June 7, 2006Does Pippi Need a Name Change?
Many of you are familiar with Pippi SpeakStrong Giraffe, named after Pippi Longstocking, my childhood heroine. I offer Pippi’s to people who give me success stories about times when they spoke powerfully to remind them to SpeakStrong.
I am considering changing Pippi’s name and would love your input. I like Pippi, but would like a more dignified name. I’d like a name that implies being victorious. Click here to post your opinions.
12 Comments »
RSS feed for comments on this post.
| TrackBack URI
You can also bookmark
this on del.icio.us or check the cosmos

I love the Pippi and don’t think that it needs a name change, but to keep current and because in order to know who Pippi Longstocking is you must be from around a certain era, maybe this will help.
Dainagon: (m) (Japanese) “the greatest collection of words”
What better way to be able to Speak Strong than by using “the greatest collection of words” that mean what you say, say what you mean with out being mean when you say it.
Need more be said……?
Comment by Amy Rice — June 7, 2006 @ 1:15 pm
I do like the giraffe. Seems far-sighted, able to avoid future pitfalls. “Pippi”, however, has sounded a little condescending. How about “Clarity”? Or “Pangea”, for when everything comes together?
Comment by Scott McDougall — June 7, 2006 @ 1:24 pm
What about Victor for Victorious, or Winnie for Winner
Comment by Cindy Washam — June 7, 2006 @ 1:55 pm
“Stretch”
Most people recieving the award have had to make a “stretch” or gone beyond their normal comfort zone to prove that they could actually say what needed to be said.
Comment by Lon Stewart — June 7, 2006 @ 3:58 pm
Oh my! Was such an adjustment when the name was changed to Pippi before! Back to Victoria???? For victorious!
Comment by Kim Hawks — June 7, 2006 @ 8:31 pm
Are you kidding? The name is perfect the way it is! Pippilotta Longstocking always knows exactly what to say and precisely what to do in any situation. She has no fear of what may or may not get her into trouble because she knows that nothing can possibly be worse than denying who you are and how you feel. Little oddity she may be, but she is a paragon of strong will.
I cannot comment on a possible generation gap, but the pint-sized heroine is far from obscure and I don’t think those who don’t know who she is would mind so much being told. You could even have a link on the website to fill us in on the reasons behind the Pippi in Pippi SpeakStrong Giraffe, if you don’t already.
I am a newcomer here, but I think Pippi was a name that was meant to be lent to this circumstance. It fits.
Comment by Amanda Martin — June 8, 2006 @ 4:10 pm
I totally agree with everyone here. It sounds as thought you are just interested in a little change. Not a bad thing at all if you’re ready. If you truly are looking for another name for little “Pippi” a “champion” is always victorious. “Champ” may be an option for you.
Comment by Melinda Blankenship — June 9, 2006 @ 11:27 am
Hi Meryl,
I did a search for Pippi Longstocking on Google and found that there have been a few movies, there is a website about her and her books are still available on Amazon. Did you know there was a movie made about her in 1997? I love the name Pippi, even if people don’t understand the association. It is playful and fun. And if you do know the association you will understand that she is “the strongest girl in the world.” The name Pippi makes me feel like I am getting a pat on the back, which is why you have the sweet giraffe as a gift. My vote is to keep Pippi Pippi.
Comment by Nora — June 12, 2006 @ 8:53 am
I like the name “Stretch.” Says it all!
Comment by Karen T — June 15, 2006 @ 3:44 pm
My suggestion is for “Connect”. I made a CONNECT! We connected. It’s the second part of speaking strong … the bridge to a successful outcome.
My second suggestion is for “Maxim”. A succinct formulation of a fundamental principle, general truth, or rule of conduct.
The giraffe? Don’t change that!
Comment by Susan W — June 15, 2006 @ 11:31 pm
I agree with Amanda and Nora. Continue the giraffe and the Pippi name. It is fun and it has meaning. My daughter has a Pippi giraffe she keeps on her dressing table for a story that we submitted. When she received the giraffe, she took the initiative to do a search on Pippi Longstocking and the giraffe now has even more meaning for her.
Comment by Mary — June 16, 2006 @ 1:06 pm
I am new to your letters and got your website name from a seminar on how to deal with difficult situations.
Since I am new I would like to continue to see the articles weekly.
It inspires me to be a better person.
Comment by Debra — January 11, 2007 @ 10:57 am