Ridiculous History: CLASSIC - How Did Fido Become the Default Name for Dogs?

Host: Ben Bowlin
Co-Host: Noel Brown
Production: iHeartPodcasts
Release Date: December 28, 2024

Introduction

In this classic episode of Ridiculous History, hosts Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown explore the intriguing origins of the name "Fido" and how it became synonymous with dogs in the English-speaking world. They delve into the historical context, focusing on Abraham Lincoln's beloved dog, Fido, and examine how a single canine's legacy influenced pet naming conventions for generations.

The Genesis of "Fido" as a Pet Name

Ben and Noel kick off the conversation by highlighting the challenges of naming pets, drawing parallels to naming cars. They fondly reminisce about classic dog names like Spot and Sparky but express surprise at how "Fido" became the default choice.

Ben:
"When we investigated dog names back in 2018, Fido was a standout. Interestingly, Fido isn't a name you'd find for people."
[00:24]

Noel adds that "Fido" was prevalent in early advertising and popular media, particularly in classic Looney Tunes cartoons, where it's often used as a generic dog name.

Noel:
"Fido is often what they call dogs in the show. It's just kind of like a stand-in, like Coke is for soda or Xerox is for photocopy."
[01:13]

Abraham Lincoln and His Dog, Fido

The hosts transition to discussing Abraham Lincoln’s dog, Fido, emphasizing the dog’s significance in Lincoln’s life and public image.

Ben:
"Fido became known worldwide as a dog's name, and it all started with Abraham Lincoln's dog."
[11:07]

They describe Fido as a loyal, yellow mongrel who accompanied Lincoln during his time as a lawyer in Springfield, Illinois. Fido was not just a pet but a walking symbol of Lincoln’s persona, often seen alongside him in town.

Noel:
"Fido was described as a frisky mongrel in a Life magazine profile. He didn’t accompany the Lincolns to Washington initially, but Lincoln ensured Fido had a loving home."
[13:23]

The Role of Photography in Fido's Fame

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the photograph of Fido and the ensuing debate about its authenticity and timing.

Ben:
"Lincoln wanted a family portrait of Fido, which was a relatively new concept at the time. Capturing a dog in a photograph required Fido to be exceptionally calm."
[18:57]

They discuss the details of the photograph, highlighting its unique qualities and how it contributed to Fido’s fame across the nation. However, historian Dr. James Cornelius raises questions about the chronology of the photograph’s creation.

Noel:
"Dr. Cornelius suggests that the photograph might have been taken after Lincoln’s assassination to capitalize on Fido’s popularity, rather than during Lincoln’s lifetime."
[24:56]

Ben concurs, mentioning the lack of matching backmarks on photos taken before Lincoln’s presidency, which Dr. Cornelius uses to support his theory.

Ben:
"All evidence points to the photo being taken in 1865, aligning with Lincoln’s assassination and Fido’s rise to fame."
[35:17]

Fido's Tragic End

The episode takes a somber turn as the hosts recount the tragic demise of Fido, linking it to Lincoln’s own assassination.

Ben:
"Fido met an unfortunate end in 1866 when an intoxicated man, Charlie Plank, stabbed him to death in a drunken rage."
[41:34]

Noel elaborates on the circumstances, noting that Fido's excessive friendliness led to his untimely death. Different accounts portray varying degrees of malice, but consensus points to a tragic encounter stemming from Fido's innate trust and affection.

Noel:
"Fido was exceedingly friendly, which eventually caused his death in a very unique way. He suffered the same fate as his master’s assassination."
[45:20]

Ben adds depth by sharing Charlie Plank’s background, emphasizing the complexity of the historical narrative.

Ben:
"Plank was a Civil War veteran with a tumultuous history, including previous legal altercations and violent incidents."
[46:50]

Legacy of Fido

Despite his tragic end, Fido's legacy endured, cementing his name as the quintessential dog name in American culture. Ben and Noel reflect on how "Fido" became ingrained in the collective consciousness, much like other brand names that evolve into generic terms.

Noel:
"Fido equals dog, just like Xerox equals photocopy. It became the quintessential image of a faithful, friendly dog."
[49:56]

They draw parallels to other famous animals, noting how media and cultural symbols play significant roles in shaping pet naming traditions.

Conclusion and Reflections

In wrapping up, Ben and Noel invite listeners to share their own pet stories and reflect on how historical figures and media influence everyday life, even in something as simple as naming a beloved pet.

Ben:
"Fido became the world's most famous dog, but his story also serves as a reminder of the deep bond between humans and their pets."
[50:39]

Noel:
"It's fascinating how a single dog’s legacy can permeate through history and remain relevant even today."
[50:43]

They encourage the audience to engage with the community on their Ridiculous Historians page and share personal anecdotes, fostering a connection that bridges past and present.

Notable Quotes

• Ben (00:24):
  "Fido is not a name for people."

• Noel (01:13):
  "Fido is often what they call dogs in the show. It's just kind of like a stand-in, like Coke is for soda or Xerox is for photocopy."

• Ben (35:17):
  "All evidence points to the photo being taken in 1865, aligning with Lincoln’s assassination and Fido’s rise to fame."

• Noel (45:20):
  "Fido was exceedingly friendly, which eventually caused his death in a very unique way."

• Noel (49:56):
  "Fido equals dog, just like Xerox equals photocopy. It became the quintessential image of a faithful, friendly dog."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Ridiculous History masterfully intertwines the personal story of Abraham Lincoln’s dog with broader cultural trends, illustrating how individual narratives can ripple through society to leave a lasting impact. Through engaging dialogue and meticulous research, Ben and Noel offer listeners a comprehensive understanding of why "Fido" became the go-to name for dogs, blending humor with historical insight.

For more engaging stories from the annals of human civilization, tune into Ridiculous History by iHeartRadio.