My grandmother was/is very loved and respected within the family. Although several cousins have used her maiden name as a middle name, nobody has used her given name- [name_f]Ouida[/name_f] (pronounced wee-da). Although they loved her, her name is weird. Since she passed away three years ago, the name has grown on me. I am even starting to like it. Everyone on that side of family has chosen to use mainstream names, within the top 100, so maybe that makes [name_f]Ouida[/name_f] really weird. OR maybe I grew up hearing it, so it’s not as weird to me. I realize that there are ways to honor my grandma that would be more mainstream, but I’m a little bit of a purist.
[name_m]Long[/name_m] winded, but how weird is to other Berries? Is there any obvious teasing potential that I’m not seeing?. Since there aren’t a lot of nn potentials, if I used it I would definitely use a more mainstream middle name
[name_f]Ouida[/name_f] is rather odd to me, I don’t think I’d ever use it as a first name, as it doesn’t seem overly usable imo? However, I think it could work in a middle name.
Comes across really witchy because it is so close to Ouija. I kinda like the witchy vibe, but it is very odd as a name, so better off safely placed in the middle name spot.
It reminds me of the word ouija, like a ouija board. I’m not sure if that’s an offense that makes it unusable though. Apart from the association, I actually like the sound.
Hmm I never thought of Ouija and the witch association. I’m not sure how much that bothers me, but definitely something to consider. That’s why I asked. Better to know now then after a child is given the name
I already commented, but just wanted to add – I never would have thought of the Ouija board association, but I immediately thought of the character Ouiser from [name_u]Steel[/name_u] Magnolias.
Yes!! It does have a Steel Magnolia flair to it. It’s been a long time since I have seen the movie, but I am pretty sure her name was ouisa. I actually like Ouisa too, but I don’t think I necessarily like more. And although I think it would appeal to more people, it’s just as close to Ouija as Ouida is.
Thanks for the input. I have used Rudolf as a first name so I am probably “braver” than most parents. I guess we would have decide if being so close to Ouija bothers us. Luckily I am not pregnant and have plenty of time to decide.
I think it’s kinda cute. However if it were me I think I would use the traditional longer form ‘[name_f]Louisa[/name_f]’ just to give her more options then call her [name_f]Ouida[/name_f]
I don’t mind the name myself. Yes, it is a little odd, and she would likely get a few ‘looks’ due to that, but so what? The name means something to your family, and though there is some obvious teasing potential for the name (wee, weed, ouija), kids will without fail come up with nicknames to tease with from literally the most basic and known name, so I don’t think that’s a big deal at all.
That said, the fact that you are asking, and a little worried about Oiuda next to her cousins top 100 names, might mean moving her into the middle - I find if you’re not 100% confident in a more obscure type name, your little one won’t be either, and it’s harder to ‘pull the name off’ without such confidence.
I agree 100 percent. It drives me crazy when people pick an obscure name and then get upset the rest of us aren’t gushing (I don’t like feeling obligated to gush in general). I think my wording came off as an emotion I am not having.
I am not one wit concerned that the names I choose will be obscure next to their cousins- that’s just a given. I just wanted a broader perspective on the name, mostly to hear teasing potential. I used to love the name [name_f]Lumi[/name_f] until via this site has a derogatory meaning in Spanish. Obviously I am not a huge fan of the weed or Ouija potential, but it doesn’t phase me enough to not use it. Raised eyebrows? I actually enjoy those- not everyone has to like the name. I rather have the honest truth then a fake compliment. However, racial or sexual slurs, I don’t do regardless of what the name means to me.
I will definitely consider that. Generally I’m a purist wh n it comes to honor names and I don’t like [name_u]Eloise[/name_u], [name_f]Louisa[/name_f] and [name_f]Louise[/name_f] have been climbing in popularity. However, I have always loved [name_f]Louisa[/name_f], and it’s not extremely popular. NN [name_f]Ouida[/name_f] would make [name_f]Louisa[/name_f] more distinct and might be a nice way to use two names I love. Something to consider for sure
I don’t see any issue with it! It’s a name you love and an honor name, and those reasons outway any supposed “weirdness” to me.
Full disclosure my kiddo also has a “weird” name and so far it hasn’t been a problem at all. He also has a more conventional nickname but we use that and his full name interchangeably.