Roze by any name

Parsis not only like Iranian names but cosmopolitan names as well. Neena could be a Zoroastrian, Hindu or Western name. So common is it that often I have introduced two of my friends to each other as: "Neena, meet Neena.”

In the 1980s I had suggested a cricket match to be played in Sydney between "Walla”s and "Ji”s (Pallonji, Pestonji, Meher-Homji…) but failed to attract 22 enthusiastic players.

I have found the Zoro-Parsis lacking in one aspect. Although surnames denoting cities and countries are many, they lag behind others in giving first names after cities and countries.

In Australia I have read about a girl whose first name is India. Also, there are many Adelaides over here. And, of course, everyone has heard of actress/model Paris Hilton and Colombo, the famous TV detective.

It’s about time Parsi parents use imagination and name their newborn daughters Delhi and not Delna; Agra, not Aban.

Delhi Doctor and Agra Adagra could be sensational.

KERSI MEHER-HOMJI

Sydney, Australia

kersi5@bigpond.com