Bad-Guy Namesake? WDYT?

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-15-2007
Bad-Guy Namesake? WDYT?
7
Tue, 08-14-2007 - 12:47am

I've really fallen for a name that turns out to be the name of a bad, bad, bad guy in an extremely popular series of books. (No, it's not Voldemort!) I really like the name in its own right -- I like the meaning, the spelling, the sound and style of the name; so of course I then learn that most people who know the name know it from these books. What do you think -- would this deter you from a name that you really like? When is a name so associated with a bad guy that you just shouldn't use it?

Thanks for any thoughts, examples, etc.!
~ Deedee

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-09-2007
Tue, 08-14-2007 - 7:26am

Can't really offer advice unless you post the name.

I mean, I still marvel that people name their kids Damien after the Omen series came out, but to each their own!

gavin.gif mini pooper from tara picture by caulyne
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-15-2007
Tue, 08-14-2007 - 8:55am

I don't think it should deter you from naming your child a name you love - so long as the character is fictional. Plenty of people name their children after bad people in fiction and mythology (knowingly or unknowingly) and I don't think there's anything wrong with it because it's fiction. Here are some examples of popular names and their fictional villain namesakes:

Regan - Regan MacNeil, possessed child from The Exorcist
Lorelei - Rhine Maiden (like a Siren) who lured sailors to their deaths
Jezebel - Biblical, and in many movies
Lilith - Mother of all evil from religious texts
Seth - God of chaos/destruction
Damian - from The Omen (I love this name)
Delilah - Betrayed Samson
Natasha - from Rocky and Bullwinkle

Okay that's all I can think of for popular names. I would stay away from names like Hannibal, obviously, because most people have no other association with the name other than Hannibal Lecter (although Hannibal, the Carthaginian ruler, was quite good).

I think most names from fiction/mythology are okay to use because the characters aren't real - whereas names like Adolf, Osama, and Saddam should be avoided for now. I don't think names like Damien and Regan make people think "devil child" automatically, whereas little Hannibal would probably raise a few eyebrows.

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-29-2007
Tue, 08-14-2007 - 9:32am

I think that it would definitely depend upon the name. I mean Cruella would be down right mean:) But there are very few names that once a child is here you continue to think of that "popular association."
It is kind of like an argument I am having with my dh - I love the name Audrey, but we went to school with a promiscuous girl with the name. He thinks that everytime people heard our daughter's name they would like of a girl that sleeps around:) Honestly!!!

Probably not much help, but just my 2 cents. My guess is that you would be fine.
Jaime

Jaime ~ Mom to Brennan Patrick and Molly Catherine Image and video hosting by TinyPic
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-01-2006
Tue, 08-14-2007 - 10:41am

I agree with most of the pps (as I am a mom, god forbid!, who is naming her son Damian). It really depends on the name, whether the character is fictional or not, and if there are any other associations with the name. Believe it or not most people don't even think of the omen when I mention Damian to them (and a few people that I've asked them outright if it reminds of the omen had never seen or heard of the movie). So even though the book/movie is popular doesn't mean everyone has read/seen it or would associate that name to it. Plus if the name has history - like in my case Damian is the name of quite a few saints and is a very popular Polish name - then it shouldn't matter how the name is used in popular culture. Everyone seems to always bring up Damian as being a bad name but they skip over Jason from the horror movies and other names like that. Its just that Damian isn't as well known as say Jason is but it is still an established name. Kwim?

Other names that aren't as established, like Hannibal and Voldemort (hehe) for example, people are more likely to think you are naming the child specifically after the villain.

KT

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iVillage Member
Registered: 10-03-2005
Tue, 08-14-2007 - 5:23pm

I do hope you'll post the name - I'm curious now!


I agree with the PPs - some names (Adolf, for example) just can't be redeemed, but most can.


I had a similar situation - DH wants to name our little girl Rory, but the Gilmore Girls association was a bit much for me (especially because I'm not fond of the character on the show to start with - and she's hardly a good namesake/role model), but the general consensus on here was that the two could be separated, and since the show is no longer running, it wouldn't take too long before the connection would be just a memory (hopefully!). DH and I are compromising and using Rory as a nickname.


A similar discussion on here recently involved whether or not Jemima could be separated from the syrup association - the responses were mixed on that one. So I think it really does vary from name to name (not much help, I know!)


If you really love the name, you could start asking a few people (NOT family members or close friends - trust me on this one - you're better off asking aquaintances, store clerks, etc.) what they think of when they hear it, and you'll quickly get a feel for how people view the name.


Good luck, and please do post the name you're talking about!


dots.jpg picture by smallishthings
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-15-2007
Tue, 08-14-2007 - 6:33pm
That is great advice, thanks! I agree -- asking family members and close friends is out. I learned that the hard way awhile back. (Back then, I had no idea that the baby name issue would bring out the beast in otherwise very nice people!) I really like Rory, as a given name or as a nickname, by the way. I think that the Gilmore Girls association is sure to fade fast, and children your daughter's age will probably never even see it.
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-03-2005
Wed, 08-15-2007 - 3:57pm

> Back then, I had no idea that the baby name issue would bring out the beast in otherwise very nice people!


That is unfortunately way too true! We keep our name choices secret from family for the most part, until the baby is born - that way they have no say in the matter. I'm quite sure that most of our family wasn't crazy about Cassidy's name, and I think they're in for a real shock this time around! :)


And thanks for feedback on Rory - truly, if it wasn't for the positive reaction I got to the name on here, I don't know if I would have considered it. It'll be short for Georgia in our case (I love Georgia, DH loves Rory - it's a win-win.)


dots.jpg picture by smallishthings