Mumsnet Talk

We have chosen a name for ds2 due in a few weeks. I did a quick google to check the name with our surname and it came up with a notorious serial killer from the early 1900's I'm not sure if this is a problem or not.

I had never heard of this man before so WITHOUT googling do you know a serial killer with the first name Albert?

Albert Fish.

From what I remember he killed little boys and sauteed and then ate their body parts.

If it's any consolation I know a lot more than most people about serial killers.

Wasn't the Boston Strangler called Albert? A bit more modern than the early 20thC though!

I was gonna say Albert Fish.
Also Albert DeSalvo confessed to being the Boston Strangler although was only convicted for rape.

Didn't Fish insert needles into his genitalia too?

<also knows too much about Serial Killers to be normal>

Yup PC. And inserted wads of petrol-soaked cotton up his jacksy and then lit them to get himself off.

A very odd Fish.

Definitely don't associate Albert with serial killer.

Prince Albert...er that's about it for associations.

no I didn't, slightly disturbed by Bunny and Clown now though!

Hmmm this could be a problem then! It doesn't worry me that this horrible man had the same name but I don't want the first people think about when they hear ds's name is "oh that's a serial killers name"

We have been calling the bump Bertie for weeks and it has kind of stuck and we now both like it.

Now you've said Prince Albert wigeon I'm thinking Prince Albert piercing

Very odd indeed. But that why I'm fascinated. Is it a product of their upbringing or are some people just 'born bad'?

Sorry Moojie..you've started us off!!

I never had until I googled Albert Fish - omg

I wouldn't let it put you off the name, my late FIL was Albert and was lovely and I really don't think many people would immediately think 'serial killer' when they hear that name. The only name I would do a double take at would be a girl named 'Myra' because Myra Hindley - which is a shame as I think it's actually a very pretty name.

Albert Einstein is the only association I have. Does it really matter?

Moojie you're going to be hard pushed to find a name without some (albeit obscure) negative connotations. The name's fine, enjoy it and enjoy your little one.

albert desalvo. But I don't think anyone necessarily thinks of him when they hear 'Albert'.

If you were googling the name Albert and your surname together then I would definitely not use the name Albert if that's what came up.

If your surname is not Fish then there is no problem

Thing is anyone with any of this sort of knowledge could link a name to a weirdo/criminal. When I was pg I told my friend I was thinking of the name Ryan, and she said "oh you can't call him that, what about Michael Ryan who shot all those people." It was the first thing that came to her mind but for 99% of normal people it wouldn't be.

I'd never think serial killer. You're safe with Albert, I reckon.

I wouldn't worry though. There are plenty of kids called Fred, Peter, Myra, Ian etc and I really doubt that's the first connection people make.

urgh I forgot about Fish - he killed a 12 year-old girl and sent a letter to her mother.

Umm the problem is we have the same surname Like I say I don't have a problem with it personally but I just wondered how many people had actually heard of him for it to be a problem.

We could find another name if it was an issue but I just don't know!

Albert deSalvo sprung staight to mind (though not convinced he is a 'true' serial killer)

If his name will be Albert Fish then I would avoid and go with bertam or Bertrand with nickname Bertie

People (especially when at school!) will google and then make fun of him! he will forever be linked and it sounds like there is plenty of mileage for teasing

If your surname is not Fish then I wouldn't worry and go with Albert (unless it is Speer)

Don't use it. Albert Fish is quite well known and appears in an awful lot of those serial killer books

Well, you can always guarantee you'll learn something on mn. If I hear Albert I think of a victim - not a serial killer poor Albert