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Help[Opinions] Wolfgang
We just found out that we are having a boy!
We had very nearly decided on a girl name, Elsa. But obviously we won't be using it now! (Alas, I was really getting attached to that one. Maybe I can keep it my back pocket!)
One name we periodically discuss is Wolfgang. We both like it, but I am just not sure how it plays in the US. Trying too hard? Too German? Cool?
We had very nearly decided on a girl name, Elsa. But obviously we won't be using it now! (Alas, I was really getting attached to that one. Maybe I can keep it my back pocket!)
One name we periodically discuss is Wolfgang. We both like it, but I am just not sure how it plays in the US. Trying too hard? Too German? Cool?
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It's nms, but ok on someone else's kid... It's recognizable and not overused... I wouldn't let language origins hold you back on that if you really like it. The only ones I've ever met lived in Canada and I don't recall it being a problem... and Cdn. and Am'n cultures aren't THAT different... and Wolfgang could always go by Wolf for short... sounds a lot better than the over-trendy Conor. (which I've never liked... esp. w/ the con part in there... that makes it sound like someone who cons people)
This message was edited 2/22/2012, 6:45 PM
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Oh man
I like Wolfgang in theory, but I do think it is way too much for a first name in the U.S. I don't usually say that. My motto is usually everything can work as a first name, but I just see a lot of teasing potential in Wolfgang. He would probably be endlessly compared to Mozart, and that would get tiring to me if I were bestowed with the name, as awesome as it is.
I like Wolfgang in theory, but I do think it is way too much for a first name in the U.S. I don't usually say that. My motto is usually everything can work as a first name, but I just see a lot of teasing potential in Wolfgang. He would probably be endlessly compared to Mozart, and that would get tiring to me if I were bestowed with the name, as awesome as it is.
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Wolfgang is definitely a distinguished name, which would certainly make your son stand out (in a good way) among his more trendily and/or commonly named peers. However, I personally prefer Wolfram instead - it's a bit shorter and sounds a bit 'rougher' than Wolfgang (thus making it seem a tad more manly to me).
An other good alternative IMHO would also be Wolfert, which is the Frisian form of the ancient Germanic name Wulfhard (derived from wolf "wolf" and hard "brave, hardy").
An other good alternative IMHO would also be Wolfert, which is the Frisian form of the ancient Germanic name Wulfhard (derived from wolf "wolf" and hard "brave, hardy").
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Wolfram!
Whoa, you just rocked my world. Wolfram is great, if really unusual. Although more unexpected, it also does seem a little less 'heavy.' Also, it's hard to beat Wolf-Raven for meaning.
Probably our other two boy name ideas are a little more expected and down-to-earth than either Wolfgang or Wolfram. But I can't say I am not tempted.
Hmmm.
Whoa, you just rocked my world. Wolfram is great, if really unusual. Although more unexpected, it also does seem a little less 'heavy.' Also, it's hard to beat Wolf-Raven for meaning.
Probably our other two boy name ideas are a little more expected and down-to-earth than either Wolfgang or Wolfram. But I can't say I am not tempted.
Hmmm.
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I don't know. I honsetly don't like it. It does seem trying to hard to me but more than that it seems straight up weird, like you are calling your kid a wolf gang as in a group of savage canines. Also when I was little I was terrified of wolves and I probably would have been scared of a kid named Wolfgang. Sounds silly now but I probably would have thought that he was a werewolf.
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A little bit heavy for my taste, but cool. Very German but not "too" German in the US, as long as you don't try to force everyone to pronounce it like a German speaker would. Otherwise, it's not trying too hard. I like nn Wolf. You might think it seems to be a statement, but I think it's really not - I can picture it on a little kid and it's not distracting. Full name Wolfgang might become a tad nerdy, but that would come out in the wash (people get used to it, and he grows into it).
Congrats and well wishes for your pregnancy.
Congrats and well wishes for your pregnancy.
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I think Wolfgang is a wonderful choice, full of history and wonderful namesakes like Mozart and Goethe. I'd be delighted to see it used today.
Why is Elsa out? Maybe Ilsa or Ilse would better suit?
Why is Elsa out? Maybe Ilsa or Ilse would better suit?
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Elsa is only out because the baby is a boy.
I'm excited about having a boy, although the loss of Elsa is tragic. Maybe baby no. 2 will be girl.
I'm excited about having a boy, although the loss of Elsa is tragic. Maybe baby no. 2 will be girl.
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Elsa is nice if you have a girl in the future... It's pleasant and not overused, but still sensible and recognisable.
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Love Elsa, love Wolfgang. Use it!!
:)
:)
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Great name- use it.
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I knew a Wolfgang who went by Wollo. He is my age (early 20s). He has a brother named Matthias. He's the youngest one I ever met. Both names are pretty dated, in my opinion. I never liked it. It's a really dated German name. My dad is German and I lived there for some time and go there often. I know lots who are all over 50. In the US it could be kind of cool but it has the words wolf and gang in it. I don't know. I guess I'd like just Wolf better, but not really fond of it either.
Elsa is a family name for me. Love it!
Elsa is a family name for me. Love it!
This message was edited 2/22/2012, 9:08 AM
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Matthias seems to have gained some popularity (though not majorly perhaps... would depend on what country you're in) again in recent years though... Have heard of a couple people using it for their sons in the past decade or so... but that's in Canada.
ETA: For the province of BC in 2010, I just checked and there were 9 little boys named Matthias, 6 named Mathias and 12 named Mattias just in that province that year.
ETA: For the province of BC in 2010, I just checked and there were 9 little boys named Matthias, 6 named Mathias and 12 named Mattias just in that province that year.
This message was edited 2/22/2012, 7:55 PM
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I went to school with a Wolfgang.
This was WAY back in the early '90s. Sadly the only thing I remember is that he was a serious chunk and there was a rumor he weighed 100 pounds. (He was in kindergarten, so that is highly unlikely.)
To me, it's a bit much. I have an unusual name (Haven) and I always have to spell it, explain how I got it, etc. I recently realized that the reason I dislike my name so much is that it generates such strong reactions in people - they either hate it or they love it, they always want to know how I got it, why I have it, etc. Giving a child an unusual name is putting a bit of a burden on them, so unless you have a strong reason to use it and a close connection to the name I'd say no.
This was WAY back in the early '90s. Sadly the only thing I remember is that he was a serious chunk and there was a rumor he weighed 100 pounds. (He was in kindergarten, so that is highly unlikely.)
To me, it's a bit much. I have an unusual name (Haven) and I always have to spell it, explain how I got it, etc. I recently realized that the reason I dislike my name so much is that it generates such strong reactions in people - they either hate it or they love it, they always want to know how I got it, why I have it, etc. Giving a child an unusual name is putting a bit of a burden on them, so unless you have a strong reason to use it and a close connection to the name I'd say no.
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You have to spell and explain Haven? It's a word!? Wow. I love Haven, by the way. I think it's not right to say that an unusual name is a burden. I have a name that was unusual when I was born and love it. Now it's getting quite common, unfortunately. But in my age group it's still unusual. A common name would be a burden to me. I would hate to have to share my name. I often wished my name was even more unusual. Something my parents made up just for me.
This message was edited 2/22/2012, 9:12 AM
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Same here
My first name Tawnee is extremely uncommon, and I loved it! I never had to share my name with anyone ever, and people were always complimenting me on my name. :) I would hate to have a common name and be one of millions of Ashleys, Jessicas, etc. Boring.
My first name Tawnee is extremely uncommon, and I loved it! I never had to share my name with anyone ever, and people were always complimenting me on my name. :) I would hate to have a common name and be one of millions of Ashleys, Jessicas, etc. Boring.
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I think I've met a total of 1 Tawny/Tawnee.
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Haven isn't that common of a word.
Plus most people are unfamiliar with it as a name. You have experience of having a common name, I have experience of having an unusual one. It would be one thing to have a name that was unusual, such as Magdalene, it's another to have a word name. *shrugs* To each their own with - I dislike having an unusual word name and I dislike how close it is to Heaven even more.
Plus most people are unfamiliar with it as a name. You have experience of having a common name, I have experience of having an unusual one. It would be one thing to have a name that was unusual, such as Magdalene, it's another to have a word name. *shrugs* To each their own with - I dislike having an unusual word name and I dislike how close it is to Heaven even more.
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While it's definitely rare as a name and I wouldn't really be inclined to use it, maybe it just depends where you live and what circles you move in how common it is as a word... Having spent years at the left coast of Canada, the word seems fairly normal as a word even if not so much as a name.
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I think with a name like Haven, it does depend on where you live. I've met two out here (both male), and no one thought it was a particularly strange name. Maybe it's different in more conservative areas?
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Huh? I have an extremely uncommon name for my age group. I didn't even met another person with it until I was in my early 20s. It was unheard of when I was little, it's just getting a bit more popular for babies now. I loved being the only one and I liked it when people asked me where it came from and stuff. Yeah, to each their own. I wouldn't mind being named Haven, in fact I'm close with someone named Harbor and he loves it. But yeah, I guess some people don't like having a word name.
This message was edited 2/22/2012, 9:33 AM
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What is your name? Lily? Or do you not want to reveal it?
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You have to spell and explain a common name, so I wouldn't count that as a strike against unusual ones. My name is often mispronounced and misspelled, and it was #16 the year I was born. LOTS of people with the name, but it still gets effed up on a near daily basis.
This message was edited 2/22/2012, 9:15 AM
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It also surprises me that people don't recognize Haven and spell it correctly. It's a familiar (and comfy) word, and its very phonetic.
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I'm not sure how familiar it really is.
I've had several people ask me what it meant and many people mispronounce it as hah-veen (in the midwest) and hah-vin (in the east).
I've had several people ask me what it meant and many people mispronounce it as hah-veen (in the midwest) and hah-vin (in the east).
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The "I don't want to live on this planet anymore" meme springs to my mind. :(
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That's interesting. I was always under the impression that it is a pretty well known word. Sorry you don't like it, I actually think it's beautiful. Do you mind sharing how/why your parents picked it?
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They liked it.
My mom babysat a little girl with the name and decided that it was her favorite name of all time. So that's how I got it.
My mom babysat a little girl with the name and decided that it was her favorite name of all time. So that's how I got it.
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Thanks for sharing :)
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Wolfgang: Ethnic
I would first like to give congratulations!
Having said that... as much as I adore the name myself, with such an incredibly, recognizably ethnic name as Wolfgang, you truly need to be of blood and possess a German surname, otherwise: yes, it will appear terribly pretentious, slightly comical, and certainly out-of-place.
Elsa is quite the enchanter, by the way.
Best of wishes,
- Francesca
Having said that... as much as I adore the name myself, with such an incredibly, recognizably ethnic name as Wolfgang, you truly need to be of blood and possess a German surname, otherwise: yes, it will appear terribly pretentious, slightly comical, and certainly out-of-place.
Elsa is quite the enchanter, by the way.
Best of wishes,
- Francesca
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As Do I With You...
This is a matter of opinion, everyone; I will disagree with you, as you disagree with me, respectfully. I said it as I see it-- it truly does appear tacky, personally, for drastic, incredibly ethnic name mixtures when you possess no heritage or connections of that land and culture (/unless your parents formed connections... which is still debateable, in my eyes.)
I am glad that you feel fit to use those names, but I will never.
I am glad that you feel fit to use those names, but I will never.
This message was edited 2/23/2012, 7:29 AM
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Every time I read your posts, I hear Diane Chambers' voice in my head.
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I just get the word "ethnocentric"... (in reference to attitude)... but that's ok... she can stick with names of her own heritage if she wishes... and we can choose from whatever languages we see as right for our children.
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I merely see complete, utter, extremely ethnic opposites of no connection slightly tacky in appearance. Boleslava Nelson, Vladimir Taylor, Stylianos Cavey, and Mufaddal Lopez are not attractive, in my opinion.
It is another story if you immigrated (permanently live) in another country. I know families from China, the Philippines, Mexico, Russia, Italy, and Germany who all have adopted new callings and/or began to give their children names that reflected the United States. My father's name is English, my Grandfather's name is English, and so on-- but for that particular instance, a large reason was because of discrimination and harsh stereotypes many years ago.
This message was edited 2/23/2012, 9:42 PM
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The thing is that the word "tacky" carries a definite sense of judgement and personal superiority.
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I felt that the word displayed my view as softly, truthfully, and acceptably as possible. In all honesty, no matter what I chose I was destined to be hounded over it due to the fact that it is a negative word. People can dig too deeply into what was allegedly implied, or people can take it at face value (my intention.)
I apologize for any misunderstandings. A difference in opinion does not merit being wrongly labeled, however.
This message was edited 2/24/2012, 9:52 AM
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Ok then... I'm sorry if you found the term offensive and the term may not apply to other aspects of your life and attitude... Another post you made some time back condemning people with no Italian heritage using the name Francesca did come across as extremely ethnocentric though... It's not just about superiority though... it's about having to have things done the way one's own culture does things and a possessiveness of that language and culture for only that group... and you need to consider that some people who happen to LOVE names not of their own ethnic heritage or have those names might find your labelling such combos as "tacky" simply on the basis of not being part of their own origins or not "matching" them somehow to be offensive... esp. in cultures like Canada and the States where mixing cultures in some ways is part of the culture. You can walk down the street in some neighbourhoods and find a colourful mix of children and languages and some of them may intermarry. That in itself will naturally result in surnames and given names that don't necessarily match... as well as children who see other languages and cultures as part of a bigger picture. I remember having 3 girls in the same Sun. school class who'd gone all through school together and were fairly good friends and all had different ethnic backgrounds... Their children could marry each other and have the result be children with these "mis-matched" names. 1 had a Fr. fn (that's also common in En.) w/ a surname that I'm not sure exact origins of (but it wasn't Fr.) and Friesian (sp?) ancestors. Another was Cdn. born Chinese. Another was white and Filipino mixed. It finally hit 1 of them near the end of gr. 7 that they were all different that way. It didn't bother her and it was just an observation, but the point was that that mixture of cultures was just normal and natural to them... when the mix is normal and natural, the potential to adopt bits of other languages and cultures into one's own life -regardless of ethnic origins.
This message was edited 2/24/2012, 12:33 AM
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BRAVO!
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Totally disagree
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As someone whose name & ethnicity do not match, I strongly disagree.
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I also have no problem with it... (Not that anyone would expect me to... If I did, I'd be a hippocrite)... Even Anglosaxons have a bit of German blood in there quite often if you go back enough generations historically... more-so than we would Japanese. :-P I don't think people in a mix and match culture where you can eat at restaurants of different varieties for every meal for a few weeks straight really need to worry so much about names not "matching" their ethnic heritage so much.
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Me three
pfft
pfft
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Ditto.
f
f
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agreed
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I'm not so sure...
...about the necessity of a blood and surname connection for Wolfgang to be feasible/accepted in the U.S. I suppose the choice is perhaps more defensible with these in place but this German name, in particular, is so associated with Mozart/music/the arts that I think it's received almost more as an honoring name, regardless of the ethnicity of the bearer...unusual, to be sure, but respectable.
...about the necessity of a blood and surname connection for Wolfgang to be feasible/accepted in the U.S. I suppose the choice is perhaps more defensible with these in place but this German name, in particular, is so associated with Mozart/music/the arts that I think it's received almost more as an honoring name, regardless of the ethnicity of the bearer...unusual, to be sure, but respectable.
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I myself have a German name with a Dutch last name. it's similar enough so that no one even notices and sometimes I can slip through the courts pretending to be a noble by spelling it "von" rather than "van"
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Ever watch "Mr. Show"? What you said reminds me of a character they had called the Dutch of Dukes. Towards the end of the show, he was arrested for impersonating royalty.
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Wolfgang Van Halen and Wolfgang Diefenbach are sophisticated and powerful; Wolfgang McDonald, Wolfgang Doyle,, Wolfgang D'Angelo appear comical. There is a difference, regrettably or not.
This message was edited 2/22/2012, 9:59 AM
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Looks pretty cool to me.
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I actually like them all. For some reason it sounds really interesting paired with something Italian. When Wolfgang is paired with something German I find it rather boring. Maybe that's because my dad is German and I know lots of older guys named Wolfgang Schneider and stuff like that. Wolfgang Armando sounds cool and young whereas Wolfgang Scheider is the boring guy who lives down the street. To each their own, I guess. I like unexpected combos. Stuff like Michiko Thompson or Chloe Fujita. I just think it's nice. Plus there are so many immigrants in the US and they name their kids English names too which I think is nice. I know many people with names like Hannah Chang or Brooke Giovanni. I always thought that was nice rather than odd.
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I'm not trying to pick a fight, but:
we get it, you don't like mixing names of different origin... sheesh, let it die already.
we get it, you don't like mixing names of different origin... sheesh, let it die already.
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I knew a Toshiro McIrishLastName, and he seemed to carry it well. Sometimes, it all depends on the personality; comical isn't always a negative if you have the right attitude.
This message was edited 2/22/2012, 9:49 AM
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:-)
I know plenty of people who marry into different ethnic last names and their first and last names don't "match"... or their children have fn.s of one ethnicity and surnames of another... In this age of mixed marriages and international adoption, it's ethnocentric to expect EVERYBODY's names to match. If some people want their children's names to "match" their heritage, that's fine, but we shouldn't expect everyone to play by such rules if they don't want to. Plus, a large percentage of Chinese Canadians and Jpns. Americans have western fn.s with their Chinese or American surnames... If they can get away with using names so different from their ethnic heritage, I see no reason why it can't go the other way or even just someone from one European descent using names from another European language... It's not that big a deal... and the more common it becomes, the easier it is for people to accept...
I know plenty of people who marry into different ethnic last names and their first and last names don't "match"... or their children have fn.s of one ethnicity and surnames of another... In this age of mixed marriages and international adoption, it's ethnocentric to expect EVERYBODY's names to match. If some people want their children's names to "match" their heritage, that's fine, but we shouldn't expect everyone to play by such rules if they don't want to. Plus, a large percentage of Chinese Canadians and Jpns. Americans have western fn.s with their Chinese or American surnames... If they can get away with using names so different from their ethnic heritage, I see no reason why it can't go the other way or even just someone from one European descent using names from another European language... It's not that big a deal... and the more common it becomes, the easier it is for people to accept...
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Agree to disagree. :)
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We definitely have the surname to match, and my husband speaks German. (I don't, which is too bad.) That said, we're third/fourth generation in the US at this point, so it's still possible for the name to seem as though we were trying a mite too hard. Its not as though we arrived 10 years ago.
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Participating in the use and honor of your heritage, despite being third- or fourth-generation, is nothing to nurture concern over. My family has been here roughly the same length, and my name is in accordance with their origin.
Be aware, however, that there will be confusion in the United States regarding the pronunciation. Then again, the majority names (despite their simplicity, or otherwise) receive their share of butchering at some point, so it really is unavoidable and should not cause worry.
This message was edited 2/22/2012, 9:12 AM
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I love Wolfgang :) I know a young man named Wolfgang and he wears it very well. I'd use it because I'm a Mozart fangirl.
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