[Susiebelle]

The suggestion of Drusilla on another thread made me wonder if some names just can't get past their negative vibe... This name could grow on me, like Ladidah says it has great nicknames, Dru and Cilla, and well, yes the more I think about it the more I like it... Or will it always conjure up Dracula as one PP said?

But what about names like Jezebel, Lucretia and Adolf? Could they ever conceivably be liked again or is their history too strong?

Can you think of any others like this? and what about names that were negative in history but are now current? Can't think of any myself.

I've always like Boadicea - though not really a negative history, still I've only ever come across it used once - she is called Bodie mostly.

So, what are your thoughts about names from history?

[Lucretia Borgia]

Well, one name in your list is perfectly acceptable...ahem...! (Not my real name btw...)

I have a Henry....so I wasn't too concerned with the whole Henry VIII thing...I would draw the line at Adolf though...

This post has been edited by Lucretia Borgia: 16/11/2012, 04:09 PM

[rabbit hyde]

Not so much the name of an actual person from history - but I've heard the name "Gypsy" used about 3 times for a baby girl in the last year or two.

I'm going to take a stab in the dark and assume the parents weren't actually aware of the history and persecution of the Romani people and the fact that "Gyspy" is actually considered a racial slur.

It'll probably continue to be used as a lot of people aren't aware of Romani history. But I'd say it would still be thought of negatively for those who are aware.

This post has been edited by rabbit hyde: 16/11/2012, 04:14 PM

[la di dah]

Delilah's semi-current. Jezebel isn't actually doing as badly as you'd think, either. I think -bel trend helps it.

I wouldn't use either of those, but I like Drucilla (is there a Dracula connection? I know it was on Buffy but I thought the girl from Dracula was Mina?) and Lilith. Lilith is not exactly history but it's a pretty loaded name so well.

Adolf would be a no no no no from me but I'm a Jew. I've heard murmurings from other people of different backgrounds that hey, they have great-granddads by that name and it means a nice thing so can they have their name back? And I slightly sympathize but I couldn't ever contemplate it.

My mom has ancient historic beef with Isabel due to Queen Isabel I of Castile, but she is pretty lonely in that particular grudge. She was peturbed I could "even consider" Isabel/Isabella. I should see what she thinks of Drucilla, but I bet it would have to go over better than Isabel did.

This post has been edited by la di dah: 16/11/2012, 04:18 PM

[kadoodle]

Isn't Drusilla one of Cinderella's ugly stepsisters?

I have a neighbour called Attilla (as in The Hun), which is a big name to dump on a little kids, IMO.

I dare say you'd give your kids just as much angst naming them Winston or Jefferson as Edward Kelly or Moriarty though. I would call Adolf as being untouchable.

[Ianthe]

I think it depends on how many references a name has. If people only have one strong negative about a name that is reasonably cultural, then it probably isn't a great idea to use it.

Judas and Jezebel are good examples. Both lovely names but very negative. Salome is another one that I would hesitate to use for the same reason.

[NotBitzerMaloney]

The 'big bad' names like Adolf I just can't see taking off again. Ditto Judas. Just asking for trouble with those

I had a name that I always thought was fabulous for us if we had a son. Then I looked up the history of Ezra and worked out he attempted to do away with mixed marriages.... which is what DH and I have.

I decided not to jinx ourselves and picked another name!

This post has been edited by NotBitzerMaloney: 16/11/2012, 04:21 PM

[Pooks*potters]

If I had a George, his middle name wouldn't start with a W, that's for sure.

[la di dah]

Isn't Drusilla one of Cinderella's ugly stepsisters?

I have a neighbour called Attilla (as in The Hun), which is a big name to dump on a little kids, IMO.

I know an Attila too, but he's Magyar and its pretty common there.

Cinderella's stepsisters were Anastasia and Drizella. I know a handful of Anastasias. Even I, who like Drucilla and Zelda, am not about to mount a huge campaign in defense of Drizella.

[Lucretia Borgia]

My mom has ancient historic beef with Isabel due to Queen Isabel I of Castile, but she is pretty lonely in that particular grudge. She was peturbed I could "even consider" Isabel/Isabella. I should see what she thinks of Drucilla, but I bet it would have to go over better than Isabel did.

Did she start the Inquisition and/or persecute Jews living in Spain?