My brother has chosen Gretel for his daughter....

[VioletBlanche]

Is this an okay name?
I am worried that she will be asked "Is your brother Hansel?" all her life...
It is not my fave name but I just want other's opinions

It’s very identifying, what are the chances of SIL being on here @VioletBlanche ? I don’t think I’d be best pleased to find DH’s sibling trashing our chosen name on MN.

Well, I wouldn’t choose it personally, but it’s fine.

Have taught two Gretels over a long teaching career. Nice name. Hardly any kids know the H&G story these days. Never got mentioned with the two I knew.

I really like it too

Love Gretel. We also considered Gretchen. But dh wasn't as keen.

This is why you get pets, or cars, or plants.
You give them the names you love but know you couldn't inflict on a child.
My car is Esmerelda

There's a Gretal at my son's nursery, not my favourite name but not one I'd be worried about

None of the kids I teach know the story of Hansel and Gretel, so doubt it will be an issue

First thing I thought of was The Sound Of Music!

Lovely name. Unusual and strong and gorgeous! From Margaret/Marguerite like a daisy.

@FluffyPJs

None of the kids I teach know the story of Hansel and Gretel, so doubt it will be an issue

But lots of other people do. Comments on names are most likely to come from older people, as kids just accept most names.

Isn’t it spelt Gretl?

I think it’s a lovely name, very underused and classic.

Yes, she’ll get the Hansel association but loads of names have some kind of thing like that, or it can happen later on if there’s a new actor/pop star etc with the name.

@ghislaine

Isn’t it spelt Gretl?

Nope

Our son has a unique name from a known duo. Whenever anyone mentions the other half I just laugh.
It’s a lovely name. Also it’s not your child.

I had secret reservations when my DSis named her DD Heidi. I had visions of everyone referring to the book/film. DN is 21 now and has had no ridicule because of her name.

Did you chose your DC’s name(s) because you liked it? Or did you feel the need to pass it by everyone else first?

The name Gretal is not your hill to die on. TBH it’s not a name I have ever given any thought to but I quite like it 😊

@Elderflower14 me too!

It's ok. Better than Moira and Maureen, both of which I've come across recently. And Agatha, which is bizarrely popular around here (apologies to anyone who possesses an Agatha).

I love it.

Yes it’s nice enough.
Our dd was almost Leisel.

I like it, it only didn’t make our list as DH dated one once upon a time.
Kids will always find something to tease about, this isn’t a big issue.

I think it’s lovely

Lovely old-fashioned name.

The possibility of comments is a good thing imo.

It will help the young lady identify the idiots she encounters as soon as they open their mouths.

I think it's a great name!

I used to look after a Gretel. It suited her so well and thinking back I never even thought about about the Hansel link, despite knowing the story. I think its a beautiful name.