Yes it was a traditian at White Star, after the merger of White Star and Cunard White Star, or White Star ordered ships, continued the "ic" tradition. The last, whose name escapes me, untill I get to the Libuary, went in the late 50's.

Cunard ships traditionally ended in "ia". Hence Mauritania, Lusitania etc.

There is an apocraphal story about the "Queen Mary" the first ship to break that tradition.

The intentian was to name her "Victoria", and as etiquete demands, Royal permission was sought.

Now as this was Cunard it was not a question of sending a humble petition into Buck House.

The Chairman of Cunard sought an interview with King George VI

"Your Majesty",said the Chairman, "We would like your permission to name our new liner after Englands greatest Queen".

"Certainly" said King George, "My mother will be delighted."

And thus the "Queen Mary" was named.

Gareth