The following conversation just took place in our house:
DH: What do you think of [name_f]Celeste[/name_f]?
ME: It’s pretty, but it reminds me of Molest…
At this he burst out laughing for about 3 minutes straight and starting making a bunch of jokes about it. Fine, but I seriously can’t shake the association. It’s just what I think of when I hear the name. I’m worried it’s an unfortunate word to rhyme with and therefore could result in horrible teasing. He thinks kids will tease any name. [name_u]True[/name_u], but why make it so easy for them?
Anyway, I’m just posting here because I told him that I surely can’t be the only person who thinks this about ‘[name_f]Celeste[/name_f]’ and that I would post on Nameberry to find out. He thinks I’m crazy.
So, anyone else agree, or do you all think I’m crazy too?
I’d never thought of that, but that’s probably because of the different ways of spelling them so they don’t appear as if they rhyme (like if Ceelste was spelled Colest for example).
I find Celeste beautiful and magical, I don’t think of molest at all… I saw a comment on BTN from someone saying Celeste reminded them of the word incest, (hadn’t thought of that EVER either until I saw it mentioned), again I dunno why people specifically choose Celeste to find words that have the same end sounds. Celeste is a wonderful name for a girl in my opinion and I like the nn Cel. I dunno why anyone would associate it with molestation. ~
I don’t think any kids would tease a Celeste about her name, most children would not think of that at all until they are significantly older, IF at all, and by that time they will have the maturity not to joke/tease about something (molestation) so inappropriate and the knowledge to know to control themselves in order so they do not get sent to the principal’s office.
I don’t know why, but that’s just what it reminds me of. I think it’s a very pretty name, but that’s the one thing that puts me off it. However, it is interesting to get everyone else’s feedback as it is encouraging. It makes me realise it’s probably not as big a deal as I think it is.
It’s never reminded me of molest, but I don’t think you’re crazy. I’ve always been reminded of celestial objects. [name_f]Celeste[/name_f] isn’t a name I’m particularly fond of but it’s not terrible.
I think of something astronomical or even heavenly. [name_f]Celeste[/name_f]'s pretty. I understand your concern though. I have a similar issue with [name_f]Margot[/name_f], [name_u]Sloane[/name_u], etc, but never [name_f]Celeste[/name_f].
Yes! It has always sounded like molest to me, and I really dislike it because of that! So many of my friends seem to love it (although only for characters at the moment), but I don’t get it. Okay, it’s got a nice meaning, but I personally find the sound really off putting. I guess it’s one of those well liked names that just don’t appeal to me.
It never even occurred to me. I can’t imagine it occurring to kids. As another poster said, someone significantly older might make that association (even then, I think it’s a longshot) and by then, they’d most likely be mature enough to know not to joke or tease about a thing like that.
I never thought about it before. Although it does rhyme I wouldn’t make the association. I don’t think it is a likely source of teasing as young children who would most likely care about things that rhyme wouldn’t necessarily know what molest means. I don’t think you are crazy for thinking that but I just wouldn’t make the association.
Hmm. I hadn’t thought of it before, but now I probably won’t forget the association. There are definitely certain names that spark certain people’s thoughts…my ex was sure that kids would call our daughter “Queer-sten.” No one ever did, although I’m not sure if that’s because she switched to a nn by age 8. Although, come to think of it, her nn rhymes w/a common swear word & no one’s ever called her that. OTOH, my maiden name is pronounced Crone, & my classmates in elementary school used to say to me that when I grew up I’d be an old crone. Pretty sophisticated humor for that age, [name_f]IMO[/name_f]!
In the case of [name_f]Celeste[/name_f], perhaps it’s better to look for a name w/either the same meaning or similar sounds, but one that avoids any two-syllable word that ends in -est. Good luck!
It has always sounded like molest to me. I read a book a few years back with a girl named [name_f]Celeste[/name_f] and I couldn’t stop hearing molest in my head.
I’ve seen others raise this objection to [name_f]Celeste[/name_f], so no, you’re not the only one and definitely not crazy. Pity that the name and word rhyme.
Interesting feedback. Another friend of ours also said he has the same reaction to the name Chestor (Chestor the Molestor) which I would NEVER have thought of. It’s interesting isn’t it?
Also, several friends have said they think of the TV show Babar the Elephant when they hear the name [name_f]Celeste[/name_f] (my DH admits that’s where he got it from, sigh). We’re not pregnant yet, but planning (TTC for me has to be a majorly, planned thing with neurologists and doctors etc). Hoping for the end of this year.
We do have other names we like better though which is a good thing.
Thank you all for your feedback, it’s been very helpful.
I absolutely think [name_f]Celeste[/name_f]-molest but I try not to because I think it is a pretty name. I also think of [name_m]Chester[/name_m] the Molestor.
Anyway - my way around [name_f]Celeste[/name_f] was [name_f]Calista[/name_f]. Maybe that would work better for you?
I never saw it, but I’ve never been a huge fan of [name_f]Celeste[/name_f] to begin with (even though I’d like to be!). Then again, I don’t really see negative similar names to words, and even after they’ve been pointed out to me, they don’t really bother me ([name_f]Viola[/name_f]/violate, [name_f]Violet[/name_f]/violent, [name_f]Sadie[/name_f]/sadist, [name_f]Charlotte[/name_f]/harlot, etc.). So while I’m not crazy about [name_f]Celeste[/name_f], the similarity to “molest” wouldn’t really keep me from it if I did like it. Besides, I feel like that’s a pretty big (and offensive!) word for kids to tease another kid with. I feel like little kids wouldn’t even think of it, and teenagers would (hopefully?!) realize how offensive and terrible rape and molest are. Most of the teasing I’ve heard of is related to some pop-culture tie (like [name_m]Casper[/name_m] the Friendly Ghost, etc.).
But I could be wrong.
That being said, I agree with @sigma; you’re not crazy for thinking of the word! That’s just what you think of. We all associate names with certain things, and if you can’t get the association out of your head, it’s best not to try and force it. Sure, [name_f]Celeste[/name_f] is a nice name, but if it’s not for you, it’s not for you.
Pretty sophisticated humor for that age, [name_f]IMO[/name_f]!