What's in a Name? Bristol Palin's Son, Tripp Easton
Nameberry.com editors Pamela Satran and Linda Rosenkrantz -- who penned the books Baby Name Bible and Beyond Ava & Aiden -- are blogging for UsMagazine.com about why celebs choose the names they do, and what they mean.
Now that Bristol Palin and Levi Johnston are back in the news as a newly-engaged couple, the name of their adorable 18-month-old son Tripp Easton Mitchell deserves a fresh look.
BLOG: Read more "What's in a Name?" columns
Tripp's name is in line with the Palin family tradition of using one-syllable names beginning with T for males. His grandfather, former Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin's husband, is named Todd and his uncles are Track and Trig.
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Often used as a nickname from a boy who has the same name as his father and grandfather -- Tripp or Trip can be short for Triple, as in The Third -- Tripp is a strong enough name to stand on its own.
Trip can also represent a journey, actual or metaphorical, as the young couple’s adventure from small town sweethearts to the national spotlight to pre-birth breakup to surprise reunion must seem.
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Tripp appeared for the first time on the U.S. Most Popular Names list in 2008, the year Palin and Johnston's son was born, at number 930, and then leapt last year to number 671. In 2009, there were 361 baby boys named Tripp.
With two middle names, Tripp is following an old royal tradition -- which originated to squeeze in the names of as many important relatives as possible -- used widely in England and crossing the pond now as well.
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Easton, an Old English name meaning "eastern town," continues another Palin family practice of using place names. Bristol's own name, along with her sister Willow's, is a place name, and brother Trig's middle name Paxson is a snowmobiling area in Alaska.
Tripp's third name, Mitchell, is grandpa Todd's middle name. An English variation of Michael, it means "Who is like God."
Tell Us What You Think
19Why wouldn't levi Jonston go back with Bristol, he doesn't have to ever work, she'll support him, and MOMMIEs girl Bristol need to grow up also, like shes the only single girl in the world with a child, GET REAL!!
What ever happened to real names?? I think names with actual meanings and history are way more beautiful and show the mother dedicated time to finding something special and not something retarded and meaningless. Nothing against her or her family personally, but c'mon... Tripp?? As in.. tripping on acid? Please.
I'd much rather read about the origin of Trig's name. Tri-G is an older term for Down syndrome or Trisomy 21. Why did Sarah name him after his condition. Even if it was a coincidence (astronomical chance of that) Sarah should address the fact that many medical professionals and parents of DS children are perplexed and upset that she named him Tri-G. This is absolutely true people.
This story is crapâ?¦.Easton is a manufacturer of hockey sticks.
hey they could make a cute family and be more nice you guys do not even know them personally so be more nice guys please
Trip is also use when your flyer then a kite on drugs. Way to go on naming your child a name used for drug addicts. Oh and the fact that when he older, other kids will be like hey Trip, dont' trip and fall on your face or they will just trip him and laugh.
Don't any of you ever have a nice thing to say about anyone? I have never seen worse attitudes anywhere like on this list. You would be surprised how much better you would feel if you could be kind!
Um...what the hell happened to Bristol's face? Seriously doesn't even look like her. Looks like a bad nose job.
The Whole family is nuts,,and I meant the whold family,,,
the whole family is nuts,,and that goes for Sarah roo
I guess his name is Tripp from the slang word " Trippin" because his moma is trippin for being with his D0uchebag of a dad
Haven't you heard? They're going to have a reality show...I guess if you can't get a real job that's what you do, just disgusting I think. I for one, do not want to find out any more than I have read about their family..
9:53 PM on here.. agreed!
Easton is a hockey company. Considering Levi was a hockey player... My guess would be that it's after that and not a place. Great research skills
do the writers of this know ANYTHING? Tripp's middle name of Easton is from the hockey gear company, not from the old english place name!!
the names do kind of sound like pet names but the article says it's a tradition to give places names and those i guess are places in alaska
Name your kid what you want, but Track, Trig, Tripp, I think of pets. They sound like a group of pets. Trey would have been cute. Theo. Thomas, anything else with a T
I guess they will live on welfare. How is Levi going to take care of a family. He has no job and no education. Stupid Bristol. Can you not do any better.
She must be pregnant.