The name Perry-Thistle was bestowed upon Nathaniel Reuben Gabriel Perry-Thistle in 1973 through no tradition whatsoever. The name Perry belonged to the paternal family and the name Thistle belonged to the maternal family. Perhaps it just seemed a good idea.
In 1974 the name picked up another when Benjamin David Elijah Perry-Thistle arrived. He was supposed to have been Eve Perry-Thistle, period. However, once a boy was revealed, it was thought he would need as many names as his brother. (And to quash the myth: Ben was NOT adopted.)
The boys remained the only Perry-Thistles until about the time they began attending school and it became apparent that there would be fewer explanations needed if the parents were to share the Perry-Thistle name. Floyd and Joy Perry-Thistle had legally arrived! Unfortunately, that didn't really reduce the explanation load all that much.
Why in the heck is Pops showing up everywhere?!?Because Pops is the guy who puts the most stuff up here. See: WebStatistics
The real question is:
Why in the heck don't more of you PerryThistle people show up?!?
The name remained exclusive to the four family members, though many throughout the years were ready to adopt the name. Finally, in 2000 Benjamin David Elijah Perry-Thistle married Mary Catherine Doty, who then changed her name to Mary Catherine Doty Perry-Thistle adding a fifth to the family name.
That's it, well - almost. There is my favorite honorary Perry-Thistle: KathiaZolfaghari. I especially love it when she answers the phone "Perry-Thistle residence, an honorary Perry-Thistle speaking." Don't be alarmed - you've got the right number!