'Untouchables' - names you absolutely love but just can't use, or can you?

Girl Names
1

I have girls’ names that I love but just can’t use for one reason or another. So, I keep researching other possibilities hoping to find a new penultimate name treasure.

In contrast, I more or less ignore the boy’s names thread on NB because I absolutely adore the name [name_m]Ulysses[/name_m] without question (ergo, no need to look further for in my estimation, nothing tops it for a boy’s name). But with girl’s names, I like so many names that I continue to oscillate between them or I give-up and go back to the “Untouchables” (i.e. names I adore on par with [name_m]Ulysses[/name_m] but can’t use them because they have negative connotations).

So, here I am, beginning to entertain using a name on my “Untouchables” list again because I still love them despite their negative connotations. For example, names I adore but have negative connotations include:

[name_f]Bellatrix[/name_f]
[name_f]Ophelia[/name_f]
[name_f]Morgana[/name_f]
Ostara
Beltaine
Beltania

And more…

Questions:

  • Are these names still off limits?

  • Is it best to stick with names that tick these important 3-boxes: i.e. great sound, great look and great meaning. Or can you choose names that are your favorite names (in terms of sound and look) but don’t have positive connotations?

  • What names are listed on your “Untouchables” list?

Cheers :slight_smile:

2

Wow. That’s a cool list. For me, [name_f]Cassandra[/name_f] is untouchable as pretty as it is. A prophet who is never believed? [name_m]How[/name_m] tragic.

Beltaine is my new guilty pleasure, thanks to you! :slight_smile:

3

The only one I had a “negative” thought about is [name_f]Bellatrix[/name_f]. But I still don’t think it’s untouchable.The untouchable I love is [name_f]Ursula[/name_f].

4

For me it’s [name_f]Jemima[/name_f]. I [name_u]LOVE[/name_u] [name_f]Jemima[/name_f]. And I would use it if it were myself. My husband disagrees, and apparently so does most of Nameberry, insisting it has negative connotations. To me, though, it’s an absolute beauty and it’s so sad that she can’t be loved due to this day and age’s over-sensitivity about the woman on the bottle of syrup.

5

I have [name_f]Bellatrix[/name_f] on my middle name list. The astronomical connection sort of neutralise the crazy witch connection in my eyes. The only reason I don’t use it as a first name is because I don’t want her to lost in the sea of Bellas. :stuck_out_tongue: I also like [name_f]Morgana[/name_f] and [name_f]Ophelia[/name_f] from your list.

On the very top of my untouchable list is [name_f]Narcissa[/name_f]. For the obvious reason.

6

We both loved [name_f]Perdita[/name_f] but my best friend made me promise never to use it as the meaning was just too sad. I agree about [name_f]Cassandra[/name_f] too, but with [name_f]Ophelia[/name_f] I just don’t care about [name_m]Hamlet[/name_m] associations, the name is beautiful and can rise above!

7

Any name that can be turned into [name_f]Addy[/name_f] or [name_f]Maddy[/name_f]. It eliminates some of my favorites - [name_f]Adele[/name_f], [name_f]Adelaide[/name_f], [name_f]Ada[/name_f]. But that’s more based on sound, because [name_f]Addy[/name_f] is really grating to my ear.

Based on meaning or association, a lot of names connected with Abrahamic religions are unusable to me. This doesn’t mean that I’d never choose a name that happened to be in the Bible/Torah/Qoran. Merely that if I liked a name and asked people about it and their immediate thought was that it was biblical, I’d probably reconsider. It’s not an association I want for my children. I love love love Delilah, can’t use it.

8

I think it all depends on how many other associations there are with the name. Like, [name_f]Ophelia[/name_f] is a tragic heroine in [name_m]Shakespeare[/name_m]. But, its a name used in other books, movies, songs etc. People aren’t going to necessarily think of shakespeare first. And even so…I still think its a beautiful name. If it had only ONE association, then yes I think it would be hard to overcome that image.

And if the name didn’t have a great meaning like [name_f]Cecilia[/name_f] (means blind), I dont think that matters too much either. Besides name nerds, the general population isn’t going to know or care. Plus, its not like your child will turn into their name description.

And also…Im sure if you look hard enough. [name_f]Every[/name_f] name probably has a bad association. I say don’t sweat the small stuff. If you like a name, then use it.

9

I really don’t think any of the names that you have listed are particularly “off-limits”.

These names are all something that you can associate with your new child, and not just the negative associations that some may see.

You have a chance to change the thought of the name, and they all have good roots.

[name_f]Bellatrix[/name_f] is such a beautiful name, and is actually on my list! [name_u]Love[/name_u], love, love it.

Unfortunately, I fear that I have some untouchable names.

I have gotten over the fact that [name_u]Kennedy[/name_u], however much I love it, is unusable due to its meaning. No way am I naming my kid “ugly-head.” I still love this name, but will never ever use it because of that.

The untouchable name that I am currently struggling with, and don’t want to let go of is [name_u]Salem[/name_u]. Such a pretty name. Such a pretty meaning. Such a bad reputation.

10

My “untouchable” names are more names that I adore and would use, but my hubby has vetoed or they have some other issues, they include:

[name_f]Isolde[/name_f] - unfortunately my [name_m]BIL[/name_m] is named [name_u]Tristan[/name_u] so it’s a little too close since [name_u]Tristan[/name_u] and [name_f]Isolde[/name_f].
[name_f]Odette[/name_f] - veto
[name_f]Emmeline[/name_f] - veto
[name_f]Francesca[/name_f] - sounds awful with our last name, which is so unfortunate because I love this name.
[name_f]Sephora[/name_f] - the make-up association.
[name_f]Jemima[/name_f] - if I lived somewhere besides the U.S., I would go for it, but it just doesn’t work here.

11

You should use [name_f]Ophelia[/name_f]. It is on my list, the [name_m]Hamlet[/name_m] association doesn’t put me off at all because it is a beautiful name with a literary association. I wouldn’t discount a name I love because of a meaning because to me a nice meaning is a bonus not a deal breaker (maybe within reason though!). With associations I agree with PP that it depends if that is the only association. And also how bad that association is. For example I love the sound of [name_m]Oswald[/name_m] but it has 2 very negative associations that are hard to get past, [name_u]Lee[/name_u] [name_m]Harvey[/name_m] [name_m]Oswald[/name_m] and [name_m]Oswald[/name_m] [name_f]Mosley[/name_f]. So that is an untouchable for me.
It is a shame about the name [name_f]Jemima[/name_f]. Living [name_f]England[/name_f] I don’t have that association at all, if someone says [name_f]Jemima[/name_f] I think Puddle Duck!

12

My SO has a difficult last name (Gr33n) and it makes a lot of names untouchable.

Anything that is a color gets kicked off…( [name_u]Grey[/name_u]/[name_m]Greyson[/name_m], [name_f]Sienna[/name_f], [name_f]Scarlett[/name_f])
A lot of word names I love don’t work either ( [name_u]Winter[/name_u], [name_u]Everly[/name_u] probably won’t work.)

I also can’t use [name_f]Livia[/name_f] and [name_f]Adeline[/name_f] because I have a niece named [name_f]Olivia[/name_f] and a cousin named Addsyn

13

Considering that your favorite girl name is the Lady [name_f]Godiva[/name_f] riding in the buff through the streets, followed by a middle name that begins with “tit,” I think that kind of takes the prize for “untouchable” name. Anything on your list would be less “untouchable” IMHO, if only because it wouldn’t have so much… nudity… in the combo.

14

Something that’s newly on my untouchables list is [name_u]Vivian[/name_u]/[name_f]Vivienne[/name_f]. My boyfriend’s last name starts with [name_u]West[/name_u]- so it sounds too much like [name_f]Vivienne[/name_f] Westwood the British fashion designer. It’s a shame, I really like the name, although it’s starting to get a little too popular for my taste.

15

I think the names on your list are fine. I love [name_f]Morgana[/name_f], and I knew an [name_f]Ophelia[/name_f], so it’s way more usable to me now. In terms of associations, I tend to only focus on how I feel about them, and not how everyone else does (unless the connection is offensive to most or a certain group). For example my favourite girls’ name, [name_f]Pandora[/name_f], most people will associate with bad, evil things, and general unluckiness, because of the myth, or some may think of the brand (which I know not everyone is a big fan of). But despite this I, personally, love it and it shouldn’t offend anyone, so it’s till my favourite. Sometimes it just takes time for me to get over the negative associations I have with some names too, but the other great stuff about them ends up trumping the bad side, until it starts to seem less significant. I’ve rambled quite a bit as per usual :p.

My ‘untouchable’ (for firsts at least) list is:
Arsinoë
Cadmium
Belladonna
[name_f]Odessa[/name_f]
Etsy
[name_f]Medeia[/name_f] (Not entirely sure about this one, it may become usable at some point)
Evangelise
Arachne

16

[name_f]Jezebel[/name_f] is really the only one I can think of, because of the associations that most people have with the name. Oh, also [name_f]Titania[/name_f] because of the beginning three letters, “tit”. And I have a hard time with anything that starts in Cl-, because it inevitably makes me think of the word clitoris? With the exception of [name_f]Clara[/name_f]/[name_f]Claire[/name_f]. Idk why but I’ve heard I’m not the only one.

Other than that, my SO’s last name rules a lot of things out. It’s a one-syllable word name that happens to also be the plural of an article of clothing (hint: one that helps you hold up your pants). Not spelled the same but sounds identical so anything that’s a word, or especially an occupation, starts to sound like a description of the article of clothing lol. Also anything with a strong “[name_f]El[/name_f]” or “[name_f]Bel[/name_f]” sound gets ruled out, because it’s too rhymey. I.e. [name_f]Mabel[/name_f], Belphoebe (literally cried over this one), [name_f]Helen[/name_f], et c.

ETA: Also, I would use Ophelia. It’s a gorgeous name and the connotations aren’t that bad. Then again Hamlet is my favorite play so I’m biased. But I think it’s more usable than Godiva tbh, for all the reasons @saracita00 mentioned plus the chocolate brand…

17

I don’t want to offend anyone as these are actually pretty “normal” names but I don’t think your child would ever thank you for being named [name_f]Prudence[/name_f] or [name_f]Virginia[/name_f]…

Also I can’t help but frown at [name_f]Clio[/name_f], it’s only one letter away from… rrrright. I guess it’s partly because I’m only 18 but I honestly can’t believe that future classmates aren’t going to point out a thing like that.

18

Mine are…

[name_f]Sephora[/name_f]: If only my favorite place to shop was not named [name_f]Sephora[/name_f]. I would not want people asking me if I liked make-up so much that I named my daughter after the [name_f]Sephora[/name_f] chain. I’m really nervous that my number one choice for a future daughter, [name_f]Zara[/name_f], will become unusable for the same reason. [name_f]Zara[/name_f] clothing stores don’t exist in my neck of the woods… yet. Keeping my fingers crossed that if I can’t have [name_f]Sephora[/name_f], [name_f]Zara[/name_f] will stay ‘safe’.

[name_u]North[/name_u]: [name_u]Kim[/name_u] Kardashian. This has been growing on me a lot lately. I think it’s spunky for a girl, I actually like the meaning Kimye has behind the name (highest point in their relationship), and the [name_u]North[/name_u] [name_f]Star[/name_f] / Polaris association. But the teasing with [name_u]Kim[/name_u] Kardashian comments I - and probably my child - are enough to keep this untouchable for now.

[name_f]Titania[/name_f]: I like it, I like the [name_m]Shakespeare[/name_m] connection, but I can’t get past the first 3 letters.

Of your names, I think [name_f]Bellatrix[/name_f], [name_f]Morgana[/name_f], and [name_f]Ophelia[/name_f] are all usable. I’m sorry, I know this wasn’t asked in your original post, but I have to agree with the concern about the [name_f]Godiva[/name_f] [name_f]Titania[/name_f] combo.

19

Ummm, this post just shot Ostara to the top of my for real list!!

20

Loved reading everyone’s honest and helpful comments and lists :slight_smile: xxx

@Raindaygarden ~ so glad you loved Beltaine…and yes, Cassandra is a lovely name but not the most positive of classical mythological figures…btw, your NB moniker “Rainydaygarden” is one of my favorite ones.

@Zpk ~ Ursula is a great name - I didn’t know it had negative connotations…must research that one…cheers.

@Fanciful - I LOVE Jemima too…such a gorgeous name. Yes, it is sweet but also very ‘modern vintage’ if that makes sense…yes, it’s difficult at times finding a name your partner loves too… I know my partner loves the name Scarlett…I think it’s a gorgeous name as well, I’m just not a fan of the character as much as Melanie in GWTW…also prefer the name Melanie.

@C@29 ~ You have a wonderful array of names in your signature…love to read them. And yes, Narcissa is a unique name with a negative etymology linked to narcissism…not sure how to get around that one…sort of like the name Vanity…great sound and look but similar negative connotations.

@Hannahloulou ~ Re Perdita, that’s another name I didn’t know had a negative connotation. I thought it meant Pearl? Or is that another name…I know Marguerite means Pearl but I was sure there’s another name stating with P with the same meaning. And yes, I agree, Ophelia is a great sounding name… a wonderful name to be bestowed…

@Lisaskye ~ It’s interesting how names are interpreted…yes, I agree that if a name doesn’t reflect your belief or value system in some way then it can lose its ‘lustre’… however, if it captures your heart and imagination, it’s also difficult to let go of too…and yes, Delilah sounds lovely.

@Mrs_Anton_Yelchin1990 ~ Thanks for your very sensible and pragmatic advice that my head really appreciates. However, there are ‘murky recesses’ in my mind that feels a name has the potential to carry ‘vibrations’/ connotations that somehow may infuse with my child’s identity/ being (whether superficially or literally)…that sounds silly I know…otherwise, I also wish to give my child a name that personifies virtuous/ positive and/or heroic traits/connotations - something a child can aspire to be or glean some inspiration. Ophelia is a great name but I’m not enarmored with her in Hamlet (in relation to her tragic demise).

As for Cecelia, it’s a lovely name. And I love Cecily too…however, I didn’t know it literally meant ‘blind’. I know there’s a patron Saint of the blind called St. Cecelia but I thought her name meant something else… ya’ learn something new everyday… thanks!

@Simplysarahbeth ~ Great to hear your perspective on these names as not being off-limits. As for Kennedy and Salem, yes, they sound great but might take a “brave” mother to use them without second guessing her choice.

PS Love these great names in your signature i.e. Forrest, Sable, Jasper, Beau, Journey, River etc.

@Jtucker ~ Re your “Untouchables” list:

Isolde - Tristan is gorgeous! And so too is Isolde…but I understand the hesitation in using them both…

Odette - Great name - pitty Hubby says “no”
Emmeline - ditto
Francesca - ditto
Sephora - NMS but yes, too close to a brand name…I guess most people also associate Godiva with a chocolate brand (which I don’t mind so much being a chocoholic).
Jemima - yes, great name…but a no-go for some.

Cheers!

@Wimbledonberry ~ Great to hear you find Ophelia a suitable girl’s name. Yes, I probably am over-thinking it…sometimes it takes hearing somewhere else wear the name ‘well’ or agree it’s a nice name to finally accept it’s really a suitable name too. As for Jemima, love the name…but some do think it has negative connotations…sort of like India…but I love both names.

@Princesshannon ~ LOVE your last name!!! WOW, what a great name to have…I’d have a field day with that one… as far as I’m concerned, you can’t make it sound awful no matter what FN you attach it with…btw, love the double-colour name combo…i.e. Scarlett GRN, Violet GRN etc…wonderful IMHO.

And yes, it’s difficult to use a name similar to a person’s name in your family. In my case, I can’t use Evangeline or Evangelica as it’s similar to Angelina. However, Aurora in your signature is lovely too.

@Saracita00 ~ Haha, thanks for your insightful reply. Yes it seems we have very different taste in names. And yes, your perspective is very interesting/ amusing to me and I daresay a common response I’ve encountered with Godiva…however, I have no reservations with Godiva (which I pronounce God-ee-var not God-EYE-vah). Essentially, I for one love the story of Lady Godiva…and I absolutely adore the many fine historic artworks associated with it, especially the nudes. It just captures my imagination on so many levels. Alas, as you’ve noted, not everyone is smitten by the tale but instead associate it with recent smutty renderings of this heroic and virtuous female.

As for the Tit in Titania, yes I see it too but it just doesn’t bother me like the suicide/ snake connotations in the beautiful name Ophelia…I guess tits/ breasts nourish life which is a good thing in my books - so not offensive at all…besides, I pronounce Titania as Tie-tane-nia not Tit-ane-ia. But yes, I concede there is a lot of nudity/ feminine connotations now that you mention it (which btw, I have no problem with as I love nudes in artwork - testified by my NB avatar). So yes, I do find the name Godiva Titania beguiling in a good way ~ inclusive of the ‘artistic nude’ connotations.

@Minxtruck ~ Vivian/ Vivienne West sounds great to me!! It really sparkles…I totally think you can use it but also understand if you prefer a more unique sounding name as it really does conjure the designer and even the actress in my mind.

@Myosotis ~ Love reading your reply. And yes Morgana shines. As for Pandora, I absolutely love the name… in fact, it’s one of my all time favorite names…I have absolutely no negative associations with it as I think the mythology centers on hope and perseverance in the face of adversity (which I see as being heroic).

Re your “Untouchables” list:

Arsinoë - yes…I agree, untouchable!
Cadmium - I actually think this is lovely, but then I also like Magnesia!
Belladonna - LOVE LOVE LOVE this name…was a serious contender on my list too at one stage, but it’s botanical use is rather macabre. So, yes, untouchable.
Odessa - I’m actually not familiar with the story of Odessa…didn’t know it was negative…must research…I thought it was a seaport…
Etsy - yes, sounds nice… what a 'bout Betsy? Very cute names!
Medeia (Not entirely sure about this one, it may become usable at some point) - Lovely I agree…
Evangelise - I think this is lovely too…
Arachne - ‘Untouchable’ I agree…very harsh sound too…but nice look…

@Greyer ~ Jezebel sounds wonderful…pitty about the meaning! As for Clio, love the name…and I dont see Cli(toris) lol…but strangely enough, I see/ hear Cli(toris) in the boy’s name Clint!! Haha…

Re Belphoebe, it’s a gorgeous name…shame you feel you can’t use it…feel the same way re Bellatrix…my nephews and nieces have vetoed it…

@Melusina ~ Yes, I agree Virginia is pretty…but I do hear Vagina…I guess the same way people hear/ see tit in Titania lol…angina sounds like Vagina too but that’s discussion for another chat board…as for Clio - I don’t see Cli(toris)…so I think it’s safe to use IMHO…great name too.

@Ohluna ~

Thanks for your list:

Sephora: Sephora is nice but I ADORE Zara. I would use it in a heartbeat but a family member named their daughter this beatific name.

North: Great name too…despite the Kim Kardashian association. I guess I don’t watch the show so I still think it’s usable. Love the North Star / Polaris association.

Titania: Yes. I see the tit but I don’t hear it…so it’s still safe with me…

As for Godiva Titania…it’s totally safe and usable for me…but I get how people can be dissuaded by a pop cultural reading of the name…in any case, I do love many “odd ball” sounding names like Eglantine, Hortense etc so it’s just another typical example of my “odd ball” name tastes in motion…thanks for the considered feeback and list!!

@Polaroctopus ~ Wonderful to hear you love Ostara!! Great name. Daphne is a lovely name too :slight_smile: