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ArchivesMy column on Amber
Here is the link to today's column:
https://omaha.com/lifestyles/cleveland-evans-amber-still-a-somewhat-rare-jewel-among-first-names/article_379633e2-6685-11ed-9d9e-3f4ebcc70ed6.html
I found the somewhat delayed impact of "Forever Amber" on this name extremely interesting. It is clear that the name's return to the top 1000 was inspired by that novel and the film based on it. But as I say in the column, the name then just plateaued at a really low level, below #800, for several years. I am sure this was because of the extremely controversial nature of the story. Back in 1944 people just weren't ready for a tale about a woman who was extremely sexually promiscuous and made her living marrying wealthy older men but who was the successful unrepentant heroine of the story. The story mentions 39 out of wedlock pregnancies and 7 abortions, with Amber herself having at least one abortion. The book was banned in many places and there were protests against the film when it came out in 1947. So it took a while before the image of Amber St. Clare was forgotten enough for most parents to feel comfortable using the name. It would be interesting for someone to do a study as to just what the American parents who did name daughters Amber from 1944 through 1957 were like that allowed them to use the name despite its controversial image.
https://omaha.com/lifestyles/cleveland-evans-amber-still-a-somewhat-rare-jewel-among-first-names/article_379633e2-6685-11ed-9d9e-3f4ebcc70ed6.html
I found the somewhat delayed impact of "Forever Amber" on this name extremely interesting. It is clear that the name's return to the top 1000 was inspired by that novel and the film based on it. But as I say in the column, the name then just plateaued at a really low level, below #800, for several years. I am sure this was because of the extremely controversial nature of the story. Back in 1944 people just weren't ready for a tale about a woman who was extremely sexually promiscuous and made her living marrying wealthy older men but who was the successful unrepentant heroine of the story. The story mentions 39 out of wedlock pregnancies and 7 abortions, with Amber herself having at least one abortion. The book was banned in many places and there were protests against the film when it came out in 1947. So it took a while before the image of Amber St. Clare was forgotten enough for most parents to feel comfortable using the name. It would be interesting for someone to do a study as to just what the American parents who did name daughters Amber from 1944 through 1957 were like that allowed them to use the name despite its controversial image.
This message was edited 11/20/2022, 7:37 AM
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