Does anyone know if there a word for names that are made up (or real) that make reference to something else, or are funny? I'm referring to names such as: Candy Barr, Al Dente, Bobby Pen, Pete Moss, Van Poole, Wes Terne, Izzy Able, Lucinda Head, etc.
Thanks
Never heard of a term for this. I suggest aptonym, if the name is particularly fitting. Or how about proper portmanteaunouns?
You have to ask Click & Clack. Better yet, go through their lawyers, Dewie, Cheatham & Howe.
Actually, their use of names like this started my interest. I develop web-based training programs for a large corporation and often must use names in the course. I don't want to use real names so I make them up. I slip one of these in when I can.
The Greek for punning is paronomasia, so I would suggest paronomasionyms.
How about "appallations?"
I believe there was an mid-'70's MAD issue with a full page paraody of freshman class high school yearbook photos and a list of just such names (over 50 of 'em I'm sure)!
How about Determinative Nominisms?
