'Attenborough must be named Boaty McBoatface'

London: Boaty McBoatface had captured the public's fancy but British officials said on Friday the country's newest polar research vessel will be christened Sir David Attenborough, in honor of the prominent naturalist and broadcaster.

The petition to rename David Attenborough to Boat McBoatface has already garnered more than a 1,000 supporters. Pic/AFP

However, there's now a petition to have Attenborough re-named to Boaty McBoatface. The tongue-in-cheek petition reads, "The public want the UK's new polar research ship to be named Boaty McBoatface, but it will instead will be named after the revered naturalist and thoroughly lovely bloke Sir David Attenborough.

Wouldn't it be great if Sir David changed his name to Sir Boaty McBoatface in the interest of democracy and humour?"

But all is not lost for Boaty McBoatface fans who had voted in favor of the unusual - and perhaps undignified - name by an overwhelming margin.

Science minister Jo Johnson said a submarine vessel that will support the crew and various research programs will be called Boaty McBoatface.

Attenborough, who has produced a string of nature documentaries for the BBC and will celebrate his 90th birthday on Sunday, said he was "truly honored" by the choice of name. The Natural Environment Research Council had asked for help finding a name reflecting the 200 million-pound ($284 million) ship's mission and celebrating British naval history.

The jokey suggestion Boaty McBoatface got 1,24,109 votes, more than three times its nearest rival. The vote was advisory and officials had hinted that a more serious name would be chosen for the vessel, which is scheduled to be launched in three years.