Ricardo, Richard, Rick, Ricky, and Dick

Maybe it is because St. Richard's Day was only a few weeks ago, but I am still somewhat surprised to have stumbled on a few different interesting ideas about my name since then.

For those who aren't in the know, when I was younger I generally went by the name Ricky. At some point, I decided to move on to Rick, just as I assume Timmy's generally move on to Tim at some point. This was a semi-conscious decision which was done by slowly phasing out the old name - mostly by introducing myself to new people as Rick instead of Ricky.

Anyways, while Ricky Gervais proves that the name is not just for children any more, Michael Ian Black, in a recent blog post, describes why it is the perfect name for a drug dealer:

My hypothetical drug dealer’s name is Ricky because it sounds like the kind of name that is both friendly but also scummy, which is how I want my drug dealer to be.

Considering that Ricky from Trailer Park Boys is a friendly yet scummy drug dealer, it is starting to seem that this belief is fairly universal.

Now, while Richard is my legal name, only a handful of people call me that, including my Nonna, who pronounces it "Ric-kard" (as in rhyming with mallard). I don't really have a problem with Richard, as it is a fine name. It just sounds so regal, which is why I don't really go by it except in formal situations. In any case, I share said name with one Rick Ankiel of the St. Louis Cardinals who, accordng to stltoday.com, apparently has similarly been pondering the various incarnations of his name:

Ankiel has been preoccupied recently about when it is age appropriate for him to shorten his given name, Richard, to "Dick" instead of "Rick." Some friends and clubhouse denizens have already taken to calling him "Dick" this spring. He calls it an instant "ice-breaker."

Interesting. So at some point, I felt "Rick" was more age-appropriate than "Ricky," and now Mr. Ankiel believes that I should move onto "Dick" in the near future. Well, I suppose it is better than being a friendly, but kinda scummy kid.

Update: I'd like to dedicate this post to Ricky Romero who was nails tonight in the Jay game, even if they lost. I'd like to dedicate the use of the word nails to the Drunk Jays Fans and some anonymous fan named Joshua Waitzkin.