Matt Groening, the creator of Futurama, infused a personal touch into the naming of one of the series’ characters, Hermes. The name originates from a cherished item from his high school days—a typewriter named Hermes Rocket. Groening nostalgically recounted:
“Hermes was named after my typewriter in high school. I had a typewriter — Hermes Rocket was the name of the typewriter. And I just bought another one on eBay.”
Typewriters hold a special place in the hearts of many, admired for their intricate mechanics and aesthetic appeal. This admiration is shared by celebrities such as Tom Hanks, who is a well-known enthusiast. Highlighted by ClassicTypewriter.com, the Hermes Rocket is considered one of the most beautifully designed typewriters, with authors like William S. Burroughs among its users. Groening, possibly inspired by Burroughs, takes joy in the art of writing and has the means to reconnect with the typewriter of his youth.
David X. Cohen, co-creator of Futurama, contributed the surname “Conrad” to the character. He explained:
“And Conrad is the street I grew up on, his last name. We know everything about Hermes now.”
Cohen’s input, tied to his own homeroots in New York City, may not have a significant backstory, but it dips into personal history. The full name “Hermes Conrad” was born from a blend reminiscent of the “porn star name” game, using a pet’s name and your childhood street name.
With Cohen’s closing remark, the backstory of Hermes’ name is fully explored.
FAQ Section
- Why was Hermes named after a typewriter?
- The character Hermes in Futurama was named after a typewriter because creator Matt Groening had an affinity for his Hermes Rocket typewriter from high school and nostalgically repurchased one on eBay.
- What is significant about the typewriter that Hermes was named after?
- The Hermes Rocket typewriter, also known as the Hermes Baby, is regarded as one of the most beautifully designed typewriters and was used by the famous writer William S. Burroughs.
- How did Hermes get his last name in Futurama?
- Co-creator David X. Cohen gave Hermes the last name “Conrad” after the street Cohen grew up on.
- Is the way Hermes was named connected to any popular game or concept?
- Yes, the naming process for Hermes resembles the “porn star name” game, which combines the name of your first pet with the street you grew up on to create a new name.
Conclusion
In creating the character Hermes Conrad for Futurama, both Matt Groening and David X. Cohen peppered the name with a dose of nostalgia and personal history. The choice of “Hermes,” rooted in Groening’s admiration for a vintage typewriter, and “Conrad,” reflective of Cohen’s childhood memories, combine to form a name that is as unique as the bureaucratic, limbo-dancing character himself. Whether through the intricate designs of a high school typewriter or the name of a childhood street, the creators of Futurama show us that sometimes, creative inspiration is nestled within our most cherished memories.