The Search for a Pattern Name...

Naming a pattern might seem to be an easy task...  It is an important step in the process.  I like to use the product name as a form of branding, to identify the designer as well as the product.  Naming consistency will make the product and source distinguishable.

For me the ideal name is created or made up - it is distinctive, exotic, arcane if possible, alluring, and rare in occurrence (internet searches).  The objective is to be one-of-a-kind or very close to it.   So finding a suitable name takes quite some time & is an on-going throughout pattern development - from inception to publication.  

I use every possible resource available to me from historical books to online naming sites.  Here too, I use the same methodology as with the rough sketches...jotting down all ideas on the same page as the drawings.  Usually my pages are quite well used, all the way around the margins as well.  The internet is wonderful for checking the occurrences of the name to ensure that it is not already in use or too common.  The name's spelling is a key element.

"What's in a Name?" - does it give you a sense of character, does it conjure an image or make you wonder, are you intrigued...