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I first heard it because it was the name of my grandmother (who died before my birth). I liked it as a kid, and I like it now - although, more as an artifact than as a name for a baby, because so many people understandably word-associate it with mildew and dread.
I think it'd be fine to use, in reality. People just would not love it. Do we care, when we really like a name? Not really.
Dreda would be okay - beats Millie! - but I'd rather it pronounced DREE-da, not "dread-uh."
Which makes me think Mildred could be converted to Mildrieda, like Elfrieda.
I've long thought it could be converted to Mildreth or Mildrith. And Millicent to Mellisant. I mean, if we can have Alyvia, and Zooey, and Madelyn and Aubrie and Amberleigh and Starlet ... and Avalon, and Greenleigh and Everleigh ... why not Mildrieda and Mellisant? Ketruda, even (Gertrude)? Berenica (Bernice)? Maybe it's just that people who like these types of names in the first place, are also too snobby to alter names to seem more aesthetically pleasing in the present? I dunno.
Anyway yeah I think Mildred is lovely, but it's way out of style.

I like Mildred. I used to think of mildew and millers/grain, but now I think of autumn leaves (it's because it's mild/red) and Mordred. Plus I've always kind of associated Eldred and eldritch with it. Years ago, I thought of a combo containing Mildred that seemed punk rock to me (Dreda has that vibe kinda), and that's when I became more fond of it, but I don't remember the other name.

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I think names like Opal, Astrid, Matilda, Winnie, Mavis, Mabel rising a bit in popularity make it seem more feasible. And Enid is a similar name that I think is about to get more popular...maybe also Sybil.

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I don't like Milly.

This message was edited 8/9/2023, 11:14 PM

I like it that sounds very pretty and elegant.

Not a fan, very dated and the -dred part is unpleasant sounding to me.

I honestly like Mildred in a weird sort of way but I don’t think I have the guts to use it. Dreda is a cool nickname, but I like it better for a character. I do love Millie and actually would use it on its own.

I really like Mildred in full. I agree with you - Dreda is a much better nickname. Millie is very cutesy and juvenile. It reminds of the children's book series about Milly-Molly-Mandy.

This message was edited 8/8/2023, 2:40 PM

My great grandmother was Mildred Gertrude. She usually didn't have any nicknames, but her husband did call her Milly. I didn't like either name when I was a kid, but I do like them both now. :)

Mildred has been one of the names I've liked a lot... until now. Now it seems a little harsh and appalling to me. Interestingly enough, during that time I used to dislike Millicent and now I have it on my PNL. It has grown on me recently.

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Anyway, back to Mildred - I think the nickname Millie or even Mila (pronounced as MEE-la) softens it. Dreda is not that bad, honestly, but I prefer the former. And regarding the full name, I like Mildrède the most, which is the French form.

I think Mildred is OK. I had an aunt named Mildred who would be turning 104 this year if she were still living. However, i prefer Milbrey, the modern form of the name of the original St. Mildred's sister.

I think it's ugly, because it's composed of ugly elements. Especially dred.

Edith (All in the Family) and Mildred (George & Mildred) remind me of old sitcoms. I dislike Mildred a lot. Stuffy, stale and unattractive. I think it should be kept in the past.

It’s been growing on me lately. I used to hate it but I’m beginning to like it now. Milly and Millie are cute nicknames.

It’s an okay name actually, I really like the meaning. I pronounce the last syllable as ‘drid’ so it doesn’t remind me of dread. I wouldn’t shorten it to Milly either. Milly sort of takes away from the strength of Mildred.

I don't like it at all

I love Mildred, and Dreda is a firecracker of a nickname.

Someone on NextDoor asked folks to send birthday cards to her mother-in-law, Mildred, who was turning 100. She received over 150! Anyway, I don't care for the name because of the ending sound of "dread". I like the similar Millicent better. Of the other names you mentioned, I like Edith with the nickname Edie.