To think “Offred” sounds nice?

[BackInBits]

I know I am, really.

I’m not pregnant and not considering this name. I’ve read the book and watched the show and I know what it means.

I’m strongly feminist (and I’m told I’m not the fun kind).

But I really must admit that I think it sounds like a lovely name. Am I alone?

Disclaimer: My DS has a lovely, traditional name. Think “Balonz”.

I love the book and the tv series but Offred represents that she is owned by her rapist, so no, do not name your child that. Go with June if you like it enough.

Each to their own but I don't even think it sounds nice. And part of Atwood's decision to use it will not only have been to make the point about ownership but because it doesn't sound good.

And I think Offred as a word sounds like you are pronouncing Alfred wrong.

@Confrontayshunme, as I mentioned in my post, I’m not pregnant and categorically would not name a child that.

I initially thought it sounded nice for a chapter or two, before I saw the pattern. I do not like the meaning.

It just makes me think of the school inspection body.

@ ‘not the fun kind’

@BalladOfBarryAndFredait does a bit. “Meet my baby, Ofsted.”

I did like the sound of the name but definitely would never name my daughter that

In my religion naming a person is a very important task. You cannot name your child something with a bad meaning. If you think about it it makes sense...

It's her slave name.... not nice

@grey12 I said exactly as you did. The only thing I like is the sound and I’d never name a child that.

[quote BackInBits]@grey12 I said exactly as you did. The only thing I like is the sound and I’d never name a child that.[/quote]
sorry, tough day, I'm really tired

I totally get it now. I did think it was very clever choice at the time because it sounds like an unusual name rather than a "of-someone"

I immediately thought 'Ofsted'.

@grey12 I thought the exact same thing! Even Ofglen sort of “passed” as a name (this was when I worked the pattern out). But once we got to Ofcharles there was no missing it.

No, it sounds a bit medieval to me.. like someone with an unpleasant personality.

I prefer Adolf, though I have read the Handmaids Tale

I don't know whatever it's from but I just assumed you misspelled "offered"

Sibling to Baldrick and Ethelred

I understand what you are saying. As a stand along, it kind of works. I don’t think Atwood chose Fred randomly. She picked a name that resulted in a name for her protagonist that sounded somewhat lyrical.

Fred is also not a name particularly associated with strength. So it has additional meaning in its choice. No offense is meant to people named Fred. Connotations of names is a sensitive subject, but when discussing literature and name selection, sometimes it is a necessity.

I've read some insanity on Mumsnet, but this is something else

'balonz'

are you joking

This must be a joke.

@AffableApple in what way? Claiming that something sounded nice even though I don’t like the meaning? I’m impressed I managed to shock so easily.

I also like the sound of “erythromycin” but don’t think it makes a great name. And “sofa”.

Why not go all in & name her 'Ofman'?

@HRMtheQuern

'balonz'

are you joking

This is a reference to an existing thread in Mumsnet Classics. He’s actually named after my father, who has a very ordinary, common in the UK and ROI name.

@dworky

Why not go all in & name her 'Ofman'?

How do so many people think I’m naming a child this?

I explicitly stated in my OP that I’m neither pregnant nor planning to use this “name”.

How are people not understanding the OP very clear post?

I agree, I think it was a clever name for the character and Atwood knows her stuff.

Such a great couple of books, I was gutted when I finished them. Haven't seen the series though, is it the same?