Should I use the name Lorelei?

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-18-2006
Should I use the name Lorelei?
14
Fri, 04-28-2006 - 10:42am

I'm sure you are all sick of my inquiries regarding the name Lorelei. I do really appreciate and value your feedback, though, and I take it very seriously.

In order to get a variety of opinions, I went on to a German baby name web site and asked about the name Lorelei. Many people disliked the idea of using the name, saying it was the name of a Rock and not to be used for a child or just plain "goofy" (that's what I get for asking for opinions, I suppose). Of course, they also said that it is very unusual in Germany to give children the name of a place or country. There were a few people (probably from the younger crowd) that liked the idea. Of course, they had all seen the Gilmore Girls, so it wasn't as strange to them.

Should I take these opinions with a grain of salt? I mean, we are in the U.S. where the name is not unusual to hear. But then again, part of the reason I chose Lorelei was to honor my Austrian ancestry. I just love the way Lorelei sounds, and I think it's a beautiful name. I guess I'm just trying to decide what's more important - honoring my heritage with a "normal" Germanic name or choosing one that I like regardless of opinions and perceptions. I suppose the only time I would have to worry about anything would be if we ever went to Germany or Austria, which is highly unlikely. Or if she was introduced to a native-born German or Austrian. :)

What do y'all think I should do? I really value your thoughts and appreciate y'all putting up with my questions. Your feedback would be appreciated! Thank you!

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iVillage Member
Registered: 07-13-2004
Fri, 04-28-2006 - 10:51am
I think it is a beautiful and elegant name regardless of other opinions. It is becoming popular due to Gilmore, so for that reason I would check to see what it's status is on the SSN website for the last two years...just to make sure she won't be one of 5in her class.
Good luck
Amber :)
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-18-2006
Fri, 04-28-2006 - 10:56am
Amber, thanks for the feedback. As of 2004 statistics, it was 969. Although you would think it's popularity would have risen due to the Gilmore Girls, it doesn't seem to have affected it that much. However, I suppose as the younger generation of Gilmore fans grows up and has children, that could change. I don't think it's an issue, though.
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-13-2006
Fri, 04-28-2006 - 11:07am
Beautiful name... Go for it!
Avatar for shelly888
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-10-2003
Fri, 04-28-2006 - 11:08am
I like it and think it's very pretty.
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iVillage Member
Registered: 10-23-2004
Fri, 04-28-2006 - 12:02pm

I think you should use it if you like it, regardless of what others think. I think it's a great name!

Terra.

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-14-2003
Fri, 04-28-2006 - 12:36pm
Whether or not the name itself or honoring your Austrian heritage is more important can only be decided be you. IMO, you have queried this name so much that it is obviously a name you love. I would go with it. Stick w/ a name you have a passion over regardless of what anyone anywhere in the world thinks about it. If it was a name that sounded absolutely ridiculous & would cause your child embarrassment or stress in the future then I'd advise against the name no matter how much you loved it. But there's nothing wrong w/ Lorelei.
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-24-2006
Fri, 04-28-2006 - 12:58pm
I new a lady that retired a few years ago from the Air Force as a Master Sergeant, which is a very high rank. She was so cute and petite and her name was Lorelei and just loved it. It is southern and happy sounding. Go with your gut, I am facing name difiiculties too.
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-18-2006
Fri, 04-28-2006 - 1:20pm

dixie

thanks for sharing that. it really makes me feel more confident in my decision. let me know if you need a sounding board for your name choices. i can definitely empathize with your struggles. choosing a name that will be with your child for life can be such a difficult decision. it's not easy. good luck in your search!

serendipity

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-14-2005
Fri, 04-28-2006 - 2:31pm

You already know what I think, but I'm going to throw in my two cents worth anyway:



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iVillage Member
Registered: 12-08-2004
Fri, 04-28-2006 - 5:09pm
This is a hard question. I think that if you're using Lorelei because you like the name, then you should use it. But, if your aim is to honor your Germanic heritage, then part of doing that is respecting their naming traditions and using names that are actual names in Germany & Austria. If it concerns you that Lorelei is not a name in Germany, and if you think that you'll continue to be concerned with this, then you shouldn't use it because you'll always second-guess. There are lots of really great German & Austrian names that are actual names: Liesl, Gretl, etc.

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