Utah Baby Names (That distinctive name that says, "I'm Mormon.")

When my husband and I moved from Utah to the Washington, D.C. area seventeen years ago, we knew nothing of the inadvertent legacy we carried from our four years in Utah. Shortly after we arrived in our new home, we saw a television commercial for a local grocery store chain. The spokeswoman's name was the unusual "Odonna." "She's gotta be from Utah," I said to my husband. "That's a Utah name if I ever heard one."

It dawned on us that many names we'd heard during our college careers, and found only mildly remarkable, were indeed unique to the Utah Mormon culture. Thus began our quest to define what makes some names singularly Utahn, and what sets them apart from ethnic names with roots in other cultures, such as Juanita or Shoshanna; or African-American names such as Tawanda and Shaquille; or the newly common, soap-operaesque handles such as Skylar, Tiffany, Raven, and Adrienne. There's a difference, and it's not just the obviously Mormon scriptural names like Mahonri or Nephi or Moroni. Often identifying a Utah name is a gut feeling akin to Justice Potter Stewart's definition of pornography: you know it when you see it.

The quintessential Utah name often has a French-sounding prefix such as Le-, La-, Ne-, or Va-. Often names appear to have genesis in the combined names of the parents--Veradeane or GlenDora, for example. Related is the practice of feminizing the father's name--as in Vonda (dad is Vaughan) or Danetta. Others, such as Snell or Houser, appear to be surnames called into service as first names.

Related is the curious tendency, more common in Utah than elsewhere, for men (women do not seem to do this) to use the first initial, then the full middle name as the given name, such as L. Flake Roberts, who ran for office in Utah County when we lived there. (Come on, you've noticed this habit among the general authorities of the LDS church!) Besides puzzling over why someone would want to be known as "Flake," it makes one wonder just what the "L" stands for.

So my husband and I entertained ourselves by collecting the often bizarre names we found in Utah publications (including the obituaries, which indicates that this is not a recent fad) and of Utah natives we met. We compiled a list and shared it with our friends, who often as not had a few more to add. We really hit a bonanza when one woman shared our observations with her mother, who worked at a Utah bank and had access to lots of names. She started her own list and began sending the names to us. (My personal favorite, LaNondus, came from this source.) Another friend told us of a set of sisters, all of whose names began with "Ja."

Once my husband had Internet access, he collected more names and corresponded with another couple who amused themselves the same way. They made cleverly categorized lists: "The ward choir director's daughters: LaVoice, Choral, Audia."

It makes you wonder what some parents were thinking when, for instance, they named their baby girl Lanae (la-nay)--and she unfortunately ended up with a big nose (le nez [la-nay] in French means "the nose"). Or the girl named M'Lu--are clever wags endlessly asking her to skip to it? And how the heck do people with apostrophes in their names fill out computerized forms? There's no apostrophe space. The guy I really pity, though, is the one saddled with the unfortunate moniker, Rube.

Of course, parents cannot predict what new interpretations the marketplace will bring to the names they lovingly bestow on their offspring. I once worked at a company which had dealings with a woman named LaPriel (pronounced la-prell). When I told my former roommate about this inexplicable first name, she sardonically replied, "What's her sister's name--LaTegrin?"

With the generally larger-than-average family, often saddled with the very ordinary surnames Smith, Johnson, or Young, it's not surprising that many Utah parents look for unique given names for their children. When you throw in the reverence for family and ancestors forwarded by the LDS Church, it seems inevitable that someone would end up with LaEarl, KDell, Arnolene or Hariella.

Some names, though, seem to defy description--if not pronunciation. While pride of place may have spawned Utahna, how did somebody come up with Wealtha? And while Lloydine's genesis seems plausible, how on earth were Printha or Noy coined? And I have no idea what constitutes the correct pronunciation for Kairle or Tawhnye. (I suspect they may be wildly creative spellings of Carol and Tonya.)

Perhaps the following list (by no means comprehensive) will amuse you. Perhaps it will offend you. Perhaps you will find your name, or the name of a relative, on it. Or perhaps you will be so enchanted by a particular name that you'll want to bestow it upon one of your own offspring. If that is your plan, first do this: go to the back door, fling it open and yell the name at the top of your lungs six or eight times, because that's how it's going to be heard for the next eighteen years. And remember, when little Wynante (boy or girl, you choose) grows up, you'll have to live with the consequences.

The Cream of the Crop

The Clarks' Favorite Utah Names

Updated 24 January 2003

The new parents couldn't be happier: Gladell & Delightra (sisters), Luvit, Delecta, Delite, Joyette, Joi, Joyia, Joyellen, Joycell, Hallah Lujah [How about Hallah Back Y'all? --A.J.], Bliss, Joyanne

The Ward Choir Director's Daughters: Aria, Audia, Aurel, Choral, LaVoice, Tonilee, Capella, Chime, Rocksan Violin

Jewels every one: Amulet, Pearlette, Pearlene, Emerald, JewlyAnn, Ahmre Jade, Treasure Tonya, Turquoise Nova, Sequin, Amethist.

Girls you just know have big, floofy hair: Blondeen, Rayette, Faundaree, Shazette, Shasheena, Honilynn, Najestica, Teasa, Shazzanna, Pluma, Bobbette, Blonda, Breezy, Wenderella, Aquanetta, Brinderella, Dazzlyn

Maybe they're in the Klingon Ward: Tchae, Xko, Corx, G'ni, Vvhs, Garn, Ka, Deauxti, Xymoya, Sha'Kira [Her older sister is called Macare'na.], Zy, Xela, Tscharna, Nivek, Zon'tl, Zagg, Xan, Judziah Datz (a female, named after a character in Star Trek), K'lar (ditto), Jarna Nazhalena, Chod, Xarek, Grik, Stod, T'Shara, Tral, Sherik, Curg

Astronomical: LeVoid, Sunan, Moonyene, Starlene, Sunelly, Luna, Lunia, Solinda, Sunirae, Staryl, Marandastarr, Season, Aries, Starlyn, Cressent, Celestial Starr, Summerlyn, Astrolena

Could only be LDS: Cumorah Hill, Liahonna, Ensign, Nauvoo, Kirtland, Templa, Templer, Tempella, Tempalia, Ziona, Deseret (and Desereta), Tabernacle, Woodruff, Pratt, Tithing, Quorum, Helamans Warrior, Iron Rod, Morona, Manti, Stripling, Nephi Courage, Celestial Glory, Celestian, Brighaminie, Zion, Xione (pronounced "zion")

Parents were BYU math majors: Alpha Mae, Seven, Seavenly, Twenty, Prime, Omega Lee, Jennyfivetina, Tenna [Mormon porn star: Tenna Tameson.], Elevena, Ninea, Eighta

You can name a kid this, but you shouldn't ingest it: Cola, Vinyl, Orlon, Chlorine, Clorene, Florene, Florine, Lexann, Dow, Tide, Downy, Codiene, Daquari, DeCon, Starbuck, Crayon, Treasure Cocaine

Names inspired by the family car: Audi, Fairlene, Celecta, Pontiac, Vonda, Vonza, Auto, Cherokee, Lexus, Porsche, Skylark, Truckston, Avis, Chevrollette, Chevonne, Caprice, Dodge

Wishful thinking: Darlin', Courage, Winsome, Justan Tru, Pictorianna, Paradise Sunrise, Sage, Angelic, Breed, Godlove, Myrth, LaVirgin, DeFonda Virtue, Chastice, Normalene, Lovie Angel, Precious Blessing, Heavenly Melanie, Glee, Mormon Beauty, Pledger, Jentill, Devota, Coy, Fondd, Bridella, Verna Noall, Vervine, Viva, Golden Noble, MarVel, MemRee, Brunette, Merrily, Merry Ann, Celestial, Cherrish, Kash, Cashelle, Teton, Forever, Luvit, Mystiq, Worthy, Truly, Pleasant, Speedy, Hereditary, Shrudilee, Halo, Gentry, Truthanne, Finita, Mavryck, Amen, Merrijane, Marvelous Man.

Dad's hobby is obvious: Justa Cowgirl, Rode O, Hazer, Durango, Rifle, Laker, Jazz, Truck. Granite, Garnet, Gneiss (and other sisters with rock names beginning with “G.”)

Indications of possible birthplace: Arizonia, Floria, Montania, Utah, Utahna, Idahana, Idaho, Mauntana [Flunk spelling, name you kid Mauntana. Study hard!], Michigan, Nevadna, Okla, Vermont, Wyoming, Wyoma, Cache, Jordana, Payson, Vernal, Boise, Brookelynn, Lexington, Demoyn, Fredonia, Leremy, Platte, Salina, Seattle, Takoma, Tulsa, Tustin, Vail, Lundyn, Londyn, Irelynd, Irelan, Madrid, Manila, Cairo, Damascus, Tyre, Desert, Shahara, Trinidad, Houston, Cachelyn, D'Asia, Edon, Takoda, Orem, Shannon doah, Davenport Shore

No man (or woman) is an island - exceptions: Oahu, Irlanda, Tonga, SeaBreaze, Tiki Lou

Indications of possible birthdates: Juneth, Junola, LaJune, Julyn, Halloween, Novella, Summerisa, Winnter, Christmas Holiday, Merrienoel, Kris Miss, Tuesdee, Aprella

The day dawn is breaking: Dawnae, Dawnia, Dawnel, Dawnelle, Dawnene, Dawnalyn, Dawnette, Karadawn, RaDawn, Keturah Dawn, SheriDawn, LuDawn, LaDawn, Le Dawn, El Dawn, Dawnetta, Dawnese, Mistidawn, Berva Dawn, Celestial Dawn, Bodawn, Honey Dawn, Sunrise, Dawny, Yodawn, Dawnika, Dawnray, Denverly Dawn, Sunni Dawn, Dusty Dawn, Taradawn, Twyla Dawn, Georgia Dawn, Iva Dawn, Marva Dawn

I hope the computer will accept apostrophes in the name fields: D'Ann, D'Aun, D'Bora, D'Dee, D'Elise, D'Loaf, D'Shara, E'all, L'Deane, L'orL, Ja'mon, J'Costa, J'dean, J'Leen, J'net, J'Shara, J'Vonna, La'Donis, Me'shell, M'Jean, M'Kaaylie, M'Kenna, Mi'Lara, M'Lisa, M'Liss, M'Lu, M'Recia, O'lea, R'dell, R'lene, Shan'l, Young'n, B'andra, De'lys, D'Dree

Future names of prescriptions: Lyravin, Monalaine, Nyleen, Merlaine, Monease, Naquel, Ronalene, Nylan, Rolayne, Tyron, Lexine, Lyrin, Mikatin, Artax, Xtrin, Tylene, Qedrin, Tamrin, Denilyn, Kevrin, Nicolin, Xylan, Tolex, Zylan, Daycal, Falycid, Zerin, Davon, Sydal

Fluid-related: Thermos, Soda, Logan River, Jordan River, Susquehannah, Canteen

When simple alphabetic characters aren't enough: K-8 (pronounced "Kate," I guess)

[Maybe they weren't thinking "Aryan", but "Arian". Heretics gotta stick together!]

Has food connotations: Dianarea, Dicey, Vindalu, Blenda, Strawberry, Sugarlee, Beena, Pork Chop, Sesami, Jar, Karmel, Kresent, TaffiLyn, Chipo

You might find in a forest: Wrendie, Jilbear, Timber, Oaks, Pixie, LaFawnduh, Fawn-Dew, Ember, Bird, Magpie, Serenity Fawn, Paradi, L'Aire, Brookelle, Sylvan, Fawna, Lawn, Rain, Gazelle, El Fawn ["El" makes it masculine, "Fawn" makes it girly-poofy. El Fawn: expressing pride from Salt Lake City to San Francisco.], Aspen, Acacia, Panda, Briar, Rhodendra, Fernnola, Birdene, Hummingbird, Disney, Chinchilla Zest, Haven, Glade

No doubt about it, this kid's in charge: Rexina, Rexine, Queenola, Dominee, Ruger, Messiah Angel, Oden, RexDee, Navy, Jentry, Czar, LeeMaster, Quintessa, Marquessa, Leviathan, Captain.

Faux ethnic: Laddie, Walkasheaqua, Bsjonet, Hishla, Chilnecha, Forthilda, Kaltighanna, Alainka, Chip-wa, Pawnece America, Zem Saxon, O'Ann, WaThene, Sheighlagh, Valliere

Commemorating something or another: Welcome Exile, Confederate American, Southern Justice, Liberty Lulu, Young Elizabeth, Genesis, MistiNoele, Imagine, Thankful Flood, Friends Forsaken, Joyous Noel, Tennyson, Knight Train, Miracles Precious One, Sunday's Hoseana, Disney, Blessing Ream, Stormy Shepherd, Denim Levi, Vernal Independence, Sincere Devotion, Mothers, Elvoid, Noah-Lot, Mormon Miracles, MyLae, Nightrain Lane, Zion Anakin, Jeopardee, Statehood, Denim Levi

Let's hope not: Rube, Sleeza, Nymphus, Golden P., Burns, Hydra, Non, Malis, Talon, Beefea, Patches, Storm, Slayer, Sterile, Slaughter, Jynx, Hyde, Prynne, StormiAnn, Sham, Apathy, DeRail, Dull, Gamble

In a class of their own (In fact, I'm not sure I believe these but we asked for details and a confirmation and got convincing replies, so here they are): NaLa'DeLuhRay, Phakelikaydenicia, Zaragrunudgeyon ("Zarg," for short), Jennyfivetina, Tiarrhea, Nudity, VulvaMae, DaLinda LaDale, Tugdick, Saunsceneyouray, and, yes... Clitoris.

["Well, it sounded pretty when the doctor said it, and my wife Placenta likes it."]

I can't think of anything clever to write but these must be mentioned: Barbeli, Revo Cram, Feramorz, Glint, LaNondus, Wynante, Camera, Lecoya, AureJudd, NaNon, Bimberly, DavidO, Leumas ("Samuel" backwards), Ralphene, Shimber, T-vive, Synthi, CoJane, Nona-rene, Gaylawn, Txanton, LaZello, Daycal, Sancie D'Wan, RaVoe, Zenus, Gatobon, LaEarl, Trystal, AndiOdette, Serenity-Tabitha-Ann, Alexavier, X Y Zella, Bonquisha, Musser Cenia, Jubeltine, Oryeon, Shlori, Danlonaga, Zedwain, Casualeen, Young'n, Shambertine Crille, Canon, Malique, LeeWitt, Jazzeri, DeRaunz, Teru, Aaro, Divid, Cimemthymia, LaDonnaJosephrania, LaDeeDee, deRalph, MaddLynAlain, Vyquetoriya, Falycid, Rophis, Mick BonScott, Kaysional Tempest, Darianlelo, DeLaVerne, BoChe', Minnet, Kandle, Seena Tawnya, Dwodger, J Thoral, Xanderrick, Abcde, KNikkol, Demeatrice, LLean Shanalyn, Scytha Solena, HiDee

I am sure when that revelation came out it was quite awakening to know more of who we are! An like new imformation people do engage in wonderment. Yet we are here in this world and have a lot of mundane things to do which dominates out thoughts. For much work here mush bedone and little to entertain such thoughts!

I know when I first learn of this I was beyond words, yet it was when I spoke to other saints in the church about it they knew, but the immediate concerns was earning a living, paying bills, rasing family, studying for school etc. So you see for the regulars they had their priority in order.

The main focus for the LDS is "Keeping the Lords Commandments", doing home teaching,honoring callings and helping the orphans, widows, and elderly and many other charities!

Too many of you hear this is wild news and you don't how to properly process this knowledge. because you are preoccupied with this news you think the rest the LDS are.

I would look to the NWO and worry about their version of it, instead of what Jesus Christ Saints are doing!

So you don't help non-Mormons?

What do you mean by this the polgamist that were excommunicated from the church? or others who do not really know us? Some might think they know us by the poison water, yet they did not learn it from the LDS!

Wrigely that was and open ended question the kind like "do you still beat your wife no matter how you answer it stinks! but than wrigley might raise skunks?

The unsanciton polgamist need to repent!

They have the knowledge and like so many with knowledge doing it their way!

Wrigley you are famous looking for the sting and sarcasm retorts! that why I alkaline my diet so I can fend off you Acid Spirit:)

BTW why you foolish folks stand around mocking this knowledge.

Well got news for you when Lucifer knew this knowledge he jump on it, maybe too soon BEFORE He got his physical body here on earth and than the ressurected one. But he did NOT KEEP his 1st estate so he lost all togather and now a spirit that yanks the chains of the gullible of those who want ot believe a god that IS only a spirit NOT ressurected one OF FLESH AND BONE!

Now the invisible government and the NWO crowd are not that guillble they are using the knowledge their ancestor unsruped long long ago in each dispensation*, and have been with each generation setting their knowledge in motion!

It should be interesting in the furture how many mockers get it or parish!

*That is why there are Dispensations for in previous ones, The Word, Covenants & Doctrines and Statutes; were taken from the children of God. an in each dispensation the Lord would restore it and than it would vanish again!

Now all you got from Pagans and likewise is the NICENE CREED! That is a dollard will get you a cup of coffee!:)You only have a half of loaf of truth!

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints have the Fulness of the Gospel!

It seems I may not have been clear enough because you're still missing the point.

The point isn't whether you consider Mormonism valid as a 'flavor' of Christianity, but that someone adhering to a religious viewpoint, whether Christian or not, isn't in a particularly good position to start criticizing the viewpoint of another adherent to a different religion based on logic. One could easily subsitute Hindu for Mormon, the effect would be the same.

Why shouldn't logic play a part in the assessment? Why shouldn't biblical assessment be done?

I agree with the above completely, and have not argued otherwise.

I say, be noble and compare Joseph Smith and Bringem Young to the Bible and let the chips fall where they may. Acst 17:11.

That's nice, but comparing their veracity relative to each other is not what I was talking about. Comparing illogic to illogic, however, only results in more illogic.

"It is lawful for a man to have only one wife, unless the Lord commands otherwise"

Really have a hard time getting that through your head, don't you.

"(or maybe just 47 years!)"

No, we still belive that it is lawful for a man to have only one wife, unless the Lord commands otherwise. At this time the Lord does not command otherwise, so we continue to obey.

"Abraham was commanded to offer his son Isaac; nevertheless, it was written: Thou shalt not kill. (long after this time...) "

So you think murder was OK with God back then? Or do you think God just forgot to tell anyone not to do it until Moses? Before you answer, you might want to check what Noah was preaching in Gen 9:6.

"and it was accounted unto him for righteousness, (no it wasn't!!! read Hebrews 11th chapter!!) "

I see nothing in that chapter that says it was accounted as sin to him. If you want to assume that Heb 11 lists every righteous action of his life, then you must think he sure didn't do much all his long life.

As for OD1, you forgot to bold "I saw exactly what would come to pass if there was not something done. I have had this spirit upon me for a long time. But I want to say this: I should have let all the temples go out of our hands; I should have gone to prison myself, and let every other man go there, had not the God of heaven commanded me to do what I did do; and when the hour came that I was commanded to do that, it was all clear to me. I went before the Lord, and I wrote what the Lord told me to write [ie: OD1]."

"This would have sure been nice if GOD had treated the JEWS the same way!"

So, what prophet of God do you think mislead the Jews?

"What part of "Judge for yourself" do YOU fail to understand?"

No part at all, that quote is part of the comments made ABOUT the declaration, not the declaration itself. He is trying to get the Saints to understand why God revealed the declaration rather than called for open civil disobedience. What part of "I wrote what the Lord told me to write" don't you get?

Yes, we do help any in need. One such endeavor is the Humanitarian Center. Each LDS ward has a couple of people assigned to humanitarian efforts. These efforts range from making lap quilts for the police to give to children who need them when going into a foster situation to making baby kits to send to babies either in the US or overseas. I knit bandages for those who suffer from leprosy (the bandages can range in size from 4 feet to 7 feet, so I only get a few done a year.) One other project I am aware of was done in my ward, we were asked to go through our closets to see what we could donate for professional working clothes to an abused woman's shelter. We all have outfits that we're going to fit in again "someday", that are in great condition just hanging in our closets. It was wonderful to see the overwhelming response from the women who donated, and those who received.

For those who want to know more about the Humanitarian Effort, go to Humanitarian Services. The purpose of Humanitarian Services is "to help children and families of all nationalities and religions by relieving suffering, helping people care for themselves, and providing opportunities for service." We can help locally or in a national effort or internationally. We are counselled to be aware of the needs first in our own families, then in our neighborhoods, communities, etc. "...Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

"this is how you discuss facts,"

By tossing straw men around? No, that is not discussing facts at all. I guess you just don't have a clue what I mean by straw man, so allow me to inform you:

(from http://www.nizkor.org/features/fallacies/) The Straw Man fallacy is committed when a person simply ignores a person's actual position and substitutes a distorted, exaggerated or misrepresented version of that position. This sort of "reasoning" has the following pattern:
Person A has position X.
Person B presents position Y (which is a distorted version of X).
Person B attacks position Y.
Therefore X is false/incorrect/flawed.
This sort of "reasoning" is fallacious because attacking a distorted version of a position simply does not constitute an attack on the position itself. One might as well expect an attack on a poor drawing of a person to hurt the person.

So you are there thowing out a bunch of Y's, but when anyone tells you Y is wrong and lets you know what X is, you call them dishonest or just ignore it and go back to Y. Attempting to discuss the facts under these conditions is pointless so I won't be joining your silly game.

Instead I'll just enjoy denying you the fight you are spoiling to use for an ego trip. So go ahead, invent whatever score you want and post it as much as you like. It makes me laugh to see you act like that and have no clue how silly you appear.

Anyone who takes the time to read the long exchange between scripter and myself will see I'm quite able and willing to engage in reasoned discussion with reasonable people. I just don't consider you reasonable, not by a long shot.

"I read Illbay's comment as "since they are not Mormons they won't get any help." Do the Mormons help those who are not Mormons?"

Yes they do. Illbay was incorrect. Both with disaster relief and with assistance done localy through the Bishop, membership is not a requirement. Also the specific case in question had nothing to do with providing food and shelter to some poor woman who couldn't afford it, and nowhere does it say the Bishop said she didn't qualify. She asked for advise and didn't like the advise she got. Nor does she indicate how well she informed the Bishop of the situation.

I would look to the NWO and worry about their version of it, instead of what Jesus Christ Saints are doing!

I'm sorry; but I just CAN'T 'look the other way' while you guys are doing your thing. It's IN your 'scriptures'; therefore, it is TRUE (according to the rules you folks are playing by here in FRland.)

Maybe if we ratchet down the rethoric, we'll find we all have specks in our eyes instead of beams that prohibit us from focusing clearly.

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What's In a (Utah) Name?

by Cari Bilyeu Clark

The Cream of the Crop

The Clarks' Favorite Utah Names

Updated 24 January 2003