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Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

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Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Baby names

Enoch - would it have been like calling the baby Adolf?

49 replies

freelancegirl · 30/10/2012 10:19

It was my beloved nan's dad's name and he was killed in WW1. I didn't dare use it for obvious reasons but I think it's a shame the name has been tainted by Powell and was wondering if the MN names jury thinks it could ever be used again? As a name in itself I think it's really rather good! Unusual, some cute nicknames...

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BartletForTeamGB · 30/10/2012 10:24

Enoch Powell wouldn't be the first thing I thought of if I heard that name and I did need to go to Wikipedia to read up about him anyway!

There are always going to be baddies with every name (that said, I just went to Wikipedia and couldn't find any with DS's name).

The Enoch of the Bible was a very good man and is described as someone who walked with God. He also didn't die but was taken up by God.

So, my opinion is yes, go for it. You have a lovely family connection to it.

Alisvolatpropiis · 30/10/2012 10:54

Enoch Powell would be the first thing I thought of but he is definitely not on par with Adolf Hitler!

If you're worried,maybe put it in the middle?

weegiemum · 30/10/2012 10:55

Enoch makes me think of the man who "walked with God till he could walk no more".

Still don't like it as a name, but it doesn't trigger any nasty connotations for me.

KatoPotato · 30/10/2012 11:00

It makes me think of the St Enoch centre... and it's awful car park!

SecretNutellaFix · 30/10/2012 11:00

I'm afraid I would currently have Enoch "Nucky" Thompson in my mind.
Boardwalk Empire being one of my DH's fave shows.

weegiemum · 30/10/2012 11:02

Lol kato! Hadn't though of that!!

ScaryBeardyDeadyman · 30/10/2012 11:02

I don't remember Enoch Powell trying to commit genocide...

echidnakid · 30/10/2012 11:06

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

freelancegirl · 30/10/2012 11:52

I can see it making a come back too!

There's something quite cool about it I think but a straw poll amongst my friends suggested it was too strongly associated with Powell. And yes I noticed it on Boardwalk Empire. And no I guess Powell was certainly not hitler. My little boy is 15 weeks old and I didn't go for it in the end. Maybe a future one to consider if I have another one. I don't know the Enoch centre but it doesn't sound v nice!

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echidnakid · 30/10/2012 12:12

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

JoanBias · 30/10/2012 12:15

Hardly akin to calling him Adolf. Although people might think you named him after Enoch Powell, which you might find annoying.

alemci · 30/10/2012 12:32

nothing like Adolf. Not keen on the name. Is it biblical.

Abra1d · 30/10/2012 12:34

Enoch Powell was certainly not on a par with Hitler.
Anyway, people call their children 'Joseph' even though Josef Stalin was as evil as Hitler.

Ephiny · 30/10/2012 12:36

I would think of Boardwalk Empire and Enoch Johnson/Thompson.

Isn't there an episode where someone's thinking of naming their baby after him and he says not to inflict it on the poor child? :)

I'm not keen on it regardless of associations tbh.

CaptainHoratioWragge · 30/10/2012 12:39

I wouldn't think of Powell,

I would think of the biblical Enoch (Genesis 5) who walked with God..

freelancegirl · 30/10/2012 12:43

I was probably being a bit tongue in cheek when saying it was like Adolf and yes there are all sorts of nasty people with normal names. I guess it is because I couldn't think of any other Enoch's except Powell and the chap from Broadwalk Empire! Am sure if I looked it up there would be others. It is perhaps still a bit unusual for me anyway.

Little boy is Sebastian :)

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freelancegirl · 30/10/2012 12:43

ANd the bible of course, sorry

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alemci · 30/10/2012 12:44

Enoch Powell didn't murder anyone or orchestrate mass genocide. he just questioned immigration as did alot of people at the time and was a fall guy

Coconutfeet · 30/10/2012 12:46

I know of a 4 year old Enoch, so maybe it is making a comeback. Have to admit Enoch Powell was the first thing I thought of though.

freelancegirl · 30/10/2012 12:54

Coconut! Helloooo! Am stuck to the sofa with a grizzly DS hence the random chat.

A four year old Enoch? Maybe it is coming back. I do think it could really grow on me.

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MarthasHarbour · 30/10/2012 12:58

hmm sorry i dont like it, my first thoughts were Powell.

Not akin to Hitler no, but i see where you are coming from in that there are negative connotations. but then i am an old gimmer

Alisvolatpropiis · 30/10/2012 13:15

freelance congratulations! Sebastian is a great name! :)

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popsicle1984 · 30/10/2012 20:59

A friend named their son Enoch a few months ago, so could well be making a come back!

echidnakid · 30/10/2012 22:58

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

freelancegirl · 30/10/2012 23:15

Thanks everyone! ooh and another Enoch. A come back could definitely be on the cards. If we see it on next year's top 100 remember you heard it here first :)

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