While that which we call a rose would smell as sweet if it were not called a rose, how about a Heidi? Ever wonder what a name means or how it came about?

Heidi is actually the diminutive form of the Germanic name Adelheid, which comes from the German words “adel” meaning noble, and “heid” meaning kin or type. So Heidi means of nobility or noble kin! It was relatively unknown outside of Germany and the Low Countries until after the publication of the 1880 children’s book “Heidi” by Swiss author Joanna Spyri about a little girl with a possibly unhealthy attachment to the Alps. The name surged again in popularity after the 1937 film of the book starring Shirley Temple.

There are not a lot of famous Heidis out there. It pretty much comes down to model and Halloween enthusiast Heidi Klum, and the world’s most long-suffering woman, my sister-in-law. It is currently pretty far down the popularity list for girls’ names, currently clocking in a number 351 for girls born in the USA.

The name does have one unique claim to fame. On November 17, 1968 the NY Jets were in a very close football game with the LA Raiders – the Jets were up by a mere 3 points with 65 second left in the game. Fans were not pleased when NBC cut away from the game to start the movie “Heidi” on the hour. In case it matters to you, the Raiders wound up winning the game.

While that which we call a rose would smell as sweet if it were not called a rose, how about a Quentin? Ever wonder what a name means or how it came about?

This one originated with the Romans and their desire for order and conformity. The name came from the Latin word “quintus” meaning fifth. The name became Quintinus and was given to either the fifth child born or any child born in the fifth month, boy or girl.

Eventually it came to be associated only with boys. There was a 3rd Century saint with the name from Gaul (modern France). Quentin made it’s way to England as part of the Norman Conquest in 1066, but was still not hugely popular. The name first gained recognition and some popularity in the US due to Quentin Roosevelt, son of President Teddy Roosevelt (who unfortunately died in World War I). Quentin currently sits as the #1579th most popular name in the US.

It may be seeing a small resurgence due to the popularity of film director Quentin Tarantino. But to me the ultimate Quentin will be Quentin Collins, part time werewolf on the late 1960’s soap opera “Dark Shadows”.