I previously blogged about Ubuntu Linux Codenames, right after it was announced that the 8.10 release would be known as Intrepid Ibex. At the time I discussed possible names for the 9.04 release, my favourite being Jiggly Jellyfish. It wasn't to be! A recent email on the Ubuntu mailing list revealed:

As we approach the launch of Ubuntu 8.10, it's time to create space for future plans, and so I'm writing to introduce you to The Jaunty Jackalope

I'd never heard of a Jackalope before, and quickly looked it up on Wikipedia. It turns out it is a fictional animal that is a cross between a jackrabbit and an antelope. How strange!

I think this is going to be the first release of Ubuntu named after a fictional animal. Personally I think they should have stuck to real animals. What's wrong with a normal jackrabbit?

As for the next release? I think Kicking Kangaroo would be brilliant! Based on the Jackalope release though, I'd say Kooky Kinnara is more likely.