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Baby names

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

Original poster

Enoch?

108 replies

nesday · 12/05/2022 19:11

We are in love with the name Enoch but are concerned that people will immediately think of Enoch Powell.
Many of my friends of a similar age (mid 20s) are baffled by my concern and don't think the connection matters. I've found people a little older are very put off. My mum says there is no way it is usable.

Thoughts? I obviously don't want people assuming DC is named after Powell.

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RandomName130 · 13/05/2022 01:47

@nesday St Enoch Centre is actually a shopping centre where I live so that’s my first though when I hear the name unfortunately 🙈 and as others have pointed out, it’s probably not the best name to go for!

maybe if you tell us what it is you like about the name we can help with some good alternatives 😊 is it an E name you’re looking for? Is it the K sound at the end? 🤷🏻‍♀️

VivienneDelacroix · 13/05/2022 01:44

Oh you can't, OP.

DropYourSword · 13/05/2022 01:44

Enoch being serious, surely?

KayEmAy · 13/05/2022 01:40

My first thought is actually Legends of Shield, my favorite characters name is Enoch!

I LOVE it!

ScrollingLeaves · 12/05/2022 21:47

tulips27 · 12/05/2022 21:33
I immediately think of Powell but I'm older than you, I think what matters more is if people under about 34, 35 make the association.

Tulip, anyone over 10 who reads, watches television history programmes, or listens to radio programmes would make the association.

And probably all black people in the U.K. of any age would make the association.

AnneElliott · 12/05/2022 21:43

I wouldn't use it op. Although I know a couple who have. I'm not sure how they feel about the connection to the politican.

DogsAndGin · 12/05/2022 21:34

Mind sprung immediately to Powell. I’m only 30!

tulips27 · 12/05/2022 21:33

I immediately think of Powell but I'm older than you, I think what matters more is if people under about 34, 35 make the association.

Workinghardeveryday · 12/05/2022 21:26

Howay man. Please don’t call your baby that!!

Crabwoman · 12/05/2022 21:23

Rivers of blood.

Just asked my mid 20's DB who is sitting next to me and he said the same thing.

Don't do it. I'd automatically assume you were a raging fascist.

collieresponder88 · 12/05/2022 21:22
Envy
bringbackthesun1 · 12/05/2022 21:21

I saw it as Eunuch I’m afraid. I think if I heard of someone with that name I’d automatically hear the meaning of Eunuch 😔

Nellle · 12/05/2022 21:20

Mid-30s here. First thought is Enoch Powell and rivers of blood. Then Nucky Thompson.

Many people will think of these things. You need to decide if you care.

Joystir59 · 12/05/2022 21:19

Rivers of blood

ScrollingLeaves · 12/05/2022 21:14

You just cannot use it because of the associations with Enoch Powell.

Your child would suffer
You might almost as well call your child Adolph

Firebird83 · 12/05/2022 21:10

Alternatives…

Ezra
Isaiah
Eli
Ephraim
Josiah
Elam
Solomon
Ezekiel

TheLovleyChebbyMcGee · 12/05/2022 20:42

It also sounds a lot like eunuch.

ncqtime · 12/05/2022 20:40

Yup rivers of blood. Nice

catsonahottinroof · 12/05/2022 20:38

I wouldn't assume you were EDL or racist, but I just don't think it's a nice name. If you say more about what you like about the name then people will be able to give similar suggestions. If you like the biblical theme, then maybe something like Caleb or Elijah?

WeBuiltThisBuffetOnSausageRoll · 12/05/2022 20:38

To be fair, I don't think the name Enoch (and the reach of Powell's reputation) is quite as extreme or universally hateful as that of Adolf. All being well, Powell will be less and less known of by younger people as time goes on. More's the pity, but I can't see that happening with Hitler any time soon.

WeBuiltThisBuffetOnSausageRoll · 12/05/2022 20:35

I would first think of the Enoch from the Bible, but then Powell. Unfortunately, I think more people would have the latter frame of reference but not the former.

How about naming him after Enoch's son? I don't recall hearing any modern-day person - good or bad - called Methuselah!!

rocketfromthecrypt · 12/05/2022 20:32

You may as well go the whole hog and call your baby Adolf.

doadeer · 12/05/2022 20:28

Gosh it's horrible. Makes me think of enoch Powell too (early 30s). Like Adolf you just can't call a child that

MakkaPakkas · 12/05/2022 20:26

I'd assume you were EDL or some other form of fascist leaning right winger. I'm early 40s.

VerifiedBot2351 · 12/05/2022 20:26

I’ve taught a few over the years.