From Jaxton to LaRue: Utah Naming Practices: A Conversation with David Eddington

Join us on this episode of Dialogue Out Loud as Journal Editor Taylor Petrey interviews David Ellingson Eddington, emeritus professor of linguistics at Brigham Young University.

Eddington, known for his expertise in the Spanish language and Utah dialect, delves into the fascinating world of Utah naming practices as discussed in his recent article published in the Spring 2024 issue of Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought. Drawing from his extensive research, Eddington sheds light on the unique trends and influences shaping baby names in Utah from 1960 to 2020.

From the creative use of suffixes and prefixes to the potential connections between naming practices in the Mormon community and African American culture, Eddington provides valuable insights into this often overlooked aspect of Utah culture. Additionally, learn more about Eddington’s background and interests, including his previous works such as “Utahisms” and “Utah English.”

Tune in to discover the stories behind the names and gain a deeper understanding of the linguistic landscape of Utah.