It can't have escaped the attention of anyone viewing the sport of Roller Derby that most people involved tend to have a derby name that they are known by and that they wear with pride. For a lot of people these names are simply a bit of fun to be had and are used to get into the spirit of the game whereas to others it is their alter-ego and putting on the shirt with that name signals the switch from their normal persona to that of that skate wearing side, the Jekyll to the Hide.
So just where do you get a cool moniker for use on track? How should you go about getting one? Are there any restrictions on what you can have?
Do I have to have a Derby name?First off, No. You do not have to have a derby name and there are a number of people who skate using their own name and there is absolutely nothing wrong with this. At the end of the day this sport is all about the enjoyment and the individuality and if that means you don't take on a derby name then so be it.
So, Are the names unique?Your derby name should be just that, it should be your name and no-one elses. There is a roster of registered roller derby names kept here http://www.twoevils.org/rollergirls/ and you should check that your intended name is not on here before getting it stitched onto the back of all your clothing. Also bear in mind that this list sometimes takes a little while to update so you may think that you have a name which isn't on there but it may be in the process of being registered so until you have your confirmation that it's been accepted don't get your heart set too firmly on it.
You may choose a name that doesn't show as a very high match on twoevils but sounds quite close to another name. In this scenario it is the done thing to try and contact the skater and ask if they mind you using a name similar to theirs.
When do I get to choose my derby name?Every league is different as to when they will register a skaters name but the general rule of thumb is that once you have passed your minimum skills you can register your name. This is simply to cut down on the number of names that would be registered and then lost if skaters drifted away from the sport before passing minimums. There is nothing wrong with thinking about and choosing a name before this time but just be aware that your league may not register it until they are certain you are staying.
What's the best type of name to have?Names are a very personal and subjective thing. There are several ways to go about finding the name that is just right for you. By the time you come to pick a name you will probably already have an idea about the way you skate and how you want to be perceived on track. Here are some things to bear in mind (real skater names have been used here and maybe not even for the right reasons :) ):
Sum up your style - Are you fast? a Big hitter? Use associated words to build up a name;
Go for a pun - Miss Trial, Duncan Disorderly, Wheelspin Shady;
Use an existing nickname if you have one;
Pick an Icon/famous figure and put a spin on it - Nigella Lawless;
Incorporate derby terminology - Jiminy Whipit, Whippee Longstocking
Combine Several of the Above - Sven WillIBeFamous is an amalgam of my existing nickname "Sven" with a pun on "When Will I Be Famous" and the fact that I started out as an announcer and that seemed a more announcery name.
Ignore the above and go for something which sounds good - Sicily Suplex, Brie Larceny (actually an anagram of a name!);
Pick something Appropriate - Sometimes the best skate name will be staring you in the face or will just pop up in conversation, So we have a particularly loud skater and she christened herself with the name Mouth of the Tyne as it just seemed right.
Remember though that your name will end up in print (On your Derby Uniform and in bout programs) and will probably be announced over a PA system to a crowd at some point, so keep it clean and unnoffensive. Tongue in Cheek is fine but downright sweary is just bad. Also if you have a name which has an odd pronunciation and you're likely to get pissed off if it is said wrong, then please inform the announcers before a bout so they can get it right!
I often get asked to suggest new names for skaters (I think I just have a gift for thinking of things like that, and a lot of time on my hands...) and the way I approach it is to ask the skater for some background info, such as:
What's your skate style?
Who's your icon?
What's your favourite film/TV Show?
What do you do as a job/Hobby?
Do you want to incorporate your own name?
What theme do you want?
Any other info you want me to base a name on?
Once some of these have been answered I start making lists of associated words, phrases, peoples names and then working them into potential derby names. After I have a list I do a quick check against twoEvils and reject any which have close matches and then send them over to the skater to judge.
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