More on Lorelei -what do you think?

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-18-2006
More on Lorelei -what do you think?
3
Tue, 04-25-2006 - 3:31pm
I posted here recently saying that I was concerned about the name Lorelei because it doesn't seem to be a commonly used name in German-speaking countries. I've since spoken online to a couple of native born Germans/Austrians, and they say they've never heard the name Lorelei used for people...just in reference to the mythology associated with it or the place, Loreley Rock. They said, in essence, it would be like naming your child "Snow White" or some other fable name. Should this deter me from using the name? I still love the name, but one of the reasons I wanted to use it was it for its Germanic roots. I live in the U.S., so should it even be a concern that it's not a name used in Germany or Austria? Please help me resolve this! I don't want to give my child a name like Cinderella or Snow White...Is this what I would be doing?
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-14-2005
Tue, 04-25-2006 - 4:01pm
Unless you suspect that your child is going to wind up spending a significant amount of time in Germany/Austria, I really don't think this is an issue. The intention is the honor the culture, and I think this name does that. Moreso than just choosing a random German name that is popular there, actually. Besides I think the name is well-known enough in the US that by the time she's an adult, Germans/Austrians won't be surprised to hear it. My ex is German (born and raised, and lives there again now) and she's quite familiar with the show Gilmore Girls. I don't recall her ever making a big deal out of the characters name. And she would definitely speak up if she thought it was an odd name choice.



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iVillage Member
Registered: 01-18-2006
Tue, 04-25-2006 - 4:50pm

Annie,

Thanks for the input. It definitely helps to know that. I probably shouldn't stress over it so much. I just don't want my child to be the object of ridicule, especially over something like her name, KWIM? That's one thing I actually do have control over. I don't want her to be the next "Suri" - a name that been the center of much controversy about its origins and current meanings... :)

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-14-2005
Tue, 04-25-2006 - 6:51pm

I totally understand the obsession. It's much better to think about it too much now than not to worry and wind up with a name that seems ridiculous to native speakers, etc.


I think that even if Lorelei isn't a common name in Germany, the idea of naming a child after a mythological creature is a long-held tradition. I'd equate it less to Snow White and more to Athena, Freya, Avalon or Odysseus.


It's a beautiful name. I really don't think you have anything to worry about.




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