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Baby names

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

Original poster

Ansel

31 replies

Autch · 12/04/2022 20:05

As in Ansel Adams the photographer, struggling to think of a boys name and love this but is it a bit too Hansel and Gretel? Any other names that suit that vibe?

We are in the US, DH is of German descent but very much American and I am from the UK (but definitely pronounce the H in Hansel so it sounds different to me?)

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AuntTwacky · 15/04/2022 01:19

Sounds like cream for piles

Luredbyapomegranate · 15/04/2022 00:52

Hansel and Gretal was my first thought
It sounds like a parcel service

Chaoslatte · 13/04/2022 16:19

@MothershipG

I think the name is more associated with the actor Ansel Elgort who was really good in Baby Driver & West Side Story but has been accused of sexual assault. It's such a distinctive name that I would be potentially worried about the negative associations.
This was my first thought too.

It’s pronounced differently to Hansel so I didn’t make that link. Hansel (Hänsel) is a diminutive of Hans - what about that?

SeanChailleach · 13/04/2022 16:16

My first thought was Ansells which is a brand of beer and pubs in the West Midlands. So I think of a bunch of grumpy old men sitting around the bar drinking uncool factory bitter.

Enko · 13/04/2022 12:57

Good choice

TheVanguardSix · 13/04/2022 07:37

One of my all time favourite names (and photographers!).

MarianosOnHisWay · 13/04/2022 07:35

My DD is 7yo and there is an Ansel in her class (U.K.)

peranaka · 13/04/2022 07:26

I agree re 'Ansel being a first thought. Anselm is great though (ref Kiefer 🎨)!

toastofthetown · 12/04/2022 21:47

@JenniferBarkley

My first thought was incel, sorry!
Oh dear! I think you’ve just ruined the name for me permanently now!
JenniferBarkley · 12/04/2022 21:41

My first thought was incel, sorry!

AmandaMirandaPanda · 12/04/2022 21:08

I really like it.

Conrad, Cormac, Dunstan, Eamon, Fintan, Kilian have similar vibes to me.

Seashor · 12/04/2022 20:50

I would go for Anselm who I believe was a saint.

yikesanotherbooboo · 12/04/2022 20:43

Adams,I like it.

Runnerduck34 · 12/04/2022 20:43

The first thing that came to my mind was anasel pile cream! - sorry!! However I'm in the UK and pregnancy wasn't kind so I always had a supply of it, it may not be the thing that springs to everyone's mind particularly in other cultures,

Snoopsnoggysnog · 12/04/2022 20:41

I saw Anusol too sorry

inmyslippers · 12/04/2022 20:39

I like it! No idea who ansel Adam's is

princesspq · 12/04/2022 20:39

It made me think of Anusol too Confused sorry!

MrsMoastyToasty · 12/04/2022 20:38

It reminds me of Anselm, which I believe is the name of one of JRees-Mogg's sprogs.

BlancheB · 12/04/2022 20:37

Yes. It is a bit too much Hansel & Gretel since you asked. With a south London accent Smile

Purpleroseas · 12/04/2022 20:35

Ansel is a great name.

Hänsel (& Gretel) is pronounced Hen-sel with an e sound, so completely different

ThroughThickAndThin01 · 12/04/2022 20:34

My immediate thought was Anusol-and I’m not usually childish.

midsomermurderess · 12/04/2022 20:33

Ansel Adams for me too. I like it.

toastofthetown · 12/04/2022 20:31

I quite like it, though I prefer the similar Anselm.

timoteigirl · 12/04/2022 20:23

I have heard of the photographer but would still wonder if I didn't hear the M in the end of the name... What about Alvar?

MrsElm · 12/04/2022 20:22

@daisychainsandrainbows

I immediately just thought 'Ansel and Gretel, sorry.
But is this necessarily such a bad thing?

I think it's a good name, and I hadn't heard of either of the people mentioned up thread.