? Charlie’s friend was a little raspy...

[Erasmus]

Or Gladys, Gertrude, or Hortense.

[SWAMPSNIPER]

There are a lot of names that mean “my momma is an idiot”!

[mrs. a]

We have suri alpacas. They are quite lovely. But I would never give a daughter such a name.

I’m waiting to see if their next child is named Huacaya. Then I know to whom I can market my stock!

[G8 Diplomat]

Suri is also Arabic for Syrian.

[JoeProBono]

Suri you jest ;-{)