[Opinions] hehe
in reply to a message by Bronislava
here in Germany Wolfgang is such a common name (at least for older people) so hearing that it is first associated with Wolfgang Amadeus is kind of funny. Same for Marlene. I know Marlene Dietrich but I don't think the name is that attached to her. Many people don't even know her. I know Leni Riefenstahl but I think that you need to use a name to disattach it from a negative connection. I would also use let's say Lilith or Salome. When people see it on a child they immediately forget the first association with the "famous" person. The only exception is Adolf. I think it would be difficult not to think of the person.
Replies
Yep, meeting someone (especially someone nice) with "strong namesaked" name is the best way to get over the associations. Actually, I once wrote a story, where a shy and nice character was named Adolf. I just wanted to get over the association. :D
Funny you mentioned Wolfgang! Being an ex-student of German school and having many connections to Germany and German people (my bf is German), I know many people named Wolfgang - my old music teacher, a book seller who lives in St. Petersburg, a pianist and a doctor from Berlin, at least. As far as I remember, the current director of the school I mentioned is Wolfgang, too.
But usually the first impression of all non-German people is very simple: Wolfgang=Mozart.
Funny you mentioned Wolfgang! Being an ex-student of German school and having many connections to Germany and German people (my bf is German), I know many people named Wolfgang - my old music teacher, a book seller who lives in St. Petersburg, a pianist and a doctor from Berlin, at least. As far as I remember, the current director of the school I mentioned is Wolfgang, too.
But usually the first impression of all non-German people is very simple: Wolfgang=Mozart.