The MySQL Dolphin Gets a Name: Sakila!

MySQL AB is proud to announce the winning name of its "Name the Dolphin" contest. The familiar MySQL dolphin is now called "Sakila". The name Sakila is feminine and was selected by the MySQL AB founders from 6357 entries, because it represents the global reach of MySQL as well as the friendly, open nature of the company.

"As a virtual company, it's very important to have symbols that connect us and remind us of our values," said Monty Widenius, MySQL founder and CTO. "Naming the dolphin will make the ideals it represents - speed, power, precision and good nature of the MySQL database and community - even more real to our employees, and hopefully, to the world."

The winning name was submitted by Ambrose Twebaze, an open source software developer from Swaziland, Africa. Ambrose commented when he learned that he was the winner, "I am still in awe of my achievement, someone needs to pinch me. I think I am either dreaming or hallucinating."

According to Ambrose, the name Sakila has its roots in SiSwati, the local language of Swaziland. Sakila is also the name of a town in Arusha, Tanzania, near Ambrose's country of origin, Uganda. Ambrose suggested the name Sakila to add an African flavor to MySQL.

Please join MySQL in congratulating Ambrose Twebaze and welcoming Sakila!!