Name Meanings

[JosephineClaire]

Are they important?

I like the name Mallory for a girl, but it means 'ill-omened', 'unlucky' and 'unfortunate'.

Is is cruel to give a new baby a name with a negative meaning?

My name means 'ewe', and I've never been mistaken for a sheep.

I wouldn't worry about it too much, unless you're very supersticious. Most Holly's that are asked if they were born at christmas will say no. I don't think it's cruel on the baby, but it might play on your mind if you over think it.

I do think they matter. I am quite amazed that most people don't care though.

My name means 'devoted to God' or some such. I am not.

On the one hand, I think some meanings of names are just lovely and especially so if they have extra special meaning to the parents or family. On the other, I don't think a negative meaning should necessarily put you off a name if you love it. I really do think that is taking unfounded superstition too far. I mean, we all know that a child isn't suddenly going to be ill-fated, as soon as a certain name is bestowed on it.

I think Mallory is a fabulous name for a little girl and a woman - feminine, not overly frilly, strong, but definitely not too common, and shouldn't be too identifiable to a certain era (as opposed to Evie, Alfie, etc, etc). If you love it, use it!

I chose my daughter's names with the meanings in mind. It put me off an otherwise nice name if the meaning was negative. I feel that her names' meanings fit her quite well.

It's just a personal thing though. I know that if my name had a negative meaning, I would feel a bit disappointed so I didn't want to do that to my child. Not everyone is the same.

I loved finding out my name meanings when I was a child and still love them. I wanted my DC's to also be pleased to have great meanings so I did cross off anything with a meaning I disliked.

Personal choice I am sure, but I love the symbolism of names and meanings and history are part of that to me.

Yes, meaning was important to me (as well as a name that sounded and looked nice!) Anything with a negative or unattractive meaning was crossed off our lists too - eg I love the look and sound of Rebecca, but it means 'a noose or rope' which put me off!

As LovetheSea says, it's a personal thing, but for me, the history behind a name, and all the associations with it, are really important.