英語學習點: Naming Conventions 取名習慣

Is it a name or is it a number? David and Victoria Beckham have continued the tradition of naming their children with words not normally considered forenames by calling their daughter 'Seven'. Yes, that's right, Seven. As in the number 7. But there's a difference this time: they've reserved the more memorable moniker for their little girl's middle name.

Instead of conventional Christian names, the first three Beckham kids received - in order of birth - the name of a district of New York (Brooklyn), the title of Shakespeare's most famous character (Romeo) and the Spanish word for 'cross' (Cruz). Meanwhile, their middle names are the more down-to-earth Joseph, James and David.

The latest addition to Team Beckham reverses the pattern with the unusual, yet heard-of, first name Harper. David revealed on Facebook that they named their daughter after Harper Lee, the author of Victoria's favourite novel.

It was the middle name which provoked most speculation. Some were suggesting it has great significance for David Beckham because it was the number he wore on his shirt as a Manchester United and England player. Others claim they chose Seven because she was born in July.

However, David revealed all by saying the number symbolises spiritual perfection, the Seven Wonders of the World and the seven colours of the rainbow.

The Beckhams have always gone freestyle with their children's names, but with Harper Seven they are actually following an established British naming convention of making the middle name the more unusual one. Often they are a relative's name, which can be embarrassingly old-fashioned.