[name_m]Hi[/name_m] there. In my search for a name, I’ve come across one that I really like-- [name_m]Gilles[/name_m]. I think it’s perfect. It sounds smart and elegant, and it speaks to my family’s [name_m]French[/name_m] background.
There is a problem with this, though. I looked the name up, and I happened to find out about a [name_m]Gilles[/name_m] de Rais, a [name_m]French[/name_m] serial killer from the 15th century. It doesn’t need going into-- the thing is, he was absolutely despicable. It would be one thing if it was a common name, there are killers by all names, but he’s the only famous [name_m]Gilles[/name_m].
But I still like the name, and I’m wondering if it’s alright for me to go ahead and disregard the history. De Rais was nasty, sure, but the average person isn’t likely to make the association.
Is this enough of an issue to justify scratching the name?
I think that’s up to you. I like the name dahlia and I am troubled by the dark connection considering how uncommon the name is. For that reason I consider possible [name_f]Thalia[/name_f] just because of that even though I like it less. I want to say people won’t likely ever think of that connection in your case but I think sharing my feelings from a similar consideration might help too. Now that said I didn’t make the connection google did and it might depend where you live? Now if it bothers you specifically, clouded the name in any way, then you might want to really change it?
The average person would not hear that name and connect it to a murderer from the 15th century.
The nameberry description of the name also says that it’s the name of both a french actor and french fashion photographer, so the killer is not the only possible connection. Also, ppl name their kids [name_m]Jack[/name_m] and nobody says ‘oh like [name_m]Jack[/name_m] the Ripper?’ and he’s way more well-known.
That being said, if it does bother you (which it kinda sounds like it does…) I suggest using a similar name like the pp suggested. You could even drop one of the L’s and go with [name_m]Giles[/name_m] (esp since it’s the direct variation ;p )
You gotta go with what you can feel comfortable with, if it’s too stuck in your mind the connection between the name and the killer, then you should look for something else.
I don’t think most people have hard of [name_m]Gilles[/name_m] de Rais, so the question is: does it bother you? I can’t answer that question for you. If you think of a serial killer when you hear the name [name_m]Gilles[/name_m], it’s not usable for you anymore. If you can get past that, there’s no problem at all.
I think it’s good to consider it, but I don’t think this one should stop you. I know [name_m]Gilles[/name_m] outside of the De Rais context - meaning, he is not my first let alone only association. Many people will have never heard of him, plus, it’s a family name so you actually have history on YOUR side. I say go for it
