What’s in a name?

Well, a lot.

This week, Ken Livingstone told the JC he might have Jewish roots – on his mother’s side too.

Why so, you might ask?

Well, he claims that his maternal grandmother had a Jewish name – Zona.

So what’s Jewish about such a name?

Well, "Zona" literally translates as "prostitute" in Hebrew – hence the commonly used Israeli curse: "ben zona" – or, "son of a whore".

There are of course, other translations.

For example, "zona" also has a Greek origin, translating as "girdle" or "belt". Other sources say it’s origin is Latin, translating as "sash".

Either way, there’s a lot in a name that Mr Livingstone might want to keep a closer eye on.

Sandy Rashty is senior report for the JC