English name Sparky

[Anonymous]

I was asked by an ex radio officer who is my old friend that he wanted to name his son ‘Sparky’ because the teachers of his son wanted him to have an English name.

And my friend asked me whether it was spelled as ‘Sparky’ or ‘Sparkey’
I scratch my head for I have never heard someone who is called Sparky and only know that ‘Sparky’ is a lingo for ‘radio operator’ on board of ocean-going vessels.

I’d like to know how come they get ‘Sparky’ for radio operator.

[Casiopea]

I was asked by an ex radio officer who is my old friend that he wanted to name his son ‘Sparky’ because the teachers of his son wanted him to have an English name.

And my friend asked me whether it was spelled as ‘Sparky’ or ‘Sparkey’
I scratch my head for I have never heard someone who is called Sparky and only know that ‘Sparky’ is a lingo for ‘radio operator’ on board of ocean-going vessels.

I’d like to know how come they get ‘Sparky’ for radio operator.

The nickname 'Sparky' comes from the word spark gap, an early transmitter design which used electrical sparks to generate radio frequency oscillations. The radio would emit sparks of electricity.

Aside from radio operators and electricians, "Sparky" is a popular nickname for people/animals who are lively and full of energy.

All the best,

[Tdol]

A 'sparky idea' is one that is imaginative, lively and creatiive.

[Casiopea]

A 'sparky idea' is one that is imaginative, lively and creatiive.

as is tdol :)

[MikeNewYork]

I was asked by an ex radio officer who is my old friend that he wanted to name his son ‘Sparky’ because the teachers of his son wanted him to have an English name.

And my friend asked me whether it was spelled as ‘Sparky’ or ‘Sparkey’
I scratch my head for I have never heard someone who is called Sparky and only know that ‘Sparky’ is a lingo for ‘radio operator’ on board of ocean-going vessels.

I’d like to know how come they get ‘Sparky’ for radio operator.

In my opinion, Sparky makes a better nickname than a given name. It will work fine when the boy is a child, but it might not be taken seriously in his adult life.

[Casiopea]

In my opinion, Sparky makes a better nickname than a given name. It will work fine when the boy is a child, but it might not be taken seriously in his adult life.

John "Sparky" Kerry for Prez :)

[Hong Kong Chinese]

Casiopea, tdol, MikeNewyork, Thank you!
This thread was started by me.

It is very interesting to read the origin of ‘sparky’ by Casiopea. At first I guessed that in the old days transmitters used tubes to function and the salty air at sea is very moist, as a result when radio operator sending Morse Code, sparks were seen.

I have ridiculed my old friend that if he named his son sparky, your son would follow his foot-step. However he disliked the job as seaman very much.

[MikeNewYork]

In my opinion, Sparky makes a better nickname than a given name. It will work fine when the boy is a child, but it might not be taken seriously in his adult life.

John "Sparky" Kerry for Prez :)

That's bad enough (and a bit of an oxymoron). Now, suppose that there was no "John". Vote for Sparky -- the serious candidate.

[MikeNewYork]

Casiopea, tdol, MikeNewyork, Thank you!
This thread was started by me.

It is very interesting to read the origin of ‘sparky’ by Casiopea. At first I guessed that in the old days transmitters used tubes to function and the salty air at sea is very moist, as a result when radio operator sending Morse Code, sparks were seen.

I have ridiculed my old friend that if he named his son sparky, your son would follow his foot-step. However he disliked the job as seaman very much.

I have a colleague who named his son "Zigmont". I feel very bad for the child. Frank Zappa, a rock singer, named his two children Moon Unit (girl) and Dweezil (boy). Yeech!

[Red5]

But Frank Zappa was great!