Did you know that the study of names is onomastics ? It covers all kinds of names, including given names (first names) that often have distinct origins.
This got us thinking: What are some baby names that would have distinctly Lakeland origins? Here are a few suggestions that stood out:
Miriam — The origins of Lake Miriam’s name seem to be unknown , but we love this classic baby name regardless.
Jenkins — George Jenkins headquartered his supermarket chain (Publix, you may have heard of it) in Lakeland in the 1940s.
Odette — Inspired by Tchaikovsky’s 1877 ballet “Swan Lake,” this name is perfect for a Swan City baby.
Elizabeth — In the same vein, this name pays homage to the woman who saved Lakeland’s swan population from extinction, Queen Elizabeth II.
Wright — As the largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world, this name just makes sense for a Lakeland baby.
It’s not too late for you to share your Lakeland-inspired baby name with us .