We have a son named [name_m]Amos[/name_m] and a daughter on the way we’d love to name [name_f]Annie[/name_f]. However, saying ‘[name_m]Amos[/name_m] and [name_f]Annie[/name_f]’ together sounds awfully close to ‘[name_m]Amos[/name_m] and [name_u]Andy[/name_u]’ - an old radio show that is now generally acknowledged as racist and offensive. Would it be weird to have siblings named [name_m]Amos[/name_m] and [name_f]Annie[/name_f]? Or would no one else think about the show and we are just overthinking it?
Thanks for your honest opinion!
I’ve never heard of that radio show before. I looked it up and it ended in 1960, so if anyone made that connection, I think it’d mostly only be older people.
Either way, it’s not like you want to use the name [name_u]Andy[/name_u]. I think [name_f]Annie[/name_f] and [name_u]Andy[/name_u] are very different names. Besides, your kids aren’t going to be addressed as “[name_m]Amos[/name_m] and [name_f]Annie[/name_f]” all the time. They’ll be in separate classes, etc.
So I think it’s totally fine to use the name [name_f]Annie[/name_f]! If you’re worried though, then maybe you could find a longer/different name ([name_f]Annabel[/name_f], for example) and use [name_f]Annie[/name_f] as a nickname.
[name_m]Amos[/name_m] and [name_f]Annie[/name_f] did sound familiar but I did not immediately think of that show. They are very sweet together. This is a tough call, I would say go for it but listen to other nameberry members to see what the consensus is.
I know of the show but I don’t think it’s a deal breaker at all. That is such an old show and most people aren’t aware of, or would connect to the current thoughts on it, and it would be a shame for you to dump a name you love based on that. Use the name you love but I would suggest a more formal name such as [name_f]Anneliese[/name_f] or [name_f]Anne[/name_f] and use [name_f]Annie[/name_f] as her nickname.
I’d never heard of the show, but I don’t think it’s a huge problem. Like previous posters suggested, you could always use a longer name. Also, you could say [name_f]Annie[/name_f] and [name_m]Amos[/name_m] instead of [name_m]Amos[/name_m] and [name_f]Annie[/name_f] if you’re really concerned. Overall, I wouldn’t worry. Use [name_f]Annie[/name_f] if you love it.
I love the name [name_f]Annie[/name_f] (and [name_m]Amos[/name_m], too!), but this is completely a generational question. Most boomers and older would make the immediate association. I would certainly go with your gut.