What's in a Name?

"Dad," "dada" and "da" are three common names that babies, toddlers and kids use for their dads. Perhaps they use them in reverse order as their speech abilities develop. The origin of the name is somewhat a mystery. As most familial and love laden things are no one is exactly sure of the origin. Why a sibling has a specific nick name or why something is called what it is usually has to do with the pronunciation skills of the people concerned. Same thing with "Dad."

Mental Floss has a brief article called Where do the words "Mom" and "Dad" come from? The 1500's is the earliest date the article provides but mentions even the OED's uncertainty as to the beginning of the name "Dad." I love it. "Dad" wasn't voted on by a committee. Dads did not get together and have a discussion.

-"Say, Frank, I really hate that my kids call me 'bubs.' Think there's anything we can do about it?"
-"I'm glad you asked because Bill's kids call him 'dad.' That's way better than 'bubs.'"

We did not decide what we wanted our babies and children to call us. That's what they were able to call us and we answer to it joyfully. The origin of the sweet word lies in the persons who give us so much happiness when they say it.  They make us and call us who we are, dad.

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