Names that are off-limits for political reasons.

[wickerwoman]

This morning, I found myself reluctant to mention that I have a cousin named Regan. She's 35 and was named long before the man himself, but I still said her name was Megan instead. Maybe I can convince her to change it like all those German Adolfs in 1945.

I used to like the name George (after a few soccer players I admire) and might have used it but now I'd rather die. Will naming a kid George in 2010 be like naming a kid Adolf or Benito?

I'd never name a kid Oliver since the association with Cromwell is too strong.

Am I a freak or have other people written off otherwise serviceable names entirely due to bad political associations?

[AngryAmish]

1. My cousin Pol?

[NJCher]

2. gardening lexicon

It's really hard for a person who works with gardening and landscaping like I do to avoid using the term "bush." I even have a hard time with "shrub." Lately I've taken to, "ornamental shrub" to distance myself.


Cher

[SheilaT]

3. Sometimes first names are off limits

depending on what the last name is.

I would have named my first son Paul, except my husband's last name is Newman, so that was out.

[Dagaz]

4. Actually

According to the birth records the fastest falling name is Hillary. George is just too common and is associated with Orwell, Soros, athletes, actors, kings, etc.

[HEyHEY]

5. Adolf

[kixot]

6. Still some kids in Cuba being named Fidel.

Not too common, though.

[Martin Eden]

7. Grover

I know that bastard Norquist was born long before my favorite Sesame Street character was created, but I still feel like he usurped the name, and forever tarnished it.

[mitchum]

8. I don't run into many kids named Lee Harvey

[newyorican]

9. or Judas

band names don't count.

[populistmom]

10. Dick

Dick Nixon
Dick Cheney
Dick Army

There are no decents Dicks anymore.

[wingnut]

12. I know where you can find a nice one...

;)

[Cloud]

14. Dick Clark?

The new year's eve guy?

That is the only good "Dick" that I can think of. Besides, the name is associated with a certain male organ. :)

LOL reminds me of that episode of Family Guy when Peter and co. go to Washington. Someone introduces Peter to Dick Army. Peter started laughing and said, "What is your wife's name? Vagina Coast Guard?"

I died laughing.

[populistmom]

15. Not even him

Ever see him in Bowling for Columbine? Dick Clark seemed pretty creepy there.

[sleipnir]

11. Osama isn't too popular right now...

"Saddam" is all the rage right now in those yuppie middle class circles...

[southerngirlwriter]

13. I shiver when I hear "Ann".

Used to love the name. Not anymore. BLECH.