Second Thoughts about Lorelei - help!
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| Sun, 04-23-2006 - 9:49pm |
I've been really second guessing myself about using the name Lorelei. I looked on several German web sites and I can't find it on the list anywhere as far as popularity is concerned. It doesn't seem like it's a name that's used in German-speaking countries, and yet the name itself has German origins. That kind of worries me. Is there something about the name (perhaps the siren association) that causes people to not want to use it? Is it just because more and more countries are going with classic/multi-cultural names (Julia vs. Wilhelmina)?
I just don't want to be one of those people who chooses a name based on one thing, and it ends up having completely different associations. One of the reasons I like Lorelei is for its Germanic roots (I'm half Austrian). But if they won't even use it, what does that say about the name? Can anyone help me??? Please!!! I'm also second guessing myself about the spelling - Lorelei, Loralei, Lorelai? Which one???
*Obsessive Compulsive Namer

I can't really help you on its usage or lack thereof in German-speaking countries, but I do believe that Lorelei is the accepted spelling.
I would agree though that there may be a trend internationally to more multicultural names, or at least to names that are popular in English-speaking countries. The few top 50 lists I have seen from non-English-speaking countries have contained lots of names that were all too familiar to me as an American, interspersed with a few names more unique to the country/region.
OK, I just asked my DH, who studied abroad in Germany for his senior year of high school, and he said he never encountered anyone with the name, and the mythological connotation did immediately spring into his mind. But he says to be aware that he was only there for a year, and only in a very limited area, so this doesn't mean it's not used there.
That's all I know! Good luck finding information. I must say, though, to me the mythological connotation is not at all off-putting. A dangerous yet romantic water-maiden -- just the sort of thing I've always been drawn to in mythology.
~Erin
My thoughts on it are just my thoughts so look at what I say but do what you think is right. Lorelei is a beautiful name. If you like it then go with it. In all honesty there are a ton of people who never look into the meaning of names, if they see a name they like they use it. I'm that way. As long as I like the name that's what I'm going to use meaning or not. It could mean spawn of satan and if I thought the name sounds beautiful that's what I'd go with. :-) Don't stress enjoy picking out names. If all else fails go and look into other names and do a top ten list and pick the one that you and people you really care about pick. Rate the names and go with the highest rating. But don't stress remember it's not healthy. :-)