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Baby names

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Original poster

Griselda?

87 replies

Saturnalia · 01/07/2013 15:43

Have been discussing this one for a girl with dh. Possibly for a middle name rather than a first.

But what do people think?

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JacqueslePeacock · 02/07/2013 21:24

I really like it, but it seems I'm in a minority! I seem to remember The Children's Book by A S Byatt has a lovely character called Griselda in it.

MyShoofly · 02/07/2013 15:40

Its really unpleasant IMO (sorry).

I know a Giselle though and her name is lovely - rolls off the tongue in a much more natural manner.

eatyourveg · 02/07/2013 15:26

I lived next door to a Griselda as a child. She was known as Grizzy. Have to say there are far nicer names out there to choose

Karbea · 02/07/2013 15:14

Surely this is a joke, how can you possibly be considering naming a gorgeous little girl such an ugly name?

Still18atheart · 02/07/2013 15:00

It's very ugly sisters from Cinderella sounding imo

Not keen. Also too much of a risk for her nn to to be grizley.

EldritchCleavage · 02/07/2013 14:58

What about Griselle? I know of one.

Moominsarehippos · 02/07/2013 14:49

How is it pronounced? Gitzee?

RightsaidFreud · 02/07/2013 12:07

Isn't Gizzie Erskine (that tv chef) nameed Grizelda and gizzie for short? I don't think its that bad. I think names like natalie or natasha are far worse.

ShadowStorm · 02/07/2013 12:03

I really, really hate this name.

But I guess if you use it as a middle name, you could get away with it, as people don't notice them so much.

Not as a first name though. Definitely not.

WhiteShakette · 02/07/2013 09:56

There is a Griselda Cochrane in the Chalet School books, who is a complex, unhappy, interesting character who eventually finds happiness (in the love of a good doctor, like all CS girls). Unfortunately, everyone calls her 'Grizel', which is pretty awful...

My only gripe with the full name is the awful literary example of Patient Griselda, who more or less legitimated extreme spousal abuse.

LittleRedDinosaur · 02/07/2013 09:52

It's a witch's name

Elquota · 02/07/2013 08:39

How about Zara instead of Zelda?

Moominsarehippos · 02/07/2013 07:50

I guess the OP has the name in mind as it is of a favourite aunt or late friend. Maybe they had a middle name she could use?

As the owner of a 'noteable' name (and witchy middle name - thanks mum and grandma) I would say 'please don't'.

perplexedpirate · 02/07/2013 07:45

Awful. And I love 'weird' names.
Grizzled, gristle, grisly.
No.

sparkle12mar08 · 02/07/2013 07:38

Snort! She'll be laughed at for the whole of her life, lets not be naive and pretend otherwise. You might, just might, get away with it as a second or third name, but a first name? No.

exoticfruits · 02/07/2013 07:25

Griselda is always the 'baddy'.

mummytolucas411 · 02/07/2013 07:13

Griselda is the name of the witch in Hansel and Gretel (well in the film I saw at least), it's really not nice!

BlissfullyIgnorant · 01/07/2013 23:44

Oh! Wasn't Griselda also a witch?
Zelda is ok.
How about, if you need a G, the French Giselle? (Pronounced 'Zhi-zell')

Original poster
Saturnalia · 01/07/2013 23:43

No it is not, propertynightmare. But thank you for your contribution.

OP posts:
propertyNIGHTmareBEFOREXMAS · 01/07/2013 23:27

Surely this thread is a joke? Why would anyone do that to an innocent child? Hmm

bugsybill · 01/07/2013 22:54

Gisella
Giselle
Gazelle
Zelda
Zelka

^^ these are better in my opinion and don't have the grizzly part.

JumpingJackSprat · 01/07/2013 22:54

I prefer zelda on its own ... my firstvthought was the aunt of of sabrina the teenage witch but thats not a bad association. i actually dont mind griselda the more i think about it . id probably use zelda as a first name or griselda as a middle name.

Moominsarehippos · 01/07/2013 22:46

I know a Giselle. I always thing 'gazelle' though.

PipkinsPal · 01/07/2013 22:24

No to Griselda and no to Zelda. Zelda was in Terrahawks, a scabby, ugly, scary witch.

quirrelquarrel · 01/07/2013 22:20

Love the name but then I know an amazing, original and inspirational Griselda (and she's young- twenties). I used to think it was a bit witchy, not very nice, why would anyone choose it etc. Now I appreciate it....it's pretty but strong, not as harsh as "zelda" with Zs in it (tho I like that too!), long enough for a nickname, people have heard of it etc.

Go for it OP! Lovely name, very special.

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