Is going for an unusual name cruel??

[prettygeek]

I like the name Atticus, and my association to it is literary. Atticus Finch from To Kill A Mockingbird. I don't even think it's that unusual of a name. It's a real name, not like something made up.

Unusual names are more common now anyway. A lower percentage of babies are given "Top 10" names every year it seems.

 

[MommyWishes4]

I love the name Atticus.

Atticus Finley is on my top five boy names. I think it's beautiful.

 

[mandarhino]

Unusual names are fine. However, I think weird or 'unique' spellings can be cruel though. You're setting your child up for a lifetime of having to spell their name for people over and over again. And having to explain 'yes my parents thought that would be an interesting way to spell X name'.

 

[dizzyisacow]

we are going for an unusual naame too. all i can say is this tip: dont tell anyone about your name choice until after baby is born. i did that with my first too that way you dont have to hear what everyone thinks and they wont ruin it for you if they dont like it

 

[Deli]

we are going for an unusual naame too. all i can say is this tip: dont tell anyone about your name choice until after baby is born. i did that with my first too that way you dont have to hear what everyone thinks and they wont ruin it for you if they dont like it

Good point.

I knew everyone would criticise my baby's name (Herbie) so we just said we hadn't thought of one. People are less likely to be rude about a baby's name once it is born as they are then insulting that baby personally. Still get some rude buggers giving their opinion though!

 

[ginasgemz]

I LOVE Atticus! Completely legit name, reminding me of ancient greek heroes..hmm..needless to say, very masculine name I say go for it! People who want to tease you will tease you no matter what, it's better if they tease you for a wonderful name than a made-up name or something completely weird (like Lemonjello or something) lol - no offense to anyone.

 

[lov3hat3]

i think some unusuall names can be cruel, e.g my aunties best friend named her daughter gypsy, now shes only 4/5 now but you can imagine the comments when shes older! but i dont think Atticus is cruel at all :] xxx

 

[prettygeek]

i think some unusuall names can be cruel, e.g my aunties best friend named her daughter gypsy, now shes only 4/5 now but you can imagine the comments when shes older! but i dont think Atticus is cruel at all :] xxx

Gypsy's not that bad. Apparently it's not too uncommon as a nickname. What about the baby named Shithead? Parents claimed it was supposed to be pronounced in some other way, but umm, no. Also, the woman who named her daughter Temptress, confusing it with Tempest(and apparently not knowing what temptress meant!). Also, there was a man who named his sons Winner and Loser.

But those things are totally different from proper names that are uncommon.

 

[Claireyh]

I think it's cruel I'm afraid.

I'm a primary school teacher and I've seen it first hand.

Children will find ANYTHING that is 'different' and pick on it. They will find awful rhymes that go with the name, things that it sounds a bit like, say that it's a girl's/boy's name (whichever the child isn't!).

I think as long as you are ready for the possibility of your child coming home upset because children have been picking on them because of thier name, or more likely, coming home pissed off at you for giving them that name then that's fine.

Don't want to be rude, but this is just my experience

 

[Eleanor ace]

Thanks for all the opinions ladies! It's good to get honest opinions. I like Atticus because of the ancient Greek connection (my OH is a classicist and specialised in Hellenistic civilisation) and the Atticus Finch link- I would like my son to be strong, brave and just (please!! Lol).
I am also a teacher and I have heard some cracking names (Divine-Mercy; Holy Lola; Tim-Tim and my favourite: Anniestaceyteagan - all one word!) and although I haven't seen the children get teased for their names I am an Early Years teacher and I guess that the teasing maybe comes when they're a little older. However after looking into it it seems that Atticus is becoming more popular, but not too popular, so I am warming to it even more! Hee hee. The names that OH and I both like are Toby (Tobias) and Louis (Aloysius, after my Great Grandfather). I like Leif (Swedish background), OH likes Xander.
So I expect bug will end up being called Bob.
actually, Bob...

 

[luciforms]

Atticus is lovely!

I think unusual is definitely okay if it is a legit name and not some made-up atrocity!

Louis Atticus has a wonderful flow, I think. Louis Tobias also sounds and looks great!

 

[oread]

Me and both of my siblings have quite unusual names and not only were we never teased, but we love having weird names! It definitely helps people remember me and I never get confused with anyone else.

 

[GDrag]

I love Atticus It's such a strong, masculine name that he is sure to end up being a leader!