NationStates Jolt Archive


Is 'Lavernius' a black name?

Klonor
12-05-2005, 07:10
In the web-series Red Vs. Blue the majority of characters are known by their last names. Leonard L. Church is simply Church, Michael J. Caboose is simply Caboose, Dexter Grif is simply Grif, Richard Simmons (No, not that Richard Simmons) is simply Simmons, and Frankling Delano Donut is simply Donut. Other characters have nic names which substitute for their real names, such as Tex, Doc, Sarge, and O'Mally (Possibly, controversy exists with O'Mally). For a long time it was only their nic or last names that were known, and viewers have taken much joy with each new first (or real) name revealed as the series went on.

Here's where we get to Levernius. By the time we get to Episode 54: Hello, My Name is Andrew we've learned the first or real names of almost every single character. Tucker is the sole person whose identity remains a true secret. There is a bit of confusion over which of the many options is Tex's real name and O'Mally may or may not be named Omega, but they have at least had possibilities thrown out there. Tucker has always been simply Tucker. Until 54. In Episode 54 we learn the final hidden truth: Tuckers first name is Lavernius. This immediately prompts Church's question "Wait, are you black?" and that prompted my question (That being this thread). Is Lavernius a black name?

Now, I have never heard the name Lavernius before I heard it on this show, and I haven't heard it anywhere else since. I mean I have never even heard the word, not just that I don't know anybody with the name. If Church hadn't asked his question I wouldn't ask mine, I would make no connection between the name and any specific race, but he did and now I'm simply curious. What can I say, I'm a curious person.

Anyway, I'm asking here, instead of accepting that it is a black name because it made Church think Tucker was black, for many reasons: 1) Church is a moron. He could easily have just been confused. Hell, if you said your last name was Cohen he'd probably think you were French. 2) The RvB dudes are clever, I wouldn't put it past them to purposefully slip incorrect like this in to confuse the audience. 3) I just really love RvB and will take any excuse I can get to talk about it.

So, is it or isn't it?
Sdaeriji
12-05-2005, 07:13
This is close. Laveranues Coles. It's pronounced the same way.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5107
Kejott
12-05-2005, 07:15
I guess it depends on which color the font is in which you spell the name.
New Dobbs Town
12-05-2005, 07:20
I've never heard of that name before seeing it here. Then again, I've never heard of Red Vs. Blue, either.

Is Lavernius a black name? I dunno. seeing as Jolt is so wacky tonight, maybe I'll go do an ego search in another browser window and spare myself some grief...

I turned up a reference here:

http://www.christiananswers.net/spotlight/movies/2004/johnsonfamilyvacation.html

this is a film apparently about a vacationing black family, and one of the stars is written up as "Lavernius James: Bow Wow" partway through the review.

so, maybe Lavernius is a 'black name'.

Who knew?





I sure didn't.
Jester III
12-05-2005, 09:36
Laverne was the roman goddess of thieves, moreso than Merkur.
Alternatively it could be derived for combining La with vernus, roughly meaning "of spring".
Whatever it is exactly, its roman and thus "white".
Cambridge Major
12-05-2005, 10:17
Laverne was the roman goddess of thieves, moreso than Merkur.
Alternatively it could be derived for combining La with vernus, roughly meaning "of spring".
Whatever it is exactly, its roman and thus "white".
Well, I couldn't give such a well informed answer as this, but I would agree: it does sound Latin.
Dempublicents1
12-05-2005, 14:27
What's a black name?

Can I have a purple name?
Hammolopolis
12-05-2005, 14:54
^^^^^^^^
Lets be fair, who was the last person you saw name Shaniqua


I was unaware Lavernius was a real name.
Dempublicents1
12-05-2005, 14:57
^^^^^^^^
Lets be fair, who was the last person you saw name Shaniqua

In truth, I've never met anyone named Shaniqua. It seems to be more of a joke name people throw around.

Edit: No offense to anyone who is named Shaniqua. It just seems to be what people use as the typical "black" name and I have yet to meet anyone, of any ethnicity with that name.
Veneficus Arca
12-05-2005, 17:05
I do believe it is of roman origin thus it would be considered "white". but as with many "white" names, once adopted by "blacks" it seems that it stops being "white". For example Jackson, Johnson and such names were very "white" 200 years ago but now would be considered "black", so to answer your question completely I would say the name started "white" and sounded cool or nice whichever and adopted by "blacks". But I have no answer as to why a name starts one way and ends another. Also I mean no offense to anyone if this statement seems prejudice or judgemental I'm just trying to answer a question.
Occidio Multus
12-05-2005, 17:11
amazing. the most idiotic thread in a long time, no offense.

everyone has names. what do you do about a person named JOHN?
Sdaeriji
12-05-2005, 17:14
amazing. the most idiotic thread in a long time, no offense.

everyone has names. what do you do about a person named JOHN?

Kick him in the nuts?
Alien Born
12-05-2005, 17:17
Laverne was the roman goddess of thieves, moreso than Merkur.
Alternatively it could be derived for combining La with vernus, roughly meaning "of spring".
Whatever it is exactly, its roman and thus "white".

Romans werte not all 'white' so the linkage between it having a latin origin and being a 'white' name is more than a little spurious.
Occidio Multus
12-05-2005, 17:18
Kick him in the nuts?
yup, and then tell him he has a WHITE NAME, right?
Sdaeriji
12-05-2005, 17:21
yup, and then tell him he has a WHITE NAME, right?

No, just nail him in the sack. No rhyme or reason to it.
Andaluciae
12-05-2005, 17:22
By the way, what's sarge's name.
Eutrusca
12-05-2005, 17:26
"Is 'Lavernius' a black name?"

WTF is a "black name?" People are named what they're named, and I'm not aware that certain names are reserved for "black" people. Sorry, but I don't buy it.
Sdaeriji
12-05-2005, 17:28
"Is 'Lavernius' a black name?"

WTF is a "black name?" People are named what they're named, and I'm not aware that certain names are reserved for "black" people. Sorry, but I don't buy it.

This is a black name: Tyrone

This is a white name: Tyrone
Simanu
12-05-2005, 17:29
I would say that someone with the name "Lavernius" is more likely be to black than white. There is actually historical precidence. Roman names achieved some popularity among african americans in the 1800's. Names like Cassius, Titus, Scipio, Caesar...etc.
Eutrusca
12-05-2005, 17:30
This is a black name: Tyrone

This is a white name: Tyrone
:rolleyes:
Guardian of Solarius
12-05-2005, 17:36
^^^^^^^^
Lets be fair, who was the last person you saw name Shaniqua


I was unaware Lavernius was a real name.

Actually, it was a white female working as a waitress in a Hooters restaurant in Louisville, Kentucky. As a Black male, her name did catch me by surprise, I must admit.

I would have thought Lavernius was Latin.