Drummond

Photo courtesy of Genie Leigh Photography

"On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, twelve drummers drumming"

Hopefully you all had a fun and relaxing Christmas day holiday! I didn't quite manage to get my twelve days of Christmas completed in time for Christmas day. But it's often thought that the twelve days actually starts on Christmas day, culminating with the twelfth day feast and celebrations on January 5th (the eve of the twelfth day) so technically I'm ahead of myself.

Drums are a part of the percussion family, believed to be some of the oldest musical instruments after the human voice. They can play rhythm, melody and harmony, and have long had an important role in almost every type of music, from military marching bands to rock, and have hence been a central part of celebrations. Percussion instruments and drums in particular are often referred to as "the heartbeat" of a musical ensemble. This could explain why they also appear in another of my favourite carols, 'The Little Drummer Boy'. All he has to offer him is the music he plays on his drum, so if looked at in terms of a "heartbeat" it's like saying all he has to offer the baby Jesus is his heart, and that he will do his best for him. It's an extremely sweet and pure sentiment.

The name Drummond doesn't actually share a whole lot with the percussion instrument other than its first syllable (which makes for quite a cute nickname). It's a Scottish surname which originated as a place name meaning 'ridge' or 'lives on the hilltop'. As a given name, Drummond is hardly a mover and shaker in the baby name world. You very rarely see it discussed on forums and chances are good that you've never met one as there has only been four times when it registered on the SSA charts in the U.S after being given to just 5 boys each year.

Yet there is something I find very attractive about Drummond. It's kind of preppy but not in an in-your-face kind of way. It manages to feel somewhat earthy too. And I love the idea that the drum feels like a heartbeat - it makes Drummond a somewhat sentimental choice.

The main problem with using it in Australia though is that there is a well known chain of golf stores called Drummonds. I'd still consider using it though - people would fast run out of names if we avoided everything that appeared on a storefront or packet.

So I guess that completes 'The Twelve Days of Christmas'! What I've really enjoyed about these posts is that there are so many different ways to look at things to come up with a name you love that has a link to something you find special. If you're looking to honour something (or someone) you love, it's always interesting to see what we can come up with when you think outside the box.  Or not - sometimes you don't have to go very far at all to find a name you love with meaningful associations.