ok... how about

[Maruschke]

Uuummmm, isnt the 17th August the day she was killed?

I remember it because it is my dad's birthday and I remember the news and everyone being shocked.

Eta: yep. She was born in June.

Eeeks thanks for telling me. I think the name is out if I give birth on the 17th.

[RhiChiChi]

^^ Fair enough, would make me think twice too but like someone else said, chances bubs is born on the same day & your EDD is very slim. Just put it out to the universe what date you want ;-) Best of luck, names are truly difficult IMO

[Rowellen]

I personally really like the name but counted it out because of a) the connection, & b) my DH doesn't like anything "unusual" so I knew it would be out. I think it's a lovely name, so if you like it, go for it.

[lilima]

I like the name, but nope wouldn't use it. I think you will find most Aussies over 30 would know the case. I wouldn't give my child a 'celeb' name, and it is a fairly unique (but lovely) name. Do you know the name because of the case, or did you find that out after looking into the name? Do you feel fine with the name? If you do, then go for it, but expect a lot of people to comment on it.

I now even struggle with the name Madaleine.

I looked up some stats. There were 900 odd Azariah's born in Aus in 2010, so people are using it. Also it is traditionally a boys name.

[xXHopeXx]

Honestly, I had to google the name before I realised the connection but I guess it's just well out of my generation and it wasn't really a big deal when I was growing up

I personally love the name. It's very soft and feminine. I agree if it was closer to when it happened, big no, same as if bub was actually born on the 17th August, but even then people may not have it click?
However, in order for a name to be more popular, people have to start using it you have to be a trend setter!

If you love it, use it


Sent from the land of "iSomethings" so forgive me for any spelking misstaks

[sepata]

I asked hubby what he thought. I was genuinely curious as he finds fault with almost every name in existence! The only thing he said was "isn't that that actor who is in everything's name? You can't call a baby that" took me a minute and realised he was talking about Hank Azaria lol.


Excuse my sucky spelling, I'm on my iPhone

[OceanPrincess]

I'm sorry M but I wouldn't use it.

I hear what everyone is saying about it being an old case etc and also the "if you love it, use it" but please don't forget what you are doing - giving a name to a child, who will wear that name, own that name, for 80+ years, if they are lucky.

All it takes is one parent/teacher/grandparent/well-meaning stranger to say something about a dingo and every child in class with your little girl will whip out their iPad and google "Azaria dingo" and start calling out "Dingo stole my baby!" as soon as they see her coming.

Sorry, but I wouldn't do it. I agree it is a lovely name but the connection is too deep. It is ingrained in our culture. It is much more to me than an innocent baby - it is the mother claiming innocence when everyone doubted her, even though she was then cleared, wasn't she? Doesn't it still sit under a bit of a cloud of suspicion??

[MistyFying]

If you love the name, how about adapting it to "Zaria" or "Zara"?

[Maruschke]

You know what is weird? Why is Azaria the name no one can use, but people still use Lindy liberally??? The child was innocent! There was doubt cast over Lindy (which I think she has been cleared of) but never doubt over Azaria. A bit strange. If I was Lindy, and my child tragically died far too young, I would want to remember her fondly with joy. I think I'd hate for my daughters name to become taboo. Just my thoughts. I understand not everyone is comfortable with the association.

[nothing2lose]

i probably wouldnt use Lindy either

But that's more because I don't like it.

I get what you're saying. I guess because the name Azaria is so distinctive. I have never heard of another child named that (although as a PP pointed out, there are). I know quite a few Lindys or Lindas. It's just the connection between the name and event is so strong iykwim.

[lilima]

Yep as N2L said. Lindy is very common. If her name was Azaria and her daughter was Lindy, still wouldn't use Azaria. It is just too unique with tragic circumstances.

[meow]

I think if Azaria had been called Sarah or Rebecca or Claire for example, we wouldn't even been having this problem. Because the name wouldn't have stood out so much, and wouldn't be so well associated now.

[shadow77]

I do like the name, I think it is pretty, but I wouldn't use it myself, because of the connection. there are very similar names such as Azalea :-)