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Not low class to me. Very middle class, actually. It's the 70s version of Carolyn, Brenda, Michelle, Heather, Kendra, Brittany, Ashley... "new" names that get quite popular in their time, in the mainstream. Not in the "low class" but in the class that has too much to lose to use misspelled or unprecedented names, and has enough self-esteem to feel entitled to names that are new and modern. Amber has a lot of precedent with the gem and color names. I think the only thing less "classy" about it is that the gem in question is associated with affordable "costume" (vanity) jewelry, not "nice" (expensive, status related) jewelry. And of course, it has been brought down to earth, in the experience of people of a certain generation, by the existence of a cubic shitton of peers - mainstream, ordinary young women - named Amber. But same goes for the other names I mention, and I think they all have turned out respectable enough for anyone to use based just on aesthetic appeal, even someone who fancies themselves "upper class" or whatever. It's pretty and modest to me, not anymore tacky or low class than wearing amber as a semi-precious gemstone set in sterling.

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Edit: oh I left out Jennifer! Another name used in a similar pattern by a similar demographic, in my experience at least.

This message was edited 8/9/2008, 1:25 AM