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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

If you heard a baby was called Benedict...

86 replies

noeyedear · 31/01/2011 11:07

would you think 'Pope'?

I like Benedict and Ben as a nickname. Like Benjamin, but DH thought Benedict was a bit more unusual.

I'm Catholic, but don't really approve of the Pope! I'm thinking he's well into his '80's so probably won't be a problem for long, but it's putting me off a bit!

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Maud2011 · 02/02/2011 22:06

Yes I would think Pope. And not being a fan of the Pope I find that's a pity... because I do think Benedict's a lovely name.

englishmummyinwales · 02/02/2011 21:04

I know a 7 yr old Benedict. When he was born I thought 'how lovely and a bit different' although that was of course before the Pope was Pope. He's called Benny (at home) and Ben (at school) but I think it's a really lovely name.

RipMacWinkle · 01/02/2011 21:41

My first thought would be Pope/Catholic.

In the same way that there were a few John-Paul's when I was at school.

hulabula · 01/02/2011 21:28

Benedict is nice but a bit long to use daily, so he would probably end up as Ben - which is a little dull/common these days, if I'm honest.

kerala · 01/02/2011 20:56

Most of my friends have a Ben.

eatyourveg · 01/02/2011 20:17

I'm Catholic and I don't think Pope. Go with it, much better than Benjamin.

Plenty of other names in the classroom will be far more unusual so I wouldn't worry. Benedict is not common, but neither is it terribly unusual.

Jux · 01/02/2011 20:03

My name was supposed to be unusual when I was born. I went right the way through school with another girl of the very same name. However, I had not come across another since, until last year (and I'm 53).

My bro's name was unusual at the time of his birth. Within 4 years it was one of the most common!

Common now, uncommon now. It changes all the time, so choose a name that you like and don't worry about other people.

Original poster
noeyedear · 01/02/2011 19:51

Kerala I haven't heard a Ben under the age of 4, but it might put me off a bit. I don't want really popular. My DS's name wasn't popular when I chose it though, and there are always 2 or 3 of them at all the toddler groups, so I don't think you can predict trends!

OP posts:
Maisiethemorningsidecat · 01/02/2011 19:23

I would be very jealous - I suggested this for DC3, but got a "meh" from DH.

kerala · 01/02/2011 19:22

I think he would end up being Ben. Which is fine but be aware this is a very very popular name - there seem to be at least 2 in every class may not bother you in the slightest but would bother me.

Feegle · 01/02/2011 18:34

duchesse it was Exeter Schools in Primary.

McDreamy · 01/02/2011 16:17

We had this exact discussion when DS was born. The Pope had just been elected. I didn't want Benedict as I immediately thought Pope, and much preferred Benjamin, DH wanted Benedict (not because of Pope). We couldn't agree but we agree that whichever one we chose he would be known as Ben so we decided to call him just that. Ben!

sadisticlies · 01/02/2011 16:17

It is unusual, and to be honest, the first thing I thought of was the pope. =\

Benjamin is a nicer name anyway I think.

duchesse · 01/02/2011 16:15

feegle- can't find the thread- can you remember what it's called?

GwendolineMaryLacey · 01/02/2011 13:18

Wouldn't think pope and I'm a practising Catholic :)

Original poster
noeyedear · 01/02/2011 11:07

Simon's nice, but already spoken for!

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Jux · 01/02/2011 11:00

Simon? Another strong name.

Original poster
noeyedear · 01/02/2011 10:51

Decided to look up St Benedict before showing this thread to my DH, and he seemed like a good fella. I couldn't have Xavier for my first son because St Francis Xavier went around killing people for not converting to Catholicism in the 15th Century, so I thought I'd better be sure!

OP posts:
LilyBolero · 01/02/2011 09:46

I would - I much prefer Benjamin!

ZZZenAgain · 01/02/2011 09:43

I din't think of the Pope first. I thought of Benedict of Nursia (but I studied this stuff so I suppose I would...) and some Benedicts I know but I don't know very many - just 2.

Jux · 31/01/2011 20:53

No. My uncle's called Benedict (Ben); it's a really strong name.

Feegle · 31/01/2011 20:47

duchesse someone over in primary ed was asking for your help with local schools.

SecretNutellaFix · 31/01/2011 19:44

No, I think of the name's meaning, which is Blessed.

It's a fabulous name, rarer than Benjamin and Ben, but still mainstream as it were.

BelligerentGhoul · 31/01/2011 19:42

Nope I wouldn't think 'pope' - I would just think that it's a gorgeous name.

weimy · 31/01/2011 19:37

even thogh spelt dif I think of Shakespeare too.

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