Anastasia - do you think 50 SObloodyG?

[diggerdigsdogs]

Dh and I were quite comfortable with Anastasia as a baby name for dd3 but with all of the hype for the 50 shades of grey movie we've realised its the same as the female lead.

Do you think of 50 shades for this name? Does it/ would it put you off?

[OddBoots]

I've never read the books or seen the film but yes, a baby born now and named that would make me wonder if they were a 'shades' baby.

[lastnightiwenttomanderley]

I think of Russian aristocracy (in a good way).

Haven't read 50 shades but seriously think it will all blow over and be a distant memory in a few years. It wouldn't bother me.

[newrecruit]

I think now, yes probably but in a few year's time, not so much.

Personally, I think it's a bit pretentious without being original (sorry)

[qazxc]

No, it made me think more along the line of Russian princesses.

[Lagoonablue]

Lovely name. Shame it has the 50 shades link now. You could use it but shorten to Annie or Anna.

[AuntieStella]

I wouldn't have made the connexion (having never read the books and with no intention of seeing the film).

It's a lovely name.

How many of your circle would have read the books?

[diggerdigsdogs]

I don't know tbh Auntie. I read the first book out of curiosity but spent more time throwing the book at the wall than reading the awful tripe. I had totally forgotten it was her name until DH and I were watching a review on a TV program.

I don't want people thinking I have a shades baby

Dd1 is Seraphina and named after the patron Saint of a town we spent a lot of time in years ago. I realise that's sounds ridiculously wanky but that's how we heard about the name and we loved it. Anastasia seemed to fit the bill for a similarly pretty name. We also have Iliana or Lilliana on the list plus various others.

[wesH]

Makes me think more of the grand duchess anastasia, the murdered Russian princess. But tbh, I don't think its such a a nice name anyway and there are plenty of other names out there along the same vein (regal, long and quite 'posh') so if you're worried about people thinking of that shitty book, try a different name!

[IAmNotAPrincessIAmAKahleesi]

If I knew someone with a newborn Anastasia I would think they had named her after the book/film, even though I think it's a lovely name

[BMO]

TBH I think it's a bit pretentious unless you are a Russian aristo anyway, and now it has the 50 shades association too.

[BMO]

How about Anouska?

[smallandimperfectlyformed]

I think 'I'm Outta Love' singer! And I quite like both the singer and the name and isn't the lead in 50sog called Ana most of the time anyway?

[Wailywailywaily]

I had no idea that it is the lead characters name

Its a lovely name and the film will be ancient history in a year or so.

[Alisvolatpropiis]

I'd think of the Russian princess.

It is a lovely name but I don't think it works well in the UK personally.

[diggerdigsdogs]

We are out of the UK Alis.

I knew some awful Anouskas at school BMO.

Hmm... Thanks everyone, will keep on looking and thinking. Only 7 weeks to figure it out...

[soonverysoon]

I immediately thought Russian Princess - I didn't even know it was a name in the book or the film (the former is already remnant bin fodder and do you remember the names of the characters in 9 1/2 weeks - a film with a similar theme in the 80s?).

If you're going to worry about it though, then maybe Tatiana instead - her sister's name? Or Antonia - slightly less frilly but still very pretty?

[Alisvolatpropiis]

In that case, go for it op!

The only reason I say it doesn't work in the UK (in my opinion) is the need people have to shorten it to Stacey.

It does go nicely with Seraphina.

[Iliveinalighthousewiththeghost]

Never read or saw 50 shades of grey. Rightly or wrongly no burning desire to either,. Haven't lived have I.!
So obviously I wouldn't connected the name Anastasia to it.
It makes me think if Cinderella's step sister and in equal measure the singer.
It's a nice pretty name.

[IsadoraQuagmire]

soon One of my cats is named Anastasia (for the Russian grand duchess - It was a toss up between that or Tatiana)
I know nothing about 50 Shades of Grey and I intend to keep it that way!
OP I have a teddybear named Seraphina, we must have similar tastes in names!

[bluewisteria]

It made me think of one of the step sisters in Cinderella, who I believe is called Anastasia.

[ChickenMe]

I didn't realise the connection with fifty, just the Russian link. I like the name too. It seems very regal. Tatiana, Natalia, Zinaida, Marina, Ecaterina, Larisa, Olessia and Tamara all fab names. Makes me think of Soviet-era. If I could get away with Zinaida I would!!!

[bullseyebraces]

Lovely name. The film will be forgotten about. I had no idea the character was Anastasia. It makes me think of the fabulous fiesta Anastasia Krupnik.

[vestandknickers]

I didn't know it was a 50 Shades name.

It is beautiful. Makes me think of glamorous Russian royalty!

[twainiac]

I have a DS called Christian - named way before 50 Shades - but I have to say, I don't like the association. In a few years time I doubt it will be an issue.......

[twainiac]

Posted too soon! I love the name Anastasia, strong and feminine, I wouldn't let it put you off!