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Baby names

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

Original poster

Bonkers name?

89 replies

Stangirl · 20/06/2011 22:34

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).

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fairieswearboots · 20/06/2011 23:11

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.

diggingintheribs · 20/06/2011 23:10

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!!

Original poster
Stangirl · 20/06/2011 22:59

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.

OP posts:
EveryonesJealousOfGingers · 20/06/2011 22:56

Atticus is lovely

meditrina · 20/06/2011 22:56

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

Atticus is fine. Not so keen on Phoenix though.

Northernrose · 20/06/2011 22:55

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. Smile

SoupDragon · 20/06/2011 22:51

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

SoupDragon · 20/06/2011 22:50

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.

Awomancalledhorse · 20/06/2011 22:49

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.

Original poster
Stangirl · 20/06/2011 22:43

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).

OP posts:
MsChanandlerBong · 20/06/2011 22:39

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

SoupDragon · 20/06/2011 22:39

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

Lydon is bloody stupid. Especially the reason.

Bandwitch · 20/06/2011 22:39

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.

BikeRunSki · 20/06/2011 22:36

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