The Florida update, Vince/Brand update, April Fools update, Dewey update and so many more are code names for Google updates. We even named a few Yahoo updates, like the Tim update.

A Google Webmaster Help thread asks what are these names all about? Well, typically nothing. Naming updates first came from WebmasterWorld, with the Boston update being named in 2003. Sometimes they are named after people, like the Tim update and Vince update. Sometimes they are named for places or events and sometimes by date and by type of update.

The question is, do we need the names? I personally don’t think the names are necessary, but they are nice to have, especially for big updates. Who doesn’t remember the Florida update that shook the SEO space? Calling updates by names, gives it more character in my opinion. Some don’t agree, what do you think? Take our anonymous poll:

Should We Name Search Updates? (i.e. Florida Update)(polls)

Forum discussion at Google Webmaster Help.