Alright folks, Canonical has done it again. The company just revealed the codename for Ubuntu 26.10, and it is officially “Stonking Stingray.” If you have been around Linux long enough, you already know the deal. Every release gets that quirky adjective plus animal combo, and this one keeps the tradition alive.
The naming follows the alphabet, so landing on “S” was expected. Still, “Stonking” is a funny one. It is British slang that basically means big, impressive, or maybe even a little over the top. Pair that with “Stingray,” and you get something that sounds less like a Linux release and more like a muscle car sitting in your driveway.
Speaking of that, let’s be honest. A lot of people are going to hear “Stingray” and immediately think of a Corvette Stingray. That probably was not the intention from Canonical, but the overlap is hard to ignore. I am not complaining though. It is way more fun than some of the recent names that came and went without much personality.
Of course, like always, the codename itself does not tell us anything about what Ubuntu 26.10 will actually bring. No hints about features, performance, or direction. It is just a name. But that is kind of the point. Ubuntu has always leaned into this playful branding, and at this stage, it would feel weird if it stopped.
I will say this, though. “Stonking Stingray” sticks in your head. It is goofy, a little loud, and honestly kind of perfect for Ubuntu. Not everything in tech needs to sound serious all the time.
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