NBA Files Trademark for Five Potential Names for New Orleans

The NBA, on behalf of the New Orleans Hornets has filed trademarks for five potential names for the team when it is to be changed at seasons end.

The teams’ new ownership has decided that they want to bring more of a New Orleans vibe to the franchise and shed the Hornets label they carried over from Charlotte. The five names which the NBA has trademarked are the Pelicans, Rougarou, Swamp Dogs, Mosquitos and Bull Sharks.

Whilst rumors of the Pelicans moniker had been released via the media previously, the other 4 nicknames are all new, whether it is to try and add some surprise to the unveiling of the name after it had been released early or whether the other 4 names are actually under consideration is yet to be seen, but they all definitely carry a Louisiana flavor to them.

For those who may not be familiar, a Swamp Dog is an old Cajun nickname for an alligator, which the area is obviously famous for. A Rougarou is a legendary creature from Louisiana folklore which is said to roam the swamps and forests of New Orleans. Its appearance is mostly described as similar to that of a Werewolf, with the body of a human and the head of a wolf.

Along with the name change, the teams colors will also be changing. Early reports are that they will be Blue, Gold and Red.

The team has said that the change is an ongoing process and no decision has yet been made between themselves and the league.

What do you think? Most new team names sound strange at first and these would be no exception, especially with the majority having 3 syllables. What would you choose? Leave a comment and let us know.

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