Message: "Dinah" - Behind the Name

Dinah

by Llewella (penguiny7)

2/9/2009, 9:45 AM

Ben has this toy that sometimes plays the tune of "I've Been Working on the Railroad," so it made me think about Dinah. I really do associate it with kitchens because of that song, but it makes me think of some sweet, dainty, pioneer girl with a plain dress and white bonnet doing something in her kitchen that involves flour. I think it's cool. I was trying to come up with some combos... Dinah Charlotte and Dinah Claire were my favorite. Other combo ideas?

I also think that it has a similar sound to popular names like Ella, Ava, and Olivia, so why isn't it more popular? I looked at the popularity chart and saw that the most popular it's ever been was in 1955, and it was ranked #485. Weird. Thoughts?

#Dinah

This message was edited 2/9/2009, 9:47 AM

Replies

- LMS

2/10/2009, 4:11 PM

I like Dinah, especially in a sibset with Susannah (because it reminds me of I've Been Working on the Railroad and Oh! Susannah).
I think it is not more popular because it is considered "old" and reminds people of cats (think Alice in Wonderland) and dairy cows.

I think it is lovely despite.

- SocioLogically

2/10/2009, 10:45 AM

I am currently loving Dinah, actually.

Combos:
Dinah Imogen
Dinah June
Dinah Ophelia
Dinah Eve
Dinah Rebecca
Dinah Margalit
Dinah Margaret
Dinah Roxanne
Dinah Rhiannon
Dinah Miranda
Dinah Jolene

- I Love Jesus (guest)

2/9/2009, 12:44 PM

Although I dont like it, I think it would be wonderful to use today.

- Avis +1

2/9/2009, 10:35 AM

I like the sound of Dinah. It sounds like a really delicate, sweet girl. I like both of your combos.

I think it's not popular (as many of the comments under Dinah say) because of the song "I've Been Workin' on the Railroad". English is such an ambiguous language, and sometimes that's a detriment!

- Llewella (penguiny7)

2/9/2009, 10:54 AM

I'm sure people have stayed away from such names as Dinah, Clementine, and Susanna because they think their daughter will get a song sung at them by other kids as a method of teasing. But I'm of the opinion that having a folksong with your name in it is pretty cool. It'd be something special. I wish there were a song with Ben's name so I could sing it for him. Although I suppose there's always Bennie and the Jets. :/

- New_Chloe

2/9/2009, 9:50 AM

I bet this gem will start making a slow comeback, since names from the "pioneer days" like Milly, Tilly, Maisie, Mabel, etc are becoming hip. Perhaps it IS the song that's holding people back...although Clementine is gaining steam and if that one's not associated with a song I don't know WHAT is!

I quite like it too, and I love your description - something with flour, lol!

View Message

Replies