I really love the name [name_f]Elsa[/name_f], and I think it works perfectly with our other kids’ names ([name_f]Heidi[/name_f], [name_u]Rhys[/name_u], and [name_m]Griffin[/name_m]). It really has everything I want in a name: it’s short, has international roots, and is uncommon yet recognizable.
However, I’m really worried about the spike in popularity that showed up in the recent publication of the social security baby names for 2014. It went from #528 to #286 in just one year here in the US. I’m fine with using a name within that range, but I’m worried it’s going to continue to climb for several years.
[name_f]Do[/name_f] you think the movie association will continue to influence the popularity of the name, or do you think it’ll have a one-time spike followed by slow movement?
I’ve already been ridiculed by my kids’ teachers for even daring to use [name_f]Elsa[/name_f] (they think I’m some kind of Frozen fanatic or something now), and I can deal with using a name that has a strong movie association, but I think an overly popular name with a strong movie association would be too much.
What do you think will happen with [name_f]Elsa[/name_f]?
I’m not an expert, but I suspect it will continue to climb, but slowly. The strong Disney association will prevent most from using the name. Disney movies tend to stick around, so be prepared for people to mention the movie whenever you introduce your little girl for years to come. I agree that [name_f]Elsa[/name_f] works well with your other children’s names.
I looked up [name_u]Ariel[/name_u] on the Baby Name Voyager for a quick comparison. It looks like that name spiked in the early 90’s, right after the [name_m]Little[/name_m] Mermaid came out, but was never hugely popular. Possibly, [name_f]Elsa[/name_f] will follow a similar trend?
Its really hard to know. We named our daughter [name_f]Elsa[/name_f] (6 months before Frozen was released). She’s almost 2 now. So far, I haven’t heard of anyone using the name. I think most people are afraid to use it now because of the association with the movie and for the most part I think people will stay away from it. I absolutely love the name but sort of feel like the movie ruined the name! Most people assume that I named my daughter after Frozen - I hate having to explain this. I’ve only had one person recognize it as an old name. Though I can’t imagine her having any other name!
I can imagine that it’s extremely frustrating. I would be so annoyed if I used it before the movie and still got asked if the movie inspired the name. What is her middle name, if you don’t mind me asking?