"Charlie Pridham" wrote
Their name changed to Pelargonium in the 1780's and they were only called
geranium from 1750's Its odd how some names fade while others persist.
You seldom now hear anyone call Hostas, Funkia (not even sure thats how
you spell it!)

It amazed me how the trade changed the name from Datura to Brugmansia for
those that were split off into that name.
Yet they still persist with geranium, mind you I overheard a chap talking to
his wife at the RHS Wisley plant sales area and when she pointed out the
Zonal Pels he said "no, I want the geraniums that look like that not those
difficult things"!

--
Regards
Bob Hobden
17mls W. of London.UK