Bonkers name?

[Stangirl]

I like very unusual names and am considering calling my soon to be born son Atticus - after the noble lawyer character in To Kill A Mockingbird. Any views? The other front runners have been Phoenix (like the hippyness) and Lydon (after lead singer of Sex Pistols).

[BikeRunSki]

I think a lot of people would understand the significance of Atticus.

[Bandwitch]

at least it's not harper or scout though. i oke jem, but for a girl. or for a boy.
not mad about phoenix. it's so dramatic. Lydon ....... sounds like the lido. dirty with bit of polystyrene and wee in it.

[SoupDragon]

I have a cat called Atticus. A big monster of a Tabby.

Lydon is bloody stupid. Especially the reason.

[MsChanandlerBong]

I love the name Atticus. It is obviously quite unusual, but I agree that most people would understand where you got the name from.

[Stangirl]

Soupdragon John Lydon is one of my all time heroes, so the reason is not bloody stupid to me. I have several friends who have named their children after musicians eg Thurston (Moore), Joey (Ramone).

[Awomancalledhorse]

Not a fan of Lyndon (has Malcolm been considered?), Phoenix I like...but be prepared for many, many people not being able to spell it.
LOVE Atticus, DH said no because of the goth clothing company.

[SoupDragon]

It's not you who has to live with it and explain you're named after someone who made a career out of being offensive.

[SoupDragon]

You're naming a child. Save Lydon for the dog.

[Northernrose]

I don't think Atticus is bonkers at all, have a friend who has just named her son this and I think it's great. Was expecting a much more bonkers name after reading the title of your thread to
be honest, and personally think it is a much stronger and more masculine name than Phoenix or Lydon.

[meditrina]

Lydon may become Lie Down in the playground.... I'd go for John.

Atticus is fine. Not so keen on Phoenix though.

[EveryonesJealousOfGingers]

Atticus is lovely

[Stangirl]

soupdragon But I've never found John Lydon offensive - just a teller of truths! Amongst my friends he is greatly revered. If you have the time you should read his autobiography - a fascinating account of a particularly fraught time in history. Thanks for bothering to add to the thread anyway.

The only problem I have with Atticus is that I then can't use Tiberius as a middle name (in honour of James "T" Kirk). I originally wanted Spartacus as a middle name but DP veteod me - he has approved Tiberius as long as it ok with the first name.

[diggingintheribs]

When I was pregnant with my first a colleague pleaded with me to give the baby a solid and traditional middle name. His parents had 'cursed' him with a 'cool' first name. it was cool in their day but by the time he was at school it was not considered cool at all and he was teased mercilessly. As soon as he was old enough he swapped to using his middle name. I've never met anyone so traumatised by their name!

Just a word of warning!

Atticus is not an 'out there' name.

Not a fan of Phoenix and I always think it's a girls name!

Lydon necessitates the connection or it just sounds weird. And I don't think you should tie your child to someone in that way. Could you have that as the middle name instead? And bear in mind that a lot of younger people will just associate him with Country Life butter!!

[fairieswearboots]

But Atticus Tiberius is fine! My only problem with Atticus is what would it be shortened to?
Btw agree John Lydon's autobiography was a riveting read; still wouldn't use Lydon tho. . . prefer John.

[Rhubarbgarden]

I know one baby Atticus and two baby Phoenixs. Neither is all that unusual these days. I don't like Lydon personally, I don't think it has a very nice sound.

[BikeRunSki]

I work in a building called Phoenix House, and it is amazing how often "Phoenix" is mispelt, even when people think they are getting it right.

[GwendolineMaryLacey]

Apart from the book being a big pile of poo, the name itself is fine and anyone who has done an English Lit GCSE will know where it's from :)

Lydon is ok too. Not much different to Lynden and that's an accepted name.

[flopsy1974]

Atticus is a great name. Don't like the other two though.

[Stangirl]

Ooh, thanks everyone - really interesting feedback.

My DD has an unusual first name and 2 "normal" middle names so she has a choice when she's older - so I should probably stick to the same pattern.

I also really like Digby (people say it's a dog's name though), Cosmo (too common in posh circles apparently), Jethro (DP won't have Biblical or Southern preacher names) and Caleb (ditto Jethro and also too Kings of Leon).

The only feedback that worries me is the number of people who say they already know an Atticus - I would ideally like a really unusual name. Any suggestions?

[missmiss]

Atticus is great. Lydon is shit. It sounds ugly and looks like you've misspelt Lindon.

[SootySweepandSue]

Sorry I think Atticus is awful. Sounds like a character from Harry Potter.

[ithaka]

What about James Tiberius if you are keen on the Star Trek thing? Gives your child a bit of choice between traditional and unusual.

I agree that Lyden is a pet's name - you are naming a child.

[Idreamofsunshine]

Atticus is nice but dont like the other names you mentioned sorry.

[bagelmonkey]

You could use: Atticus (insert "normal" name) Tiberius Surname?
Gives a "normal" name plus avoids the double "us" endings.

[bagelmonkey]

The normal name could be John instead of Lydon