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I think LOTR. No, wouldn't use it.

I say GAND-ahlf, which I guess is like how your mom says it. I don't think it's usable. I haven't read any of the books or seen any of the movies, and even I immediately associate it with LotR. If you really love it, it's workable as a middle name. Otherwise, no.

as a FN IMO: No
as a MN IMO: Yes

Since it conveys images of an ancient wizard with a floor-long white beard (and this for someone who isn't remotely a LoTR conaisseur) I'd stay away from it for a real child.

I know a boy named Gandalf (he's 12 or 13) so I guess it's useable but there's always the risk that people will think you are a huge LOTR fan. I think it's better as a middle name.
I say it like GAND-alf.

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ETA: As far as I know Gandalf's parents aren't LOTR fans. Thought I should make that clear.

This message was edited 6/2/2008, 9:02 AM

I think that it is unusable because of Lord of the Rings but still can be used as a middle name.

I say it like your Mom does. Always have, even after the movies! I know it's a legit name too, but it's far too closely associated with "the Grey" (and "the White") that I would be afraid to use it anywhere but in the middle. Something like William Gandalf/ Henry Gandalf would be about as brave as I could get.

I know it is a real Scandinavian name, but I think it is totally unusable because of LotR.