My husband and I really struggle choosing a boy name. I love names that are unusual, but not too out there. Mostly names that don’t get used very often but perhaps are old or just out of use. Names that definitely aren’t in the top 100. I also love surnames as first names. My husband’s choices all seem very mundane to me.
The other day he suggested the name Dillinger. I love the sound of it but it was the last name of one of [name_u]America[/name_u]’s biggest, baddest gangsters. What I would like to know is would that bother you? Is it a very old reference that I shouldn’t be bothered by. It’s the only name that we can both get behind. I’m only caught up on it because of the association.
As it’s the only thing that comes up when you google the name and it isn’t a positive association it would be enough of a reason for me to really think hard about it. If it’s a family name I’d say go ahead, that’s always an explanation but if not it does seem a bit strange to be using exactly this last name as a first name.
I have to agree that the strongest reason to use this name would be if it was a family name for you or DH. The gangster association is the first thing that shows on Google and seeing as it is not currently ranked anywhere near the top 1000, it is hard to dissociate.
I like the sound of Dilinger!
I don’t actually think the reference is strong enough to be a problem. Were it more recent history or a name everyone young and old associated with something negative than I would say no, but honestly I think this one is safe enough. In this case the notoriety of the historical figure in question has really diminished over time.
The association is faded and not recognized as immediately. But still, you’re greeted with loads of “Dillinger Gang / Terror Gang” results when searched. This is also its ONLY famous/significant connection, making it harder to dilute its background.
Since its extremely rare, you could alter the spelling to help isolate it from the connection. You could also relegate it to his middle name. Family connections would be ideal, or perhaps an odd honor for a [name_u]Dylan[/name_u]?
Personal Opinion: The sound is nice/unique/easy and its one of a kind. I’d say its safe with caution.
Honestly, the name is a bit much and is pretty ostentatious to me. The reference to the gangster is quite obvious and pretty right in your face about it too. I think I’d keep looking. Maybe [name_m]Dillon[/name_m] [name_m]George[/name_m] could be a good compromise?
My first thought was, “Wasn’t that a gangster?” It’s a little like Capone.
On the other hand, I do love the sound of it. I think it sounds masculine without being overbearing. It’s unusual without being weird, hard to spell, or impossible to pronounce. It’s also reflective of currently popular names like [name_u]Dylan[/name_u], so it has a familiar-as-a-first-name feel to it.
I think it would be fine to use Dillinger, even though people will or might connect it to [name_m]John[/name_m] Dillinger. But, I’d suggest trying to find something else that hits those same style points without reminding people of Gatling guns.
On one hand, I’m think it might be a bit much. On the other, I’m thinking… what’s the worst that could happen? Someone says, “wasn’t that a famous gangster?” That’s not that big of a deal, plus, people might not even think of that. The worst I can think of is that it somehow inspires the kid to grow up and do gangster activities or something. But I bet that’s a pretty rare possibility.
I personally have a criteria for meanings: if it’s got a main association that I wouldn’t want to have for myself, I wouldn’t use it for a child. But I’m sure there are names out there that had poor associations that eventually faded out with use. Who knows! I guess it’s all about weighing what might matter most to you.
I’m assuming you researched the name because you’re considering it, but I don’t think most people would know that about the name. I didn’t. I think the name sounds strong. It’s easy to spell, pronounce, and it’s uncommon! I say go for it!