Billy Dawes. Or perhaps William Dawes... Still no? Perhaps this poem will help:

I am a wandering, bitter shade, Never of me was a hero made; Poets have never sung my praise, Nobody crowned my brow with bays; And if you ask me the fatal cause, I answer only, "My name was Dawes"

'Tis all very well for the children to hear Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere; But why should my name be quite forgot, Who rode as boldly and well, God wot? Why should I ask? The reason is clear -- My name was Dawes and his Revere.

When the lights from the old North Church flashed out, Paul Revere was waiting about, But I was already on my way. The shadows of night fell cold and gray As I rode, with never a break or a pause; But what was the use, when my name was Dawes!

History rings with his silvery name; Closed to me are the portals of fame. Had he been Dawes and I Revere, No one had heard of him, I fear. No one has heard of me because He was Revere and I was Dawes.

Think Dawes would be an unknown if he rode with Apollos? A third rider named Dr. Samuel Prescott joined the other two in trying to reach Concord. Interestingly, Dr. Prescott actually made it to Concord (Revere was captured and released, and Dawes was thrown from his horse.)

So... why is it that of the three riders that went to Concord that day we celebrate the guy that not only didn't make it, but couldn't figure out a way to avoid capture?

Perhaps it is because of the three names involved Henry Wadsworth Longfellow found Paul Revere's to be best suited to a heroic poem. Note that in Paul Revere's Ride the story apparently switches from Paul Revere's story to Dr. Prescott's story at the moment Prescott overtakes Revere (and Revere is captured.) Somehow the hero keeps Revere's name...

Think Longfellow would've written "Apollos Rivoire's Ride?" Or "Dr. Samuel Prescott's Ride" or even "Billy Dawes' Ride." None feel right, do they? But Paul Revere does.

Similarly, how many poems do we recite that contain the name Amerigo Vespucci? We bumpkins seem to like our heros with names we can pronounce. Whether it is your own child, a name in the news, or the company you're about to name you should consider that names that are fun to say or powerful may lead to good things down the road where those that are unremarkable, ugly, or hard to pronounce can be left behind.

This guy went to school with a relative of mine. Can you imagine him as a hunky moviestar or our President? Neither can I. Probably a great guy... but who would rally behind that name?

Parents - Name Your Kids Responsibly! (And CEOs... consider naming your company similarly.)

Tate Linden Principal Consultant Stokefire Consulting Group 703-778-9925