The Meaning of Names: Football Edition

Tomorrow, there will be two football games played to determine who gets to participate in Superbowl XLVI in Indianapolis on February 5.  Even though golf is my game of choice, I love all sports and often incorporate athletics into my books.  Thinking about the teams who will be involved in these two matches, I had some thoughts about the "what's in a name" concept and how these four organizations can tap into their own personality traits based on their team nickname.

The 49ers -- The name conjures up images of the Wild West, of rugged men who took to an unknown part of our land in hopes of striking it rich.  They don't use the traditional playbook because they are looking for new ways to win, and they will elbow the opposition out of the way to end up with the spoils at the end of the day.

The Giants -- Men on this team are expected to stand above the rest.  Whether 5' 7" or 6' 3", they just somehow appear larger than most with their bravado and their talent.  I picture large human shadows covering the field when these guys run out of the locker room. 

The Patriots -- These guys stand for something.  They are looking to establish a team that is stronger, braver, and smarter than the rest.  And, apparently, if they look to their head coach as an example, they are fighting for the freedom to cut of the bottom halves of the sleeves on every sweatshirt they own.

The Ravens -- Despite the fact that this team is led by a defensive player who allegedly attacked someone with a knife, their name actually is one that makes me think of quiet introspection.  They are named for a poet who looked deep into the human psyche and forced his readers to confront terror.  So, maybe the guy with the knife is fitting after all!

Don't worry.  I won't watch the games tomorrow analyzing the teams, but it is interesting to think about the meaning of names. 

What is the meaning behind the name of your favorite sports team?  What images does this create for you?