My wife’s car proudly sports a name. Our bright orange Volkswagen Beetle is affectionately known as Clementine, or Clemmy for short. Clemmy, a recent addition to our family, happily resides in the garage, parked conveniently beside the kitchen door. For my wife, owning and driving a “Bug” like Clementine is a dream realized after many years. Speaking of family cars with names, our youngest son drives a Honda Accord we’ve dubbed Henry Honda. Hopefully, the spirit of the late actor is amused rather than disturbed, and the Fonda family isn’t too put out by our little car naming quirk.
Having spent years as a parent and chauffeur, my wife navigated the roads in several minivans before embracing the smaller, more nimble Clemmy. I myself still drive the last of our minivans, a Honda Odyssey. This trusty vehicle? Well, it’s simply referred to as Rhonda.
Our canine companions have fared much better in the name department, receiving distinguished monikers like Stella, Seattle, and Theo. Perhaps the fact that cars can’t bark or bite plays a role in our willingness to bestow them with somewhat whimsical names.
Recently, our oldest son entered the realm of car ownership with his purchase of a Volkswagen Jetta. When my wife, true to form, began the car-naming ritual, he met her enthusiasm with a fierce scowl. Her top contenders? Henryetta and Bennie. Henryetta, a nod to a nearby town where football legend Troy Aikman once played high school ball. Bennie, seemingly a tribute to Elton John’s classic tune, “Bennie and the Jets.”
To escape the potential car-naming fallout, or perhaps for other reasons, our son relocated to Madison, Wisconsin. However, knowing how small the world can be, and given my familiarity with the dental hygiene community in Madison, I have a sneaking suspicion that he might one day be asked by a friendly dental hygienist about how “Bennie” or “Henryetta” is doing.
Our daughter, while licensed and a capable driver, doesn’t yet have her own car. While a car would undoubtedly be useful, I believe she harbors a deep-seated fear of the naming ceremony that would inevitably ensue. I can almost picture the scene with her high school friends: “Oh my gosh,” she’d lament, rolling her eyes dramatically, “you won’t believe what my mother did… She named my car.” The horror!
It’s a lighthearted family tradition, this car naming, and it seems to bring a bit of personality to our vehicles. It’s a common phenomenon, actually. Walk through any parking lot and you might overhear someone referring to their “old Betsy” or their “reliable Rover.” Why do we do it? Why do we give these inanimate objects, these machines of metal and glass, names like they’re beloved pets or members of the family?
For many, naming a car is a way to personify it, to create a connection beyond mere functionality. A car isn’t just a tool to get from point A to point B; it’s often a significant investment, a symbol of freedom, and a companion on life’s journeys. Giving it a name can strengthen this bond, turning a car into something more personal and cherished. It’s a way to express affection, humor, or even a sense of irony.
Think about the types of Car Names you hear. There are the classic, human-like names – Betty, Frank, Sally. Then there are the names that reflect the car’s characteristics – “The Beast” for a powerful truck, “Silver Bullet” for a sleek, fast car, or in our case, “Clementine” for a bright orange Beetle. Some names are funny and whimsical, designed to bring a smile, while others are chosen for their cool or tough connotations. Ultimately, the choice of car name is as diverse and individual as the car owners themselves.
So, the next time you see a car with a name decal or overhear someone talking about their car as if it were a person, remember that it’s more than just a quirky habit. It’s a reflection of our relationship with our vehicles, a way to add a touch of personality to the machines that play such a significant role in our lives. And who knows, maybe giving your car a name will even encourage you to take a little extra care of it, ensuring that “Betsy” or “Rover” stays running smoothly for years to come. After all, a happy car, like a happy family member, is something worth cherishing.
