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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Enoch?

108 replies

nesday · 12/05/2022 19:11

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.

OP posts:
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tulips27 · 12/05/2022 21:33

I immediately think of Powell but I'm older than you, I think what matters more is if people under about 34, 35 make the association.

DogsAndGin · 12/05/2022 21:34

Mind sprung immediately to Powell. I’m only 30!

AnneElliott · 12/05/2022 21:43

I wouldn't use it op. Although I know a couple who have. I'm not sure how they feel about the connection to the politican.

ScrollingLeaves · 12/05/2022 21:47

tulips27 · 12/05/2022 21:33
I immediately think of Powell but I'm older than you, I think what matters more is if people under about 34, 35 make the association.

Tulip, anyone over 10 who reads, watches television history programmes, or listens to radio programmes would make the association.

And probably all black people in the U.K. of any age would make the association.

KayEmAy · 13/05/2022 01:40

My first thought is actually Legends of Shield, my favorite characters name is Enoch!

I LOVE it!

DropYourSword · 13/05/2022 01:44

Enoch being serious, surely?

VivienneDelacroix · 13/05/2022 01:44

Oh you can't, OP.

RandomName130 · 13/05/2022 01:47

@nesday St Enoch Centre is actually a shopping centre where I live so that’s my first though when I hear the name unfortunately 🙈 and as others have pointed out, it’s probably not the best name to go for!

maybe if you tell us what it is you like about the name we can help with some good alternatives 😊 is it an E name you’re looking for? Is it the K sound at the end? 🤷🏻‍♀️

Synchrony · 13/05/2022 08:28

I assumed that you were religious and chose a biblical name. I didn't think of Powell.

cinnamonbiscuit · 13/05/2022 08:31

Someone I know has just named their baby Enoch. I think they were going for Biblical but unique.. I’m really not convinced Confused

queenofmay · 13/05/2022 08:38

I've heard of a couple of people named Enoch but they were from other cultures. I think the Enoch Powell association has pretty much killed the name off in this country. It's one of those names that I think would be easier to wear if you aren't white, because then nobody is going to assume that Enoch Powell was the namesake.

KirstenBlest · 13/05/2022 09:06

Love it

miltonj · 13/05/2022 09:08

I know an Enoch. He is black and from a Christian family. I don't think it would be right on a white child because of Enoch Powell.

WeBuiltThisBuffetOnSausageRoll · 13/05/2022 11:34

If you wanted to pursue the Biblical theme, Adam & Eve had a grandson called Enosh, which sounds similar but doesn't bring to mind Powell. The only problem with that nowadays, though, is that it does sound like an online food ordering service Grin

Canadagoosegoose · 13/05/2022 11:37

Sorry, I think it's unusable. I'm 37 and Powell is the first thing that popped into my head. No way would I call my son that. How about Eli?

Ouchmytoe100 · 14/05/2022 12:10

I like it too and would assume you were Christians naming him after the biblical Enoch , lovely.

ErmineAndPearls · 14/05/2022 12:16

All Glaswegians are very familiar with the name Enoch (See pp about the St Enoch Centre). But Google St Enoch - she was a woman

TheLadyDIdGood · 14/05/2022 14:47

Enoch is similar to Adolf now, nobody will use those two names because of the vile racists associated with it. Please don't condemn your child to a lifetime of ridicule and hostility with that name.

axolotlfloof · 14/05/2022 14:52

I think it is tainted by Powell and I wouldn't use it, however I also don't like it much.

mycatisannoying · 14/05/2022 14:55

Even worse, it makes me think of eunuch.
Sorry, it's a bit earnest and 'try hard' as far as names go.

Feckingfeck · 14/05/2022 14:57

Saw the title... thought Powell before I even opened the thread 😬😬😬

IDontLikeMondays88 · 14/05/2022 14:59

Sorry I do think of Powell

Mumwantingtogetitright · 14/05/2022 15:06

Not useable. Sorry.

CornyAsACornyThing · 14/05/2022 15:09

Also Glaswegian so to me it's a bus station or subway stop, and later a shopping centre. It's also the mother of Glasgow's patron saint, Mungo. I think it is also equivalent to Tenus. And then you say Powell and I think "oh yes". As a name it's lovely, but it says something about you imho (rather like calling your two boys Winston and Eugene - looking at you Laurence Fox)

elephantbreathing · 14/05/2022 15:13

Enoch is along the same lines as Adolf for me.
And, yes, Powell immediately came to mind.