The Meanings of Sarah Palins Childrens Unusual Names

The Meanings of Sarah Palin's Children's Unusual Names Many questions have been raised about the unusual names of Sarah Palins children . They werent randomly chosen. In fact, the former Alaska governor and vice presidential candidate and her husband, Todd Palin, selected names that reflect the familys personal history and shared passions. Track Palin Track, the familys first-born son, was given that name because of the familys longstanding interest in sports. Sarahs parents were coaches, Todd was a high school athlete, and Sarah is an avid runner. Their first child was born during the track season. Track made news in January 2016 when he was charged in a domestic violence case in which his girlfriend said he punched her and threatened suicide. Palin was charged with three misdemeanors and pleaded guilty on a weapons charge. The other charges were dismissed. Sarah said her son’s arrest stemmed from post-traumatic stress disorder after a military deployment in Iraq. In December 2017 Track was charged with felony burglary, fourth degree assault against his father, and criminal mischief for causing property damage  at his parents home. According to court documents, the dispute was over a truck that Track wanted to borrow; his father declined because Track allegedly had been drinking and taking pain medicine. He was ordered to spend a year in custody in October 2018 after a third alleged assault when a judge ruled the allegation disqualified him from a therapeutic veterans program following a previous assault case. Bristol Palin The couples oldest daughter is named after Bristol Bay, an area where Todd grew up. Bristol Bay is also the site of the familys commercial fishing interests. Willow and Piper Palin The Palins havent identified the significance of their other two daughters names, but the meaning is likely rooted in aspects of the regions culture and way of life. Willow is the name of a small Alaskan community near the family home in Wasilla. Piper may have come from the name of the popular bush plane the Piper Cub, which is commonly used in Alaska. In a People magazine interview, Todd was quoted as saying, Theres just not too many Pipers out there, and its a cool name. Trig Paxson Van Palin Trig Paxson Van Palin is the couples youngest child. According to governors spokeswoman Sharon Leighow in a statement shortly after his birth, Trig is Norse and means true and brave victory. Paxson is a region in Alaska the couple favors, while Van is a nod to the rock group Van Halen. Before Trigs birth, his mother had joked about naming her son Van Palin, a play on the bands name. Trigs birth was a source of controversy and blogosphere rumors. Palin, according to her book Going Rogue, didnt tell anyone about her pregnancy with their fifth child except her husband. There were rumors that Bristol, not Sarah, was Trigs mother, but the allegations were largely disproved. Sources: Shapiro, Rich. Whats in the Palins childrens names? Fish, for one. nydailynews.com.Sutton, Anne. Palin welcomes  fifth child, a son named Trig Paxson Van Palin. Fairbanks Daily News-MinerWestfall, Sandra Sobieraj. John McCain Sarah Palin on Shattering the Glass Ceiling people.com nbcnews.com, Track Palin, son of Sarah Palin, arrested on domestic violence charges against dad