Discovering “Bandomynology”: The Origins of Band Names Explored

Listeners of the popular radio program, the Ongoing History of New Music, can look forward to episode 1054, titled “60 More Band Name Origins in 60 Minutes.” This episode revisits the fascinating topic of how bands choose their names, a subject that has intrigued audiences since it first aired in 2007.

The journey into band name origins began when a couple of listeners requested a new exploration of this topic. Previous episodes had touched on the subject, but the host recognized the need for an updated discussion. In researching the matter, he pondered the absence of a specific term to describe the study of band names. While there are established fields like etymology for word origins, toponymy for place names, and onomastics for personal names, the lack of a term for band names seemed like a significant gap in the field of linguistics.

Determined to address this oversight, the host reached out to linguistics experts and branding specialists across North America. Their collaboration led to the creation of a new term: bandomynology. The host has since made it his mission to promote this term, hoping it will gain traction and eventually find its way into the Oxford English Dictionary.

In the latest episode, listeners will be treated to a semi-academic exploration of this new field, featuring the origins of 60 additional band names. The program builds on the last discussion of band names from 2017, aiming to further the understanding of how musical groups select their identities.

As the host emphasizes, the success of bandomynology relies on public engagement. He encourages listeners to remember the term, share it with friends, and contribute to its potential inclusion in reputable dictionaries. The episode promises to be both informative and entertaining, as it dives into the quirky and often unexpected stories behind the names of beloved bands.

This new chapter in the Ongoing History of New Music not only celebrates the creativity of musicians but also invites fans to consider the cultural significance of band names in a broader context. As the exploration continues, the hope is that the term bandomynology will resonate, paving the way for a deeper appreciation of the art of naming in the music industry.