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Baby names

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

Original poster

Eric or Linus?

39 replies

schroedingersdodo · 16/06/2012 23:45

Which one do you prefer, and why?

If it makes any difference, the baby will be 75% white, 25% Japanese. Taking from his older brother, he'll probably look slightly Asian, but not much (think of a Russian, or maybe someone with Mongolian ascent). His older brother has fair greyish eyes, was born with redish hair (has darkened now).

What I'm trying to say is that DS2 probably won't look properly Japanese, but won't be a blonde Arian guy either, (so no point naming him Katsushiro or Otto). I want a name that fits a person with a mixed heritage (specially because I don't know how exactly he'll will look, and want a name that fits any face).

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charcoalbriquettes · 22/06/2012 23:01

linus up and shoot us.

SLVC · 22/06/2012 21:44

I think both are great names. I know a 13 year old Eric, a really cool kid. Was tempted for my own DS.

Minty82 · 22/06/2012 10:05

Don't like Eric at all - old man in socks and sandals....
I LOVE Linus and tried to get it onto our list - he's a musician in Greek mythology which I thought would appeal to my musician DH...and I quite fancy Linus Roache, which I didn't mention! I like the Peanuts connection too. DH didn't adamantly rule it out...but we had a girl :)

YodasMummy · 22/06/2012 08:07

I love the name Eric. It's my dad's name. I think it'd suit any age.

Lannie33 · 22/06/2012 04:04

Eric is very nice.
Linus is not my cup of tea....at all (sorry).

Littlecherublegs · 21/06/2012 12:42

Love Linus!!

Original poster
schroedingersdodo · 19/06/2012 23:40

Thanks all and thanks all mums of Linuses, Erics and Eriks! I'm happy to keep both names in the list for when DS2 is born (and then see what he looks like). But it's good to know the points of view against both names. DH is not very keen on Eric, though, but he may change his mind.

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Sheilathegreat · 19/06/2012 22:29

I have my own Eric. He is brilliant, hilarious and strong willed and puts to bed any ideas of 'eric' as an old man name. I loved it because it's simple, ageless and to me at least sounds heroic and strong! Smile

CharlotteLucas · 19/06/2012 21:56

Linus is cool - I considered it for my son.

freerangeeggs · 19/06/2012 21:22

I prefer Erik to Eric and Linus to both. Linus is cool.

soontobemumofthree · 18/06/2012 22:02

Eric definitely

Springforward · 17/06/2012 22:46

Stressed Eric.

Linus (and his blanket) from Peanuts.

Sorry....

PrisonerOfWaugh · 17/06/2012 22:37

I love Eric/Erik

thisisyesterday · 17/06/2012 22:31

and we've had NO references to Mr Torvalds either, although admittedly that may be why DP liked the name :-/

thisisyesterday · 17/06/2012 22:31

"Not a fan of Linus either - it makes me think of the operating system but not everyone would have heard of that so I'd say I prefer it to Eric."

that would be Linux

thisisyesterday · 17/06/2012 22:30

Linus of course

i have one and he is lovely and so is linus from the peanuts comic strip

BetterChoicesChair · 17/06/2012 22:29

Eric/Erik. Linus is the weirdo blankie-snuggler from Snoopy.

mylittleprincess3455 · 17/06/2012 22:27

Love Eric, it's a timeless name that would suit anyone. Linus i don't like - can't put my finger on why, i just don't like it.

hhhhhhh · 17/06/2012 22:21

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Clawdy · 17/06/2012 22:12

Erik is rather nice,Eric sounds like a portly greyhaired man in his sixties....

Staceisace · 17/06/2012 19:13

Weirdly Erik with a K makes me think of our friend from Luxembourg who i lovely. How can one letter make such a huge difference?! Haha!

Thatisnotitatall · 17/06/2012 18:20

Don't listen Erik (ours is with a K) is a splendid name - mine is 4 and suits his name, which I think is a strong "stompy" (as somebody put it) name :) Mine has dark brown hair, big brown eyes, and is tall for his age and a broad shouldered build. He is a bit wild and very physical and an excellent bike rider and footballer. I think the name is due a comeback :) Sounds most excellent chanted by his friends as he takes a penalty at football :)

Everyone who doesn't like it is silly :)

nooka · 17/06/2012 18:08

dh says that a real geek would know that Linux is pronounced with the 'i' like 'in' not like 'I', so if you use the English pronunciation for Linus then that wouldn't be a problem. If you used the German pronunciation however then the two words are very very similar.

I like both, but Eric to me is a red headed Viking :)

AlpinePony · 17/06/2012 17:27

If you name your child Linus, every geek within a 6000 mile radius will ask you about Torvalds or make a penguin joke.

You may as well just name him Sheldon.

Original poster
schroedingersdodo · 17/06/2012 16:53

Thanks a lot! I never thought a name like Eric could have such rejection levels... :)

It seems it was quite popular in the UK a generation ago (which I didn't know, as I'm not from the UK), which explains it.

Linus, back home, would be pronounced lee-noos too - it doesn't bother me, but prefer the English way.

Staceisace that's what I want, a name that people know (not made up or very weird) but that's not too popular now.

ripsishere good point! His Japanese grandmother would say something like Ree-nos! Haven't thought of that :)

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