Can anyone please explain where trail names come from and how/where/when do you get them?
ThX Happy Holidays!!
chris d
Trail names? - John Muir Trail
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#1
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#2
It seems like lots of people use a former nickname or name themselves beforehand so they don’t get stuck with an unfortunate name like Skidmark or Stumbles. That’s too bad because if you get your name on the trail its attached to the trail and provides a nice little story afterwards. I always thought there should be a little naming ceremony that went with the name and it would be recorded in the nearest shelter register.
Big B
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#3
Trailnames that arise while on the trail usually come from others as a result of something you wore, said, did, didn’t do, etc. Some of my favorites, Walking on Sunshine (the owner of a pair of VERY big and VERY bright yellow Crocs), Hippy Longstocking (a dude with long ponytails), Wuss-In-Boots (an unrepentent complainer), and The Abominable Slowman (name speaks for itself).
Names that hikers give themselves, on the other hand, tend to be more introspective, and without exception, a little boring. When some guy explains that he calls himself “Detective” because he is exploring life’s mysteries, you just reply “oh, that’s nice” and then ask where the water source is.
If you’re looking for a trailname, do yourself a favor and put it to the people. The creativity and cleverness of a group will always outpace the wit of an individual!
Matt
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#4
The first thru-hiker, Earl Schaffer, was given the moniker “Crazy One” by Fire Lookouts along the A.T. back in 1948. He adopted this ‘trailname’ and the rest is history.
Traditionally, hikers are given trailnames, just like Earl was. I agree with Big B & Matt - its much better when you’re named rather than giving yourself a trailname.
Sometimes the name is not so flattering, but its almost always memorable. I was given the name “Breaking Wind” on my first thru-hike. The name had multiple meanings - I was a pro windsurfer at the time, I hiked erratically & sometimes extremely fast, and I had a sever flatulence problem at the time. The name ‘stuck’ and I used it for a few hikes.
Eventually I grew tired of the name 
and gave myself a new trailname that was more appropriate & less derogatory.
Happy Trails!
freebird
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#5
the concept of trailnames is very, very much like “sign names” in the Deaf community (probably a much older tradition)…it’s kind of bad form to give yourself one…you earn a sign name from your friends/family or peers–and then it has some meaning…and you are really part of the community.
mw
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#6
It is fun to get your name on the trail… there was a lovely young blonde girl that was in a snot shooting contest with the guys…she won…trail name…Snot shooter! And she was sooo proud of that name! you don’t have to except the name but you should wait and see on the trail what comes up…make it another adventure…Crawl
David