"Our study shows very clearly that the assignment of a boat name differs from the assignment of other names in that there is almost always a story behind it, often in a coded way." This is how Dr Jan-Claas Freienstein from the Chair of German Linguistics at the University of Augsburg summarises the results of a study. 463 boat owners responded to a call and gave the linguist information about the names of their boats. The answers ranged from personal anecdotes to curious neologisms.
Boat names between individualisation and tradition
According to Freienstein, a boat name has a special function: it turns a standard product into a unique boat. Unlike generic names such as "Bavaria", which refer to all boats of this brand, the individual name serves to make a particular boat stand out unmistakably from the crowd. This practice has a long tradition - since time immemorial, floating vehicles have been given names even though, strictly speaking, they do not need them (unlike a Licence plate). In addition to individualisation, traditional superstition also plays a role.
Of classics and curiosities
Despite the trend towards individualisation, "Albatros" still tops the list of boat names registered with the German Sailing Association. Freienstein describes such established names as "boat name classics" with a "relieving function" - they save the effort of finding an individual name. At the same time, they evoke positive associations: "Just as 'treasure' prototypically stands for what is worth a lot to you, 'albatross' prototypically stands for a creature that seeks the sea and avoids staying on land wherever possible," explains the researcher.
Personal stories behind the boat names
However, many owners opt for more individualised boat names, which often tell a personal story. "My girlfriend calls me 'Bear'", "I lost a bet" or "I became a fatty" - these were some of the explanations boat owners gave for their choice of name. Sometimes the search for originality also leads to cryptic names such as "Puttfarken" - Frisian for "little piglet". Owners Helga and Bodo Janßen report that this unusual name is a frequent conversation starter and has led to many new contacts.
Trends and developments
The study also shows changes in the allocation of boat names. According to Freienstein, female names, which used to be used frequently, are on the decline. He attributes this to the fact that "water sports are moving away from 'men's sports'". Only five per cent of the names examined can be traced back to the wife's first name. Instead, more and more acronyms are being created from surnames or artificial words.
Challenges when choosing boat names
Despite all the creativity, practical aspects should not be ignored. Long or complicated names can lead to problems in radio communications or when registering in foreign harbours. In such situations, the owner of a "Weil ich will und aus" or a "Simsalabimbambasaladusaladim" may wish they had simply named their boat "Albatros".
Conclusion: boat name as an expression of personality
The study makes it clear that boat names are far more than mere designations. They reflect the owner's personality, tell stories and create identity. Whether classic or creative, every name turns a boat into a unique individual on the water. Freienstein summarises: "It is not chosen at random." The trick is to find a name that is both personally meaningful and practical.
