Hi Again Linda :-)
        Ha!  I can answer that one!  Yes, all little Crepidula are males,
and they gradually change to females as they grow up.  You often find them
in piles with several larger females on the bottom, several smaller males on
top of the stack, and a few transitional forms in the middle.  BUT - that
has nothing to do with the name!  I found this out about a year ago when I
posted my long-held belief that "fornicata" was a reference to their
orgiastic style of reproductive behavior.  NOT SO, I was soundly informed
(and was also advised to take a cold shower).  Apparently "fornicata" refers
to the fact that they are shaped like a fornix, or arch.  B-o-r-i-n-g or
what?  However, the word "fornication" apparently derives from the same
root, because "ladies of the night" used to hang out under these archways,
waiting for "customers".
        As for the genus, that's easier.  Crepidula is Latin for "slipper"
or "sandal".  Hence the common name of the group - slipper shells.
        Paul M.