Tristan or Felix - thoughts?

SpeakNoWords you're absolutely right that the Celtic etymology of Tristan is from a sound / tumult of the the clashing of swords.

However, the connection with the French 'triste' is very old indeed, certainly back to Gottfried von Strassburg's version of Tristan from the 12th century. Tristan's parents were doomed lovers: his father, Rivalin, died in battle and his pregnant wife, Blanchefor, died of grief in childbirth. Gottfried makes it clear that Tristan's adoptive parents name him with this tragedy in mind.

Literary nerd attack over!

I like both names. Prefer Tristan a bit (probably because there was an absolutely stunning student called Tristan at our local uni when I was in 6th form who we all had a crush on. Looked like Rob Lowe.) I know two Felixes. One is gentle and a bit forgetful. The other has an ego the size of England.

To me Tristan is an overly posh name. I imagine a floppy haired inept simpleton who has advanced to a position of achievement thanks to family connections.

I don't love Felix, but definitely prefer it. It has less immediate associations so the owner can make it their own!

I like Tristan. We've considered Trystan, the Welsh version (pronounced trust-anne) which I think is pretty cool :)

Out of either of them, I would prefer Tristan.

My cat eats Felix cat food, so that would put me off Felix.

I have a Felix. I'm a bit perturbed that it's getting popular because we chose it five years ago when expecting DC1. I think it's cool and strong and the cat connection doesn't bother me in the slightest.

I prefer Tristan. Felix is cat food. Also, there are loads of them (6 at the school I work at).

I'm not a huge fan of either, though I prefer Tristan.

Felix seems quite popular around here at the moment, though, so obviously it has its fans :)

Felix for me.

I think Tristan is a really old (English?) name and know about the whole Tristan and Izolde connection, but for some reason it sounds to me like a more modern name like Cody maybe or Kayden. There is nothing wrong with what I think are more modern names, but I just don't happen to love them. It's definitely not a 'posh' name where I'm from though, so if that's a concern I wonder if it depends where you live.

I have a Felix, he'll be two in June. He's named after the lead singer of an Australian band that my husband and I love so we have very happy associations with the name! DD always asks if we can "listen to Felix" in the car, so she loves their music too.

My uncle didn't like it when Mum called him to let him know, like other posters here his immediate reaction was "like the cat". He even asks after little Felix the cat almost two years down the line but I think it's quite sweet. He's in his 70s and said himself he's quite old fashioned in that respect.

Not met another one as yet - other than a very very hunky Dad at the nursery. Gorgeous black guy, a drippy Felix he was not!

I think Felix is really cool and Tristan a bit wet.

I feel I should have spelled my surname with 2 Ms though, it's a bit spicy as it is.

😇 thanks!

I much prefer Felix. Happy name, like Felicity.

I know one rough, un-poncey Tristan, and one ridiculously posh arsehole called TrisTRAM, which is the worst and fussiest name in the entire world.

I am the proud owner of a very energetic 3yr old Felix, boy not cat! Nothing wet or drippy about him yet, fingers crossed. DH also knows a Felix in his 30's who's a well adjusted doctor.

I still associate his name with cats, and there was a song in the 90s that refered to Felix the Cat as a twat, but I still love it!

I prefer Felix, it's lovely Tristan is okay, but I definitely prefer Felix!

I know a Tristan, I would say he is a bit posh and I would also say that I (for some reason) struggle to say his name when I speak to his mum! I don't know why, too many close syllables. I wouldn't say it is a strong boys name but an interesting one.

Felix. I have this down as a middle name for our baby due in August but I do think of cats. Does that matter? not really. It's fine. Not really first name material for me though!

Also be aware that Felix is 'taking off' as a name, based on the few babies / toddlers I have met in the last 6 months, having previously known none at all!

Hate Tristan, love Felix BUT it was on my 'If we have a boy' list and DH vetoed it because of Felix the cat.

Go for Felix.
Tristan can be mispronounced and misspelt: Tristran, Tristram, Tristam, Tristun/on.

Really like both actually. I know a 1 year old Tristan. He's quite a serious little boy and suits it. I don't think it needs to be a 'wet' name - has it got a good surname to go with it? Felix will always have the cat association for many people, but I aupaired for a 9 yo (German) Felix who was adorable and so I love it.