8

Does the name have an origin prior to Podkayne of Mars? A meaning?

Improve this question
1
  • Isn't Podkayne said to be named after a legendary native Martian? If she is named after a non human person it is quite likely Heinlein simply made up the name instead of using a human name he remembered from somewhere.
    – M. A. Golding
    Jan 4, 2018 at 23:28

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
4

Podkayne at Google ngrams, 1650-1965: The first 2 Google ngram blips for Podkayne are Heinlein's

The peak at 1957 looks to be a glitch based on a publisher rejiggering one of the Heinlein anthologies. 1963/64 is the original serialization and publication of the story. The absence of any other literary ref in the previous 300 years makes it look pretty likely that Heinlein came up with the name himself.

Improve this answer
2
  • 2
    Google nGram data prior to 1800 is, um, to be taken with a grain of salt.
    – Martha
    Mar 9, 2012 at 23:37
  • Wow didn't know about ngram. Useful, as we're considering podkayne as a future baby name.
    – SingularityCo
    Mar 16, 2012 at 13:11
5

There's an earlier version of Poddy in Heinlein's "Puddin'" stories. The only one I've read is "Cliff and the Calories" which is good, but not sci-fi.

Improve this answer
3
  • It's the same character, but Heinlein "changed her name to 'Podkayne'" when he "moved her to Mars."
    – sjl
    Mar 10, 2012 at 16:57
  • /makes note to get copy of Puddin stories.
    – SingularityCo
    Mar 16, 2012 at 13:12
  • RAH talked about this at some length in Expanded Universe, in the foreword or afterword to "Cliff and the Calories".
    – Tom Zych
    Apr 14, 2013 at 9:48

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.