Enoch?

[nesday]

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.

Horrible

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.

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.

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.

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

Eowyn (variant of Owen)?

Terrible name. And yes Enoch Powell is what I think

I’ve taught a few over the years.

I'd assume you were EDL or some other form of fascist leaning right winger. I'm early 40s.

Gosh it's horrible. Makes me think of enoch Powell too (early 30s). Like Adolf you just can't call a child that

You may as well go the whole hog and call your baby Adolf.

I would first think of the Enoch from the Bible, but then Powell. Unfortunately, I think more people would have the latter frame of reference but not the former.

How about naming him after Enoch's son? I don't recall hearing any modern-day person - good or bad - called Methuselah!!

To be fair, I don't think the name Enoch (and the reach of Powell's reputation) is quite as extreme or universally hateful as that of Adolf. All being well, Powell will be less and less known of by younger people as time goes on. More's the pity, but I can't see that happening with Hitler any time soon.

I wouldn't assume you were EDL or racist, but I just don't think it's a nice name. If you say more about what you like about the name then people will be able to give similar suggestions. If you like the biblical theme, then maybe something like Caleb or Elijah?

Yup rivers of blood. Nice

It also sounds a lot like eunuch.

Alternatives…

Ezra
Isaiah
Eli
Ephraim
Josiah
Elam
Solomon
Ezekiel

You just cannot use it because of the associations with Enoch Powell.

Your child would suffer
You might almost as well call your child Adolph

Rivers of blood

Mid-30s here. First thought is Enoch Powell and rivers of blood. Then Nucky Thompson.

Many people will think of these things. You need to decide if you care.

I saw it as Eunuch I’m afraid. I think if I heard of someone with that name I’d automatically hear the meaning of Eunuch 😔

Rivers of blood.

Just asked my mid 20's DB who is sitting next to me and he said the same thing.

Don't do it. I'd automatically assume you were a raging fascist.

Howay man. Please don’t call your baby that!!