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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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myuterusistryingtokillme · 12/05/2022 20:22

Terrible name. And yes Enoch Powell is what I think

Antarcticant · 12/05/2022 20:21

Eowyn (variant of Owen)?

Original poster
nesday · 12/05/2022 20:10

Thanks all for the feedback, will definitely steer clear. Anyone have any similar alternatives?

OP posts:
ClumpingBambooIsALie · 12/05/2022 20:09

BathTangle · 12/05/2022 20:02

The only Enochs I have known have been black (from Southern Africa) or Chinese - I do find that interesting, given that many people relate it to something with significant racist elements.

Assuming that by "from Southern Africa" and "Chinese" you're referring to people born in those parts of the world, rather than their ethnicity, then why would they/their parents have been concerned about (or indeed have ever heard of) a famous British racist when selecting a name? There's nothing to be interested by, really; those cultural connotations aren't there and Powell is irrelevant.

But for someone born in Britain where lots of people have only heard of one Enoch and it's the Rivers of Blood one, it's a name with really bad associations.

BathTangle · 12/05/2022 20:02

The only Enochs I have known have been black (from Southern Africa) or Chinese - I do find that interesting, given that many people relate it to something with significant racist elements.

Antarcticant · 12/05/2022 19:56

I remember being surprised when my friends kids / teenagers heard of it - eldest would 21 now

I think it has been referenced a lot in the media in relation to BLM. Anti-Racism has been very high on young people's agenda of late, to their credit.

MrsPear · 12/05/2022 19:53

I’m 41 and think rivers of blood - I remember being surprised when my friends kids / teenagers heard of it - eldest would 21 now. No way would I choose it.But your baby your choice.

hattie43 · 12/05/2022 19:43

Horrible

cheapskatemum · 12/05/2022 19:42

I immediately thought of Enoch Powell and his odious racist beliefs and speeches. If you want something similar & biblical, how about Esau?

faithinnature1 · 12/05/2022 19:33

Powell instantly. I would feel not worth risking association. It's a shame that happens

mumsiedarlingrevolta · 12/05/2022 19:33

oh no!! Def think of Powell-much too soon to even consider!!

nocoolnamesleft · 12/05/2022 19:32

Straight to Powell and rivers of blood. I would assume you were a racist, and pity your child (but fear the environment in which they were being raised).

Chaoslatte · 12/05/2022 19:32

I’m 27 and immediately thought Powell. Definite no.

Justcallmeanatm · 12/05/2022 19:27

Obviously you are not serious so stop wasting people's time

LondonQueen · 12/05/2022 19:25

Absolutely not.

Mybobowler · 12/05/2022 19:24

Eeek, no! I'm 32 and immediately thought Powell and Rivers of Blood. I think for most people, that'll be their only frame of reference for the name Enoch - I'd give it a hard swerve.

And I know you weren't asking for opinions, but imo it isn't a nice enough name to justify disregarding the connection with an infamous racist.

Is Errol even vaguely similar? I've always had a bit of a soft spot for it.

mum2jakie · 12/05/2022 19:22

No way is it usable even after all these years. Unless you want people to assume your son's parents are blatant racists!!

Nesbo · 12/05/2022 19:22

Once!

Nesbo · 12/05/2022 19:21

nope. Adolf was also one a perfectly good name.

Saucery · 12/05/2022 19:21

Boardwalk Empire and the fall of angels. I like it.

Antarcticant · 12/05/2022 19:20

Late 40s and first thought was Powell, even though his most infamous speech was before I was born.

User3568975431146 · 12/05/2022 19:20

Powell here too. I'd definitely choose something nicer and less controversial.

Scabbyknackers · 12/05/2022 19:20

Yeah sorry it would be too strong and too unpleasant of an association for me to consider.

AssignedSlytherinAtBirth · 12/05/2022 19:20

It's a biblical name. That was my first thought. I didn't think of Powell. I agree with sunnysaturdaydaffs, people will quickly get used to it. It's unusual but not totally 'out there'.

OhLookCriedNed · 12/05/2022 19:18

Made me think of Boardwalk Empire too.