When I named my Golden Retriever 'Professor Barksworth,' I never imagined he'd become the most popular therapy dog at the children's hospital. The name started as a joke - he had this dignified way of sitting that reminded me of an old professor.

But when we started therapy work, the kids absolutely loved his name. They'd giggle every time I introduced him, and some would even ask if he really had a PhD! The nurses started calling him 'Professor' and the children began making up stories about his 'research' into the best belly rubs and treat distribution.

One little girl, Emma, was having a particularly tough day with her treatment. When Professor Barksworth visited, she immediately perked up and asked if he could 'teach' her math. We spent an hour 'studying' addition with treats, and she laughed more that day than she had in weeks.

The name has become such a hit that the hospital now has official 'Professor Barksworth' merchandise, and all proceeds go to the pediatric wing. Who knew a funny name could bring so much joy?

Everyone told us we were crazy to name our daughter Rainbow Sparkles, but three years later, we couldn't be happier with our choice. Yes, it's her real legal name, and yes, we thought it through carefully.

My wife and I are both artists, and we wanted a name that reflected creativity and joy. We knew it was unconventional, but we also gave her a 'normal' middle name (Elizabeth) so she could choose to go by that if she wanted.

But here's the thing - Rainbow LOVES her name. At three years old, she introduces herself with such pride: 'Hi! I'm Rainbow Sparkles!' Other kids are fascinated by her name, and she's never been teased about it. If anything, it's made her confident and outgoing.

Teachers remember her, she makes friends easily, and she's already talking about becoming an artist 'like mommy and daddy.' We've learned that the right funny name, chosen with love and thought, can be a gift that keeps giving.

Will we get questions forever? Probably. Do we regret it? Not for a second. Rainbow Sparkles is exactly who she's meant to be.

I was stuck on my novel until I created a character named Pickles McGillicuddy. That one name unlocked everything.

I'd been struggling with writer's block for months. My story felt flat, my characters boring. Then, during a particularly frustrating writing session, I randomly typed 'Pickles McGillicuddy' and suddenly this whole personality emerged.

Pickles wasn't just a name - he was a quirky detective who solved crimes in a small Irish town. He had this endearing clumsiness but incredible intuition. The name itself became part of his character; people would underestimate him because of it, which helped him solve cases.

The book, 'The Pickles McGillicuddy Mysteries,' became my breakthrough novel. It's now a series with five books, and Pickles has fans all over the world. I get letters from readers saying the name alone makes them smile.

My editor says the name was genius marketing - it's memorable, searchable, and immediately tells you the tone of the book. What started as a random funny name became the foundation of my entire career.

Sometimes the best creative decisions come from just letting yourself be silly.