Madonna

[JessLaidler]

What does everyone think about the name Madonna? Is the name forever linked to Madonna Ciccone rather than the religious figure or other associations?

My great-grandmother was named Madonna and I know a couple of women named Madonna. Do you know anyone named Madonna?

I suspect the name Madonna is like Elvis, Beyonce, Prince and other one-person names which is why very few people use those names.

Strangely I think of religious Madonna over popstar Madonna. I might raise an eyebrow hearing someone had called their baby Madonna but I don't think it's a no go.

Not a no go if religious but there will forever be a link to the material girl.

Yes, everyone will think of the singer but you know, so what? I don't see why someone famous having an unusual name means it can't be used by others.

What will happen?
This is my daughter, Madonna

Oh, like the pop star?
Yes.

🤷‍♀️

IMHO It's a bit of a name to saddle a little girl with in a country where it isn't a traditional name. People will roll their eyes and I think it's all very well to say 'sod them' but you're not the one who has to endure that. Having said that, there are some frankly bizarre names out there these days so, it's your baby, whatever you think is best.

Like a virgin? Don't do it!

It’s a nice name but it probably depends on where you come as to what people’s perceptions will be. For instance I’ve known a couple of men named Jesus - completely normal in their home country, but a bit out there in the UK maybe.

A girl atmy school (mainly Irish Catholic school in England) known as Maddie whose given name was Madonna. It was ordinary enough then, and I think the singer herself commented how growing up in a Hispanic community it's funny to find out that the rest of the world thinks your name is remarkable.

As a first name I think it would be really naff, and people's overwhelming connection will be to Madonna Ciccone. And I say that as someone who went to convent schools and grew up surrounded by imagery of the Madonna and the Child.

Knew a Donnadina years ago. I loved her name. I think it's Spanish.
Otherwise I would use Madonna as a middle name. It's a lot to give a kid with the associations

In the UK the immediate association would be Madge but the UK isn't the whole world, the name and religious association has been around for millennia before her and as far as I know, she hasn't done anything bad to make it an unusable connection, just a very strong one. Plus she's not in the first flush of mega fame, more part of the cultural furniture so I think it's quite likely to be accepted as a religious/ traditional choice rather than based on fandom. Might've been different in the 80s.

Don't underestimate the number of people who will have absolutely no idea that there is any religious association with the name/word Madonna.

I just think if the Fallen Madonna with the Big Boobies from ‘Allo ‘Allo

Personally I think of the singer. I think it is like Beyoncé or Elvis ... as soon as you hear it you think of her... I think she would spend her whole life explaining she's not named after that Madonna!

No, I wouldn’t use it. I do like Jesus but it’s not the norm in my culture and we’re not even religious so I wouldn’t use it. Same with things like Elvis, Beyoncé etc.

My first thought was learning about the Madonna-Whore complex in school

Please don't do that to your daughter.