Griselda?

[Saturnalia]

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

But what do people think?

Ok, I am weird, yes, but I don't hate it. It sounds a bit slim and dark and glamorous, belongs in the same place in my head as Greta.

I agree grizzly/grim etc is a problem though. How about Gisella or Ginevra, or even Guinevere.

Now I have heard of patient Griselda (it's vaguely similar to tales like Winter's Tale, I think), but that sort of thing doesn't bother me, lots of similar tales for many names. I think the 'grizzly' comments are the most concerning.

I know what Legend of Zelda is now, thanks for link, but I don't think it's a negative association particularly?

Dreadful, awful, horrible

I honestly don't dislike the name, it's got a fairy tale feel to it. It's just the possible abbreviations that are crap. I think Zelda is nice for a first name, and Griselda is fine for a middle name, especially if it means a lot to you. People are being weird about it here IMO.

I rather like it, I know two, one Zelda and one Grizelda. Neither British, both elegant, sophisticated and really lovely women.

Go for it.

Not a fan sorry, have you considered Gisela? (hard G.. Geeeeeezella)

Seriously???!!!

It's ugly

It makes me think of a pretty young witch in a long velvet frock with a beautiful black feline familiar called Mr Beelzebub

However I am a big fat Goth so that is a positive recommendation in my book

I know a baby Giselle which though its not my cup of tea is less harsh sounding.

< Lowers tone >

Jilly Cooper - Riders - Griselda Hubbard.

Ugly. Unpleasant. Selfish. Nasty. Undermining. Gets a groin strain "shafting some chambermaid" according to Rupert.

Always thought the name was chosen as it fits the character's personality.

DD has been Grizella today because she has been grizzly! Zelda is ok though.

Nope, horrible.

How about Drusilla?

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.

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

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

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.

Gisella
Giselle
Gazelle
Zelda
Zelka

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

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

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

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

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

Griselda is always the 'baddy'.

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.

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

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'.