Well, I've learned something today, too... Or rather, had confirmed. And it's relevant to a not so distant conversation.

Says here in my grammar book:

"Family names (rarely first names) occasionally get used with the definite article. It's mostly colloquial and stresses the familiarity with the named person. Also the definite article can clarify the gender.

Denk doch an die Pawlowa! Die hat mit fünfzig noch ihren "Sterbenden Schwan" getanzt." - I think this would translate simply "But think about Pavlova! She danced her "Dying Swan" at fifty."

And later:

"In the South German colloquial speech personal names get used with the definite article. This is especially a distinction of South German and Austrian writers."

I suppose it's not particularly relevant at the moment, but it's not unthinkable that you'll see an example of that sooner rather than later. And for me it was enlightening.