The Slice: She holds naming rights to a lifetime of admiration

So I was talking to this young guy with whom I’ve had some business dealings.

His name is Jesse, and I’m pretty sure he is in his 20s.

I can’t say I know him well. But my impression is that he is honest, reliable and hard-working.

Anyway, I remembered that he and his wife had a baby last summer. So I asked how that was going.

He smiled and told me a few things about his daughter. I asked for her name.

“Eleanor,” he said, adding that he and his wife knew it was old-fashioned but that they liked it.

I told him I liked it, too. And I meant it.

I resisted the temptation to go off on one of my baby-name rants. You shouldn’t yell at the people in the pews because lots of people don’t go to church.

But in the days since that conversation, I found myself thinking about little Eleanor. That is, by the way, how her name is spelled.

What a wonderful gift her parents presented her when they elected to give her a real name.

Just think. America’s most famous Eleanor, Mrs. Roosevelt, was consistently on the side of truth and justice. That’s an association of which anyone could be proud.

It’s also the name of a terrific song from the late ‘60s. No, not “Eleanor Rigby.” I’m thinking of the Turtles’ “Elenore.” (I’ve read that they played with the spelling to keep it at arm’s length from the Beatles song.)

Can’t remember it? Maybe some lyrics will jog your memory.

You got a thing about you

I just can’t live without you

I really want you Elenore near me

Your looks intoxicate me

Even though your folks hate me

There’s no one like you Elenore really

Elenore gee I think you’re swell

And you really do me well

You’re my pride and joy et cetera

That’s going to be on oldies stations and audio Web sites at least until baby boomers all kick off. So, chances are, little Eleanor is going to grow up hearing that tune now and then at gas stations and convenience stores.

Who wouldn’t smile upon hearing her own name and “You’re my pride and joy et cetera”?

Then, there’s the nickname.

Personally, I love “Ellie.”

I hear “Ellie” and I picture someone smart and pretty who is maybe a little absent minded, in an appealing way. I picture someone who is a creative yet modest dresser. I picture someone who isn’t self-conscious about wearing glasses. I picture someone whose friendship people value.

We’ll see. It’s a bit early to know how this particular little girl will turn out. But I have to tell you, I’m predicting big things.

All babies are special, of course. Sometimes, though, you just get a feeling.

There’s no one like you, Eleanor, really.

“Today’s Slice question: Does Spokane deserve its reputation as a city of lousy tippers?