Nova Scotia’s four new helicopters received a variety of name suggestions, with “Choppy McChopface” and similar playful names being popular choices. This naming trend was reminiscent of a past British contest that led to the infamous name “Boaty McBoatface.” Despite the humorous suggestions, the Nova Scotia government ultimately opted for more conventional names. Following a collection of nearly 10,000 name ideas, the public was asked to vote on names related to local beaches, birds, landmarks, or trees. The helicopters were eventually unveiled with the names Spirit of the Osprey, Spirit of the Falcon, Spirit of the Hawk, and Spirit of the Eagle.
Although “Osprey” emerged as the top suggestion, the persistent push for playful names like “Choppy McChopface” was evident in the submissions. Additionally, there were proposals to name the helicopters after iconic Nova Scotians and notable figures like Anne Murray, Douglas McCurdy, and Viola Desmond. Some suggestions combined famous names with avian references, such as “Jacob Shaffelbird” and “Owlexander Graham Bell.”
The naming process also saw a mix of humor and criticism, with entries ranging from creative wordplay to expressions of discontent. Notably, some submissions reflected a disapproval of naming things after individuals, labeling it as an “asinine practice.” Despite the varied suggestions, the final names chosen for the helicopters reflected a blend of tradition, creativity, and local significance.