Monday, April 13, 2009

What's In A Name?

What is in a name?

A name is special and is usually well thought about before giving it to someone or something.

Some names even have a meaning behind them or, perhaps, is an old family name.

Many of asked where we got the name for our Wheaten Scottie Dog, Fiona. Some asked if we got her name from the movie Shrek or the TV show Burn Notice. Both the movie and the show have characters named Fiona. (I like the tenacious Fiona character on Burn Notice!)

For both of our dogs, we chose their names from a Gaelic website. Of course, we had to choose a Scottish or Gaelic name because they ARE, after all, Scotties!
Fiona translates to white or fair haired. She is NOT looking so white after having attempted to help me in the muddy flower beds.

Duhgall (pronounced Duh-gall, also spelled Dougal or Dugan) translates to dark stranger.

Mr. Duhgall can be a bit of a mysterious chap. Like some Scotties, a bit on the quiet and aloof side - but give him a Guinness and he will be your best friend!



Parting away for today to get some spring cleaning done.


Wishing everyone a lovely new week.
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40 comments:

  1. AmyApril 13, 2009 at 9:49 AM

    How clever their names are! We are getting a Havapoo puppy next weekend and we are still asking for help on names. I've never had two dogs before. This will be the first time for us. We have a 2 year old Cockapoo. I hope all goes well. I think they will love each other eventually.

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  2. UnknownApril 13, 2009 at 9:52 AM

    awwww...your Fur Babies are so CUTE! I love the names Fiona and Duhgall....very appropriate.

    My dog, Carson, was from a litter of two white, two black and 4 salt and pepper Schnauzer and ?? mix. I LOVE his beautiful white hair but HE loves to be a boy and play in dirt! I always tell him I SHOULD have got the Black sibling so dirt wouldn't show up so much...LOL! But then my friends remind me, since he's white I can see the dirt and wash it off...if he were black...I couldn't see the dirt as well!

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  3. AnonymousApril 13, 2009 at 9:57 AM

    Hi Becky,

    I am so glad we got to speak on the phone yesterday, you sounded just as sweet as I knew you would. Call me anytime, I mean that! Jackson sends his regards to Dugs and Fiona.

    Hugs,
    LeAnn:)

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  4. MarcyApril 13, 2009 at 9:59 AM

    How sweet your dogs are! Fiona looks so innocent with her muddy paws! We actually chose Maizie's name from a website of Scottish names and Maizie is the Scottish tranlation of Margaret, which means pearl. She sure is a jewel to US. :)

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  5. the wild raspberryApril 13, 2009 at 10:04 AM

    sweet little doggies...
    i think a name says so much about a person...or a dog :)
    have a great day...i'm spring cleaning myself!
    xo
    chasity

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  6. Number 6 and no more counting!April 13, 2009 at 10:15 AM

    They are so cute together. And, I am sure both suit their lovely names!

    Lea
    xo

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  7. Old Centennial FarmhouseApril 13, 2009 at 10:18 AM

    I loved hearing about your doggies' names, and I was curious as to how to pronounce Dughall's name....and the name Fiona is lovely and I wonder, do you call her Fee sometimes for short? (Have fun with your spring cleaning!)
    XOXO
    Joni

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  8. twinkleApril 13, 2009 at 10:37 AM

    You must know I looked these names up for their meanings when you posted Fiona's first pictures.

    Fiona Jordyn

    Fiona meant "fair one"
    Jordyn meant "descending from above"

    My mind immediately focused on the conclusion that she is like an angel sent from heaven to comfort you after Jordan's homegoing.

    I had goosebumps when I read the meanings for Fiona's names. All I can say is God's presence is all around you offering comfort. It would have been so much better if Jordan had never left. Why God allowed it, we'll know on the other side. Right now, all I know, is He is with you to comfort you through this valley. Fiona came and I know God planned that. May you see His tender, comforting Hand on you as you walk by faith.

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  9. Bella DellaApril 13, 2009 at 10:44 AM

    Lovely name. I love names that have meaning like that. She is so adorable- and of course I love that handsome little guy. Hope you are having a good Monday- let's hope for a great week ahead.

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  10. UnknownApril 13, 2009 at 10:55 AM

    The Fair Haired One and The Dark Stranger... Oh I like that!

    I love the trail of paw prints behind Miss Fee! :)

    What joy they must bring! :)

    ~Liz

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  11. JeanApril 13, 2009 at 11:28 AM

    Becky, I love knowing the meaning behind names. Its fascinating. thanks for sharing. I love the little muddy gal Fiona. My Maggie is a bit of a tomboy so she is always coming in with something stuck in her fur or dirty feet. Have a great Monday.
    Jean in virginia

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  12. Lisa PogueApril 13, 2009 at 11:30 AM

    There really is something about a name that just ties you to that someone. I love the name Fiona and Duhgall, he just wouldn't be the same if you had named him Max!! (My cat Reynaldo wouldn't be such a lover and my old Boxer Frankie Beans just wouldn't seem so fun loving.)

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  13. FayeApril 13, 2009 at 11:41 AM

    WHAT AN INTRESTING POST.ILL THINK ABOUT THIS! LOL,SENDING YOU HUGS!HAVE A BLESSED DAY!

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  14. Yesteryear EmbroideriesApril 13, 2009 at 12:08 PM

    Love the names and your puppies are adorable! Have a good week. blessings,Kathleen

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  15. TraceyApril 13, 2009 at 12:33 PM

    Their names are so perfect!

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  16. Rocky Creek Scotties and Rocky Creek RamblingsApril 13, 2009 at 12:35 PM

    We had the hardest time picking out a name for Java Bean - our Chocolate Lab. We'd had him for about 2 weeks before he told us what his name was. Lilly and Piper's names were picked out before we got them from the breeder and Carrleigh came with her name - Impish Carrleigh Kilbride.

    Have a wonderful day,
    Lilly, Piper, Carrleigh, Java and Lynn

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  17. AnonymousApril 13, 2009 at 12:41 PM

    There is something about miss fiona that just speaks to my heart. She has a quiet reserve about her in her eyes. Duhgall is a sweetie too. He looks like the life of a party. I like your names. We also try to pick names that fit the animal. I love your critters.

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  18. MicheleApril 13, 2009 at 1:21 PM

    I just love Fiona and Duhgall..and thanks so much for sharing where their names come from! They just have the sweetest faces!

    Hope you had a wonderful Easter...even though I'm sure it was a very hard one.

    Lots of hugz,
    Michele

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  19. Miss JeanApril 13, 2009 at 5:39 PM

    Miss Fiona is getting so big! Those eyes, oh, those eyes!

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  20. Esther SundayApril 13, 2009 at 5:51 PM

    Precious critters! My mom is Scots so I really get the personality they have! True Scots them doggies are! ;) Sent ya an email that was returned (lost your address within my computer, as only an Esther can do) Been thinking of you! Love ya! Esther/Fancy Pants

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  21. ElyseApril 13, 2009 at 6:56 PM

    very cute post! i love knowing origins of words and names. we have a little neighbor named fiona and she is the cutest, sweetest little girl. i so want to call her fifi but i don't dare! :)

    xo

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  22. DeniseApril 13, 2009 at 8:03 PM

    I have a Love bird by the name of Moses....... rightly so as he is full of vim and vinegar and not afraid of anything! There there is Ezekiel the Schnauzer.... Not sure of that one... He is not much of a prophet and he has the temperament of a Turtle Dove..... He even makes way for the Lovebird! Go figure!

    I enjoyed your explanation of the names.... They are beautiful animals..

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  23. MumzieApril 13, 2009 at 8:11 PM

    You've got me thinking....I guess I really never thought about this before. I did named Conner after Connor MacLeod from the movie Highlander. Christopher Lambert & Sean Connery were the lead stars. Well, so that means I've been spelling Conner's name wrong. Perhaps it was Sean Connery's last name that got me on the wrong track. So, what should I do? All his paperwork is "Conner". I'm going to have to think about this for awhile. Mumzie

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  24. AllieApril 13, 2009 at 8:33 PM

    How adorable your two scotties are! Finding the perfect name for each of them is SO important. We have a male scottie who will be 3 at the end of this month. I named him Pippen, after the famous Chicago Bulls basketball player, Scottie Pippen. Our Pippen will chase balls until he drops! Don't you love these sweet, Scottish creatures?! Happy Monday!
    ~Allie

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  25. ♥Mimi♥April 13, 2009 at 8:49 PM

    When I searched for a name for my German Shepherd Dog it was really tough. I didn't want something that was common such as Heidi or Hilda or Dutchess (horrible!).

    A little internet search led me to "Freyja" who is/was Queen of the Valkyries. I found out that the Valkyries would ride to the battlefields in chariots pulled by cats to take the souls of the brave to Valhalla. Well, that did it for me! Not only is my girl beautiful and noble and loving and trustworthy...she would be thrilled to ride around in a chariot pulled by the kitties in our house. BUT, I know my kitties would have stern words to say about that!

    Isn't it amazing how some of us take such time choosing the names of our pets?

    I ♥ to read about your little Scots. My little doggie soap opera in blog-land :)

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  26. LindaApril 13, 2009 at 10:07 PM

    Your names for your sweet companions are just perfect.
    We have the same idea...I worked in the yard today and I've been doing my Spring cleaning too. Hugs, Linda

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  27. AnonymousApril 13, 2009 at 10:50 PM

    I love their names and how you chose them. honoring their heritage and all :)!

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  28. AnonymousApril 14, 2009 at 5:13 AM

    They are darling and I love the names.Nothing like pups to give you love, laughter and a bit of hope.
    Blessings today~
    Robin
    All Things Heart and Home

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  29. AnonymousApril 14, 2009 at 7:25 AM

    Hi Becky,
    The name of the paint in the living room is Whole Wheat from Sherwin Williams. It is a very warm color, not too tanny!!

    Hugs,
    LeAnn:)

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  30. RueApril 14, 2009 at 8:02 AM

    Good morning Becky :)

    They are both so stinkin' cute! I think you picked the perfect names for them :)

    love,
    rue

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  31. GranthamLynnApril 14, 2009 at 8:54 AM

    Oh I love both thier names. She is going to be a little princess I bet. At least you will treat her like one. She is too cute even with muddy paws! Ya'll have a fun day cleaning I cannot wait to see the photo's you take.
    Blessings,
    Sherry
    p.s. Daisy is tired the landlords german shephed puppy visits and wears her out.

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  32. tamApril 14, 2009 at 10:36 AM

    I must say I am so in love with your doggies-they are adorable, and I love that their names match them so nicely! Hope you have a wonderful week!~Tam:D

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  33. GingerApril 14, 2009 at 11:48 AM

    I can see the little muddy footprints that Fiona left. She was trying to be your big helper. lol. Duhgall looks so regal.
    Happy spring cleaning...when you are done can you come and help me? lol. Only we would have to call it winter cleaning, as we are supposed to get more snow tonight.

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  34. Brenda PruittApril 14, 2009 at 1:11 PM

    My neighbor just got a black Scottie. A pretty girl she is! I love your names for them.
    Brenda

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  35. AllidinkApril 14, 2009 at 2:12 PM

    Oh they are sooo cute! I love their names! :)

    All the best,
    Allison

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  36. KarenApril 15, 2009 at 4:20 PM

    So adorable! I love their names!

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  37. LalleeApril 16, 2009 at 5:00 PM

    I did notice those muddy paws. Doogs can probably get away with it undetected ;-) So fun seeing more pics. Tell her to stop growing up so fast!

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  38. Daisy CottageApril 16, 2009 at 5:54 PM

    Fiona and Duhgall are SO adorable - oh they are the CUTEST pair!!!!

    xo,
    Kim

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  39. Kathleen GraceApril 17, 2009 at 5:10 AM

    What sweet pups:>) I always take a lot of care in naming a pet. It has to be something that fits the little personality coming to live with us. I have two cats, sisters and we named them Comfort and Solace. Strange names I suppose, but when they are cuddled on your lap on a cold winter night, so appropriate!

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  40. My Beautiful Mess!May 25, 2009 at 9:49 AM

    I too am a fan of Fiona from Burn Notice - she has real moxie!!! I love your pups - makes me want a scottie. They are just adorable!

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Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts!