Active discussions

Help protect children from gaming harms.

Take our survey

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Baby names

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

Original poster

I adore the name Damien for a boy, but you know what I'm going to ask.....

42 replies

ChineapplePunk · 21/11/2011 13:44

Is the devil-child association just too strong? Is it insurmountable? :)

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
theincredibequeenofwands · 22/11/2011 18:50

Unless you're a HUGE Omen fan I'd avoid it!

Might find it hard to get a babysitter...........! Wink

"Damien this is just for you.....!"

15 years on and that moment still chills me. I never finished watching the film!

DessieLou · 22/11/2011 12:31

I only know one Damien. He's a complete oxygen thief, even the devil wouldn't claim him.
How about Damon...much nicer in my opinion.

jandymaccomesback · 22/11/2011 11:35

Only ever taught one Damien, and let's just say he did nothing to change my view of the name.

Original poster
ChineapplePunk · 21/11/2011 18:39

You should have seen the "laughs" I got when I was discussing the name Enola on a previous thread.:) Some people were incensed by the fact that I had the audacity to say that names can have degrees of negative connotations, and that, as far as I was concerned, Enola wasn't that bad. IMO, it's negativity was more indirect, than say names like Adolph or Myra, which are shunned for patently obvious and understandable reasons. However, I completely understand, considering the history of the Enola Gay mission, why the name could conjure up negative images for some people. Seems you can't win with some people.

OP posts:
RightUpMyRue · 21/11/2011 16:15

"I just want him to overcome the anti-christ connection"

LOL!! Brilliant sentence. Grin

NewsClippings · 21/11/2011 15:36

Damien Hirst

mathanxiety · 21/11/2011 15:32

The one I know is the exact opposite of the film character, the sunniest and nicest kid you could ever hope to meet.

I think it's more acceptable in Ireland thanks to Father Damien, the missionary to the lepers. I also consider it quite an 'Irish' name just because it has always been semi-popular in Ireland.

StrandedUnderTheMisltoe · 21/11/2011 15:09

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Wordsonapage · 21/11/2011 15:08

or Liz Hurley..dressing that poor boy in wanky blazers and White socks...

birdofthenorth · 21/11/2011 15:03

Damien = devilish

Damon = delightful (unless you hate Blur, I suppose!)

AlmaMartyr · 21/11/2011 13:58

I think devil's child too I'm afraid. Not sure how strong the association is, it might not bother me if I knew a RL Damien but I only know the name from that and Drop the Dead Donkey.

Original poster
ChineapplePunk · 21/11/2011 13:57

I've managed to persuade DH on our girl name choice, but he's just not having it with Damien. The expression "no way!" is often heard. I just want him to overcome the anti-christ connection and see the name for what it really is. However, I know how difficult that must be. :) Shame, it's such a lovely and cute little irish name....

OP posts:
EdithWeston · 21/11/2011 13:54

Yes, I think devil too.

But does that really matter any more? Being a little devil isn't that bad an association.

RightUpMyRue · 21/11/2011 13:52

It's a nice name but yep, Devil's own, I'm afraid.

picnicbasketcase · 21/11/2011 13:51

I agree it is actually a nice sounding name, should've said that, but my mind immediately jumped to the devil's child stuff above.

MamaLazarou · 21/11/2011 13:49

I love Damien. Someone's got to start the revival, might as well be you.

picnicbasketcase · 21/11/2011 13:46

Devils child and Only Fools and Horses, I'm afaid. And if he ever misbehaves it'll raise comments.