英语听力精选进阶版 6277（在线收听）

Is it a name or is it a number? David and Victoria Beckham have continued the tradition of naming their children with words not normally considered forenames by calling their daughter 'Seven'. Yes, that's right, Seven. As in the number 7. But there's a difference this time: they've reserved the more memorable moniker for their little girl's middle name.

Instead of conventional Christian names, the first three Beckham kids received - in order of birth - the name of a district of New York (Brooklyn), the title of Shakespeare's most famous character (Romeo) and the Spanish word for 'cross' (Cruz). Meanwhile, their middle names are the more down-to-earth Joseph, James and David.

The latest addition to Team Beckham reverses the pattern with the unusual, yet heard-of, first name Harper. David revealed on Facebook that they named their daughter after Harper Lee, the author of Victoria's favourite novel.

It was the middle name which provoked most speculation. Some were suggesting it has great significance for David Beckham because it was the number he wore on his shirt as a Manchester United and England player. Others claim they chose Seven because she was born in July.

However, David revealed all by saying the number symbolises spiritual perfection, the Seven Wonders of the World and the seven colours of the rainbow.

The Beckhams have always gone freestyle with their children's names, but with Harper Seven they are actually following an established British naming convention of making the middle name the more unusual one. Often they are a relative's name, which can be embarrassingly old-fashioned.

Quiz 小测验

1. Is 'Seven' a typical English name? 

No. David and Victoria Beckham have continued the tradition of naming their children with words not normally considered forenames by calling their daughter 'Seven'.

2. Do David Beckham's other children have unusual middle names? 

No. Their middle names are the more down-to-earth Joseph, James and David.

3. Has Victoria Beckham ever read a book? 

Yes. They named their daughter after Harper Lee, the author of Victoria's favourite novel.

4. Did they choose the name Seven because it was David Beckham's old shirt number? 

No. David revealed all by saying the number symbolises spiritual perfection.

5. Are people sometimes embarrassed by their middle names? 

Yes. Often they are a relative's name, which can be embarrassingly old-fashioned.

Glossary 词汇表

naming 取名 

forenames （外国人）名 

calling 叫(某人名字) 

moniker 名字，绰号 

middle name 中间名 

Christian name 受洗礼时起的名字，教名 

down-to-earth 朴实的 

to name (someone) after (someone) 以（某人名字）给(某人)起名 

to provoke speculation 引起猜测 

to have (great) significance for 有重大意义 

to reveal all 透露所有秘密 

to symbolise 象征 

Seven Wonders of the World 世界七大奇迹 

to go freestyle 自由随性的 

naming convention 取名习惯 

old-fashioned 传统老套的