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Mildred was my grandmother's name (she was born in 1913 and died in her forties, so all I know of her is pictures of her in relative youth, and the reminiscences of my parents). So it isn't heavy metal to me - it's got a dry earthy wit like Shirley or Thelma. It's a "survived the Depression and WWII, and partied on"-tough name. But my idea of it is already on the way over the horizon, I guess.

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I suppose if it is ever renewed as a girlname, it'll have a whole different image for those who use it. The sound of Mildred seems gentle, but isn't soft. I don't hear Mill-dread. I hear it more like Mil-dret. It's like Ingrid or Margaret. Yet, I understand why people react to it the way I react to "Grizz-Elder" Griselda.

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Also, the name Mildred seems like it might as well have become Mildreda or Mildreth, which might not frighten people as much.

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- mirfak