This post has nothing to do with MEPBM, but this place has more Europeans than any other forum that I frequent, so there you go.
Anyway, I work in the IT department at my company, and we are opening a new datacenter in London (our second, I need to schedule a visit). When we do this, we end up setting up several new IT server to support their operations. We like to name the servers at each datacenter in accordance with some kind of theme. So far, in our current datacenters, we have automobile names, elements (from the periodic table), Greek gods, and American presidents. For our new London datacenter, I’m hoping to use something with a distinct British or European flair. We thought about using sunken English naval vessels, but that seemed mean…then we thought about using French monarchs, but that seemed even meaner. We don’t want to use anything mean.
Anyway, ideal names will be recognizable, one word in length, relatively short, and fit into a theme. Also, we’d need a pool of about 20-30 names, although the more the better so we have lots to choose from.
I tried to some Internet searches, but nothing really comes up that seems worthwhile.
So, if any of you are bored or have some insight to share, I’d appreciate it!
What about the other composite nations of Britain - Wales, Ireland and Scotland being the last true vestiges of the most ancient European civilisation. Perhaps naming them after Celtic gods of legend? Branwen, Arawn, Lyr, Dagda, Gwydion, to name but a few? Much more imaginative than former monarchs!
James
p.s. the national lottery in Britain names its spin machines after the Arthurian legends… make of that what you will!
How about authors? Everyone could name their favourite, and you can throw in some european to go with the Brits. Just make sure that you get Tolkein in there somewhere
What about famous roads/landmarks… there are lots on the monopoly board!!!
What about London Football clubs… must be loads of them (not a footy fan, so I could only give you the well known ones)
Chelsea, Arsenal, Spurs, Charlton, WestHam, QPR etc etc
Don’t think there’s enough London football clubs but major ones in Europe would give a reasonable choice and be fairly identifiable. Not so sure about the early English kings of Celtic gods as might be a bit difficult for people to remember them.
At work a number of our major systems use tree names, beech, oak etc. Could do something like that. Don’t think we would sue for breach of copywrite .
Otherwise of the ones suggested I think the authors would probably be the best bet. Gives a wide range of choices and safely avoids any controversy.
Right now it looks like we’re going to start with “influential military figures”. We’re trying to keep it to just Brits, but we may open it up to other Europeans if necessary, but I think we have plenty of Brits. So far, here is the list that we are working from (not in any particular order):
conqueror (william the)
lionheart (richard the)
cromwell
wellesley
churchill
nelson
montgomery
fuller
brooke
abercromby
campbell
fisher
alexander
kitchener
roberts
cochrane
allenby
wolseley
I appreciate all the input (my coworkers were nearly dead set on tube stations!).
Tempted to say if your going for British military character then replace William I with Harold, or possibly Alfred. If you want a few more naval ones then options might include Collingwood, Rodney, Howe, St Vincent, Duncan, Anson from the ‘Golden Age’ so to speak and say Drake, Howard and Blake say from earlier periods. Although Cochrane was famous he was probably less influential than most of the above. [Spot the naval buff ] From the last century Jellicoe and Beatty might be too controversal but how about Cunningham and possibly even Vian.
In military terms you have a fair number of recent generals but other than a couple of kings not that many from earlier. [Unless you are referring to Marborough when you mention Churchill?] Would include Moore, Wolfe, Clive possibly and a couple of the other civil war generals if you want a few more options. If you are including political leaders again LG might be too controversal but how about either Pitt. With Kings it would be difficult not to include an Edward and a Henry.
Mainly mentioned English because I know my own countrymen best but no doubt could include some more from the Celtic nations. Plenty to choose from.
Interesting. Thanks. Would have to disagree with a number of the names and ranking but a lot depends on how you define influential. Also a few of those were more influential as political figures rather than military ones. However an interesting list.
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