Please help!! My husband and I love the name Dahlia Jean, meaning God is gracious in the valley. I am afraid that people won’t be able to disassociate Dahlia with the murder from the 40s, but I honestly had never heard of that until I started liking the name. What are your thoughts about this name?
5 Likes
I’m familiar with the serial killer, but it’s not my first association with the name – the beautiful flower is! With its similarity to names like [name_f]Delilah[/name_f], [name_f]Delia[/name_f], [name_f]Thalia[/name_f] / [name_f]Talia[/name_f], [name_f]Celia[/name_f], etc. I think [name_f]Dahlia[/name_f] would fit right in, and I don’t believe the serial killer association makes it unusable. It’s a really lovely name, with an elegant, sleek sound!
4 Likes
this sounds really weird but I like it because of the [name_m]Black[/name_m] [name_f]Dahlia[/name_f] case, it gives the name some character. [name_f]Dahlia[/name_f] [name_f]Jean[/name_f] is lovely, and you could always give her the nickname [name_f]Dolly[/name_f]
2 Likes
I have no knowledge of the tragedy you’re referencing. (I’m in my mid-30s, living in the Midwest US, if that helps.) I just think of the flowers.
4 Likes
I think of flowers or a local restaurant. [name_f]Love[/name_f] the name 
love [name_f]Jean[/name_f] as middle name 
2 Likes
The black [name_f]Dahlia[/name_f] case was one where an actress named [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f] Short was murdered in Los [name_f]Angeles[/name_f] in the 1940s. It’s really interesting case.
[name_m]Perfect[/name_m] combo! I love the name.
2 Likes
I know of the murder, but I would think of the flower first! and if I met a [name_f]Dahlia[/name_f], I wouldn’t bring the murder up - to them or to the parents. And for what it’s worth, it’s a name that’s risen up the charts in recent years, suggesting others aren’t letting that association stop them 
[name_f]Dahlia[/name_f] [name_f]Jean[/name_f] has such charm - pretty but versatile
2 Likes
I think [name_f]Dahlia[/name_f] is a beautiful name! I hadn’t heard about the murder before. [name_f]Dahlia[/name_f] makes me think of the flower.
1 Like
[name_m]Even[/name_m] though I think of the murder first I think it’s distanced enough now that most will think of the flower first.
1 Like
I really like the name [name_f]Dahlia[/name_f]! I had not heard of the [name_m]Black[/name_m] [name_f]Dahlia[/name_f] association until I saw people talking about it on Nameberry in reference to the name [name_f]Dahlia[/name_f]. I think it’s totally fine and, if helpful, I know a [name_f]Dalia[/name_f] (different spelling but the case doesn’t come up).
1 Like
I think it’s fine. [name_f]My[/name_f] first association is with the flower.
1 Like
I actually have two friends named [name_f]Dalia[/name_f]! It’s a beautiful name and I definitely do not associate it with a murder. If you and your husband like the name, then I feel like you should use it. I love the combo [name_f]Dahlia[/name_f] [name_f]Jean[/name_f] and the meaning of it!
1 Like
Oh love the name Dahlia! I think flowers and it has such a happy feel to it. Dahlia Jean is lovely!
The only thing that makes me hesitate with -ia ending names is pronunciation can vary…Doll-Lee-uh vs. Doll-yuh for example
Any association with the case will be minimal I would think and I absolutely wouldn’t let that stop you from using it! When people meet your Dahlia they’ll associate it with her.
1 Like
I’ve never heard of the murder.
I think of the flower. It’s a nice name and I don’t see any reason not to use it.
1 Like
I know of the case but associate the name with the flower. I’d be careful not to overthink it if you both love it! [name_f]Delilah[/name_f] [name_f]Jean[/name_f] or [name_f]Talia[/name_f] [name_f]Jean[/name_f] could be alternatives
1 Like
I think of [name_m]Black[/name_m] [name_f]Dahlia[/name_f] first, but if people can continue to use names such as Theodore/Ted (Bundy), [name_m]Jack[/name_m] (the Ripper) and so on, then this shouldn’t deter you. It’s a flower foremost, not to mention it wasn’t her name nor is it an uncommon name regardless… I like [name_f]Dahlia[/name_f] [name_f]Jean[/name_f]!
[name_f]Dahlia[/name_f] is a wonderful name! I would consider it for my own child. It’s sweet, delicate and colorful. [name_f]My[/name_f] only association is the beautiful flower.
[name_f]Dahlia[/name_f] [name_f]Jean[/name_f] sounds gorgeous, unexpected and elegant. I love it!
If you love it, please use it!
1 Like
I love [name_f]Dahlia[/name_f]. I have never heard or thought of that association. I am in the Midwest USA.
1 Like
As someone who loves the name [name_f]Bonnie[/name_f] but is afraid of the serial killer reference, I definitely feel you on that one! I think [name_f]Dahlia[/name_f] is beautiful and even if some older folks are aware of the association, kids in their generation probably won’t be. Especially since it is also a type of flower. 