It is curious as to the perspective of what is an unusual name - particularly with Christian names. Surnames are often the origins of what family name have evolved into. Recalling one of my first encounters of my ancestors straying from the mundane routine of naming their 'issue' after English Kings and Queens, 'Tirzah' was my first dalliance with what I thought to be the unusual. I then discovered this name popular at the time, probably in relation to the poem of that name by William Blake ( although it is also a biblical name, which (The Internet thingy tells me) is Hebrew for 'She is my delight'). Either way its use was because of its popularity and like all fashions, they come and go. I figure that as education and media became more wide spread that our ancestors partially freed the shackles of the mundane naming patterns of the past when a whole world of names started to appear in print. Then , where John had jousted, Jabez juggled instead. Frank had fallen to the quite avant-garde Fred, who had been popularised by Queen Victoria's cousin Fredrick II. The poet Ephelia elated Elizabeth and more names followed. I am certain should any of our ancestors be looking down upon us right now - they will be ridiculing Kylie, Usain, Rhianna or Ringo and any other popularised name of the last two centuries. Perhaps they too are making lists. Mind you, I hope not as I am dreading having to explain the origins of " Fifi Trixibelle" to them Tirzah'l that I have to say on the matter J Best Wishes Dan Tirzah Whate'er is born of mortal birth Must be consumed with the earth, To rise from generation free: Then what have I to do with thee? The sexes sprung from shame and pride, Blowed in the morn, in evening died; But mercy changed death into sleep; The sexes rose to work and weep. Thou, mother of my mortal part, With cruelty didst mould my heart, And with false self-deceiving tears Didst blind my nostrils, eyes, and ears, Didst close my tongue in senseless clay, And me to mortal life betray. The death of Jesus set me free: Then what have I to do with thee?