Note from the Editor: Given that we have many new Bricklyn Eagle readers who may not be familiar with Bricklyn naming practices, we decided to republish this article, which has also been updated by reporter Brenda Softbrick.
Originally Posted on June 10, 2021; Updated August 15, 2025 by Brenda Softbrick, The Bricklyn Eagle’s Culture & History correspondent
Summary of Article ➤ Why do Bricklyn residents often have “brick,” “tile,” “plate,” or simply the middle initial “B” in their names? Learn about Bricklyn naming traditions from our culture & history reporter Brenda Softbrick.
Let’s start with some basic “rules” — notice the quote marks we placed around the word “rules.” Bricklyn family names are not prescribed by law, rather they are typically based on occupational naming traditions — common in Denmark and many other countries. As such, Bricklyn’s use of occupational naming is not unusual.
There are essentially five categories of names you’ll find in Bricklyn:
“Brick” is part of a person’s surname.
“Tiler” is a person’s middle name.
“Plater” is a person’s middle name.
The letter/initial “B” comprises the person’s full middle name.
Where the person’s full name includes none of the above.
➤ As most readers will know, brickbuilders, tilers, and plate makers (also known as platers) are the three most common occupations in LEGO-based communities — hence “brick,” “tiler,” and “plater” are used in the naming tradition that evolved. Of course, these also refer to the three principal parts in a LEGO builder’s inventory: bricks; tiles; and plates.
Tom Brcikorti next to LEGO bricks. Tom comes from a line of brickbuilders, even though he no longer carries on the family occupational tradition.
It should be noted that if “brick” is part of someone’s last name — such as for Chamber of Commerce head, Tom Brickorti — you’ll never find “tiler,” “plater,” or the initial “B” in that person’s middle name.
Since many names were originally based on a family’s occupational heritage (e.g., “Brick” indicates the family were brickbuilders; “Tiler” indicates they were tilers; and “Plater” indicates they were plate makers) it would have been highly unlikely for a family to include members in different occupations — given the quite rigid occupational lines in place before families emigrated from Billund, Denmark to Bricklyn, Vermont, during the years of disassociation and re-association.
“Progressive” Changes in Naming Practices
Mary Tiler Fleur, Customer Service Manger for the Bricklyn Dept. of Public Works, seen here admiring the tiles that make up Bricklyn’s new bike path. Many in Tiler Fleur’s family have worked as tilers — so perhaps it’s no coincidence that Tiler Fleur works for the DPW!
However, changes in naming practices have occurred since the 1960s.
Quite a few so-called” progressive” families dropped the inclusion of occupational referents in their names and often substituted the middle initial “B” to stand for “Bricklynite” in their name — as is the case with Chulpin B. Spancer (and bear in mind that when you see a name that has a middle “B,” it stands for “Bricklynite,” not “Brickbuilder”).
Bill Plater Jones, clutch-hitting First Baseman for the Bricklyn Stackers. Consistent with his family name, Jones excels at the plate! (excuse that bit of Bricklyn humor). Note also the irony that home plate is actually a tile and not a plate. For reasons we have not been able to discover, Bricklynites never changed the expression “home plate” to the more technically accurate “home tile.”
➤ Newcomers to Bricklyn without any direct connection to Billund, Denmark, also have often adopted the naming format of simply including the middle “B” in their name.
With all that said, you’ll find that a majority of names in Bricklyn still hold to the traditional usage previously described.
It needs to be mentioned that some Bricklyn residents do not use any of the naming traditions we’ve described.
These tend to be young, more radically inclined individuals (or some older hipster types) who seek to deny any vestige of their common heritage.
Photo by Ann Tiler Anderson, with help from GPT4.o AI.
But even among this group, not a small number eventually seek to show solidarity with their neighbors by incorporating the “B” (for Bricklynite) letter as their middle initial.
➤ The brief re-naming ceremony is often accompanied by a festive beer party — which this reporter believes may well be the reason why some individuals decide to “Add the B” as their new middle initial!
When It Comes to Brick Family Names
One other historical footnote that might interest some readers: only those from brickbuilder families include the “brick” appellation in their surnames. Those from Tiler or Plater families include those words only in their middle names. Perhaps this reflects the higher status of brickbuilders in the old Billund culture — reflecting a bit of a caste system even among the generally egalitarian Billunders.
It should be noted, however, that historical records indicate that brickbuilders, tilers, and plate makers all received the same rate of pay, modified only by an individual’s seniority and level of expertise.
➤ Whatever “name-based discrimination” there might have been, was primarily of a social, not an economic, nature.
The Debunked “Doppelgänger” Theory
Finally, let me make brief mention of the “doppelgänger” theory and its purported role in the names of some Bricklyn residents. The notion that any Bricklynites are named after their counterparts in our “twin” Outland City of Burlington, VT, or elsewhere, has been widely debunked, discredited, denounced, and denied. As Bricklyn Eagle Editor Walt Brickman himself has stated, “any resemblance between Bricklyn and its residents, locales, or events to any persons, locales, or actual events, or locales is entirely coincidental!” ✥
Note from Bricklyn Eagle Editor Walt Brickman: Readers should be aware that both I and Brenda Softbrick, who wrote the above article, come from a line of brickbuilders.
by Mark Tiler Richmond, Politics & Law Correspondent & Duane Sandville, Outland Affairs Correspondent
Meet the New Ambassador
Bricklyn Ambassador David Brownbrick presenting his credential as the new Bricklyn Ambassador to the United Kingdom in the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace. Photo taken with assistance of Dall E AI.
Vermont Outlander David Brown named Ambassador (along with his LEGO avatar, David Brownbrick) from Bricklyn to the United Kingdom. Photo altered by Prisma app (with Sunflower filter), as required by Bricklyn law.
At a press conference yesterday in the Bricklyn’s Federal Council chambers, Federal Chancellor Malter Thurnbrick told reporters that “after an exhaustive search, we are pleased to announce a special choice as Ambassador to Britain: Mr. David Brown, a longtime Vermont friend of Bricklyn. As required by Bricklyn’s Avatar law, Thurnbrick added, Mr. Brown, being a human Outlander, will be represented by a Bricklyn avatar, Mr. David Brownbrick.”
The Bricklyn Eagle has obtained from an anonymous source in the Bricklyn Chancellor’s office a copy of Mr. Brown’s application papers for the ambassadorship, which we are sharing with our readers below.
Chancellor Thurnbrick declined to either confirm or deny the authenticity of Mr. Brown’s application for the post of ambassador, other than to note that “Bricklyn would certainly welcome having a Nando’s restaurant, given its international reputation for deliciously spicy chicken dishes.”
Mr. Brown was unavailable for comment, though he was reportedly spotted last night at a Nando’s in Ottawa, Canada, apparently a stop enroute to Scotland on one of his peripatetic “professional tourist” trips.
In a ceremony held in Buckingham Palace earlier today, Ambassador-designee Brownbrick presented his “letter of credence” to His Majesty King Charles and to David Lammy, Britain’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, both of whom graciously welcomed Brownbrick to the United Kingdom.
As King Charles noted, “It is a great privilege and honor to receive you as the new ambassador from the Realm of Bricklyn. We value the strong and longstanding ties between our two realms. While Providence led your Realm to join, at least for the next four years, the French Republic, we appreciate your insisting on retaining autonomy in your historic relations with the United Kingdom.”
“We will also work with you to ensure that a Nando’s restaurant soon finds a place in Bricklyn, and, on a personal note, I can tell you that Camilla and I also love Nando’s flavorful Chicken peri-peri, as well their highly caloric Sweet Potato & Halloumi Wrap.”
“Finally, Mr. Ambassador, in your honor, we will play this justifiably famous song, for you are truly the real Ambassador. ✥
Bricklyn’s Diplomatic Corps & the “Carve Out” to the Franco/Bricklyn Accord
A little noticed provision of the agreement which incorporated Bricklyn, on a four year “trial” basis, into the French Republic as an Overseas Collectivity, carved out for Bricklyn the right to maintain independent diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom; the Realm of Denmark; and the State (and formerly Republic) of Vermont.
Chancellor Malter Thurnbrick in 2022 photo taken by The Bricklyn Eagle.
Questioned on this during yesterday’s press conference, Bricklyn Federal Chancellor Malter Thurnbrick noted that member nations of France Overseas, such as Bricklyn, often have agreements with France specific to their nation, which provide varying levels of autonomy in domestic or foreign affairs.
As Thurnbrick explained, “In our negotiations with France, we stressed the importance of maintaining our historically close relationships with Denmark; the United Kingdom; and, of course, the State of Vermont.”
“The French delegation understood this, and agreed to incorporate into the Franco/Bricklyn agreement Bricklyn’s right to maintain its own diplomatic relations with these three governments, while consulting with France’s prefect in Bricklyn on any significant foreign policy matters.”
Rendering provided by Brick Air, with assistance from Dall E AI.
To the Editor: As a world traveler, our new Ambassador to the United Kingdom is ideally suited to strengthen both the economic and cultural ties between the two realms. The Bricklyn business community looks forward to strengthening our relations with the British people, including those in the four LEGO realms located in the U.K.
Once our new Brick Air super fast jets are in service, hopefully by the end of the year, we’ll be able to fly from Bricklyn not just to Paris, but to London, and perhaps Glasgow or Edinburgh as well. — Tom Brickorti, CEO, Bricklyn Chamber of Commerce.
To the Editor: Mazel tov to our new Ambassador and his avatar. It will be a blessing for the Jewish LEGO citizens of Bricklyn to have a member of our tribe in such an important position. We are pleased that Mr. Brown and his wife want to strengthen relations between Jewish communities on both sides of the Atlantic.
Photo by Bricklyn Eagle’s Ann Tiler Anderson, with help from Dall E AI.
We offer Temple Beth-Shalom as a place where visitors from the British Isles, whatever their beliefs, will be welcome.
Visitors to our synagogue will be especially fascinated by the remarkable stained glass windows designed in 1981 by the great LEGO artist Marc Brickall which grace our main sanctuary. — Rabbi Rachel B. Weinstein, Temple Beth-Shalom, Bricklyn Jct., Vermont.
To the Editor: No offense to Nando’s chicken peri-peri, but why should a top Bricklyn official (albeit an Outlander) advocate for bringing a large chain restaurant to Bricklyn? We should, instead, be supporting and cultivating our own locally owned and operated businesses. If Mr. Brown/Brownbrick is into chicken, why not try The Bricklyn Diner‘s zesty barbecued chicken wings, or the amazing coq au vin served at L’Étoile du Nord. We welcome you to visit our Bricklyn establishments and will raise a glass to toast your appointment then. — Dougie Truebrick, Owner/Chef, The Bricklyn Diner, and Christophe Plater Poulin, Executive Chef, L’Étoile du Nord.
To the Editor: Congrats to David Brown/Brownbrick! Such a wonderful choice for the job! I’m impressed with the governing body of Bricklyn and the civic participation of its citizens. — Pat D., Vermont
by Mark Tiler Richmond, Politics & Law Correspondent & Duane Sandville, Outland Affairs Correspondent
In an historic vote, the French Parliament overwhelmingly approved on the fourteenth day of May Bricklyn’s application to become the fourteenth member of France Outre-Mer. This means that the 250 acres of Bricklyn located within the United States in the State of Vermont is now officially a part of the French Republic, with representation in the French Parliament.
Photos of debate posted on the French National Assembly’s Instagram page.
Photos above and below by Allain Renard, with assistance from Dall-E AI.
Following the vote, crowds encircling the Eiffel Tower erupted in cheers as a dazzling display of fireworks arced through the Paris sky.
Cries of “Vive Bricklyn” and “Vive France” echoed in the air.
The galleries of the National Assembly were filled with LEGO supporters, along with a dozen Bricklynites who made the long trip to Paris to help advocate for a “Oui” vote.
Cheers rang out when the final vote tally supporting Bricklyn’s entry into the French Republic was announced.
In a statement jointly issued by French President Emmanuel Macron and Bricklyn Federal Council President Hilma Plater-Zybrick, the two leaders thanked both the French Parliament and Bricklyn voters:
President Emmanuel Macron. Credit: The White House, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
“This day will go down in the annals of both French and Bricklyn history. France has shown its fortitude and respect for democratic values by accepting Bricklyn’s application for entry into the French Republic as an Overseas Collectivity. Bricklyn has shown its appreciation of the long-held values of Liberté, Égalité, & Fraternité that undergird the French Republic.”
“No one doubts we are now in perilous waters, but working together, France and Bricklyn will be shining beacons of hope and safe harbor.“
Hilma Plater-Zybrick. Credit: The Bricklyn Eagle, with assistance from Dall-E AI.
“We also look forward to the cultural and culinary benefits of this union, as both Bricklyn and France will share their special heritage. Bonds between Inland and Outland peoples will be strengthened. “
“We stand together today and in the future in solidarity.”
Steps Leading Up to the French Parliament’s Vote
For those readers who have not followed some of the past few months’ twists and turns, we offer a summary:
Image of what mass deportation of Bricklynites might look like. Rendering prepared with assistance of Dall-E AI.
Bricklyn’s application to join the French Republic had its origins in Bricklynites’ fears of being deported from their Vermont homeland by the current U.S. administration.
While Bricklyn has a written agreement with the State of Vermont that authorized the Bricklyn government in 1981 to lease (for 99 years) 250 acres of land within the municipalities of Burlington and South Burlington, this agreement was never formally ratified by the United States.
While the federal government for over 40 years has never raised the immigration “status” of Bricklynites as an issue, Bricklynites now fear being targeted for deportation as aliens.
These Identification cards have long enabled Bricklynites to travel within the State of Vermont’s “Outerlands,” But as one State Department Official said off the record, “these little pieces of trash have no value as proof of permanent resident status anywhere in the United States, including in Bricklyn.”
The agreement also “carved out” Bricklyn’s right to maintain its own diplomatic relations with three governments (the State of Vermont; the Realm of Denmark; and the United Kingdom), while consulting with France’s prefect in Bricklyn on any significant foreign policy matters.
Bricklyn voters lining up to vote on the referendum. Photo by Bricklyn Eagle’s Ann Tiler Anderson.
But before Parliament could act, Bricklyn voters needed to approve a referendum formally requesting admission into the French Republic.
On May 1, 2025, Bricklyn voters passed the referendum by a wide margin, and the application for admission to the French Republic, incorporating the Franco-Bricklyn agreement, was forwarded to the French Parliament for action.
Manuel Valls. Photo from videotape of Parliament’s Délégation aux outre-mer meeting of March 2025.
Prior to the Parliamentary debate on Bricklyn’s application, some concerns had been expressed about the fiscal impact of Bricklyn joining the French Republic.
Minister of the Outre-Mer Manuel Valls addressed this by noting that the agreement included a cap on annual expenditures to support Bricklyn, but did not foreclose the possibility of sending a detachment of French Legionnaires to Bricklyn if necessary for the population’s protection.
The agreement also included authorization for two daily flights between Bricklyn and Paris, one by Air France, the other by Brick Air, with the expectation that this frequency would likely be increased as tourist and business connections strengthen — one of the expected benefits of Bricklyns entry into France Outre-Mer.
Brick Air is already in the process of building AGVs (Avions à Grandes Vitesse) which would be used for direct flights between Bricklyn and Paris. Rendering provided by Brick Air, with assistance of Dall-E AI.
Also included in the agreement was Bricklyn’s pledge to advocate for the admission of the five French-based LEGO realms into the League of Inland Cities, a provision key to generating support for the agreement from those realms.
The day before the vote concerns were also raised by several National Assembly deputies from the Outre-Mer that Bricklyn’s entry might serve to take attention away from their own nations’ problems. Some of these concerns focused on the French government’s failings related to the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido that hit the Outre-Mer nation of Mayotte in December 2024, as well as tensions between pro and anti-independence groups in New Caledonia.
Minister Valls, joined by Prime Minister François Bayrou, met with the Outre-Mer deputies and provided detailed assurances that the issues raised would be fully addressed, avoiding derailing the Franco-Bricklyn accord. This tied the final knot ensuring Bricklyn’s admission. ✥
To the Editor: “May 14th! What a great day for Bricklyn! As leaders of the Bricklyn Chapter of the Alliance Française 🇫🇷 we look forward to welcoming visitors from France’s five LEGO realms to stay for a month at our beautiful, but reasonably priced, apartments in our headquarters building. Get to know Bricklyn, and help us get to know France.” — Patsy Brickerson and Jeanette Brickehl, Co-Presidents, Bricklyn Alliance Française.
Ethan Allenbrick by the Brickooski River. Photo by Ann Tiler Anderson, with assistance from Dall-E AI.
To the Editor: “It’s a sad commentary that we Bricklynites have concluded that we can’t stand on our own feet in facing any threats, and found the need to join the fading remnants of a Colonial empire. What would our Green Mountain boys think!
Do we really expect a contingent of French Legionnaires to come to our aid? Our forefathers and mothers years ago left the Old World behind. We should have kept it behind us.” — Ethan Allenbrick, Bricklyn, VT.
Lars Brickmussen. Photo from The Bricklyn Eagle archives.
To the Editor: The League of Inland Cities is pleased to offer its congratulations on Bricklyn’s entry into the French Republic. In an informal poll of our 27 member realms and cities, there was also broad support for the admission of the five LEGO realms located within France to our League. While details of this, of course, will need to be worked out, I am confident that before long we will have five new members.
It is a tribute to diplomats on both sides of the Atlantic to have swiftly reached agreement on an action that will surely have far-reaching impacts for both Inland and Outland nations worldwide. — Lars Brickmussen, Presiding Officer, League of Inland Cities, Bricklyn, VT.
Grandpa Simpson at The Palace Theatre. Photo by Ann Tiler Anderson, with assistance from Dall-E AI.
To the Editor: “What’s this I hear about the French? Will we have French fries with every meal now? I’m OK with that as long as they’re topped with gravy.
Where’s that good for nothing son of mine? He hanging out with a French crowd now?
What did you say in your article? I can’t read things that long. Why don’t you write articles I can understand, or at least have good pictures in them like that article you did about the spa? That spa is gonna be the first place our French visitors will go if they have the smarts! — Abraham Jebediah “Abe” Simpson II, aka Grandpa Simpson, Bricklyn, VT.
Rogue Schoolers in France, Photo courtesy of Rogue Schoolers, with assistance of Dall-E AI.
To the Editor: Just to let everyone know, we at Rogue Schoolers are already starting to plan a Fall tour to France, and hope to visit each of the five LEGO realms located in metropolitan France. Other trips are also in the works.
Our last trip to France was a wonderful experience for all, but we’re even more excited to visit now that Bricklyn has become part of the French Republic. — Jennifer Brickdon, Paris, France.
To the Editor: You think the government of France or Vermont is going to protect you? Just remember, we’ve got our eyes on every last one of you illegal Bricklynites. If you’re lucky you’ll land back in Denmark, more likely somewhere a little hotter. You LEGO people ever spend time in Libya before? — Anonymous, The White House, Washington, DC.
Chamber of Commerce Director Tom Brickorti. Photo from The Bricklyn Eagle archives.
To the Editor: On behalf of the Bricklyn Chamber of Commerce we thank the French Parliament for their vote of confidence in Bricklyn.
As the newest member of France Overseas, we welcome French businesses to open up shop in Bricklyn. Our staff can help you deal with any of the complexities of the Bricklyn Avatar law.
Bienvenue à Bricklyn! — Tom Brickorti, CEO, Bricklyn Chamber of Commerce.
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