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Baby names

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

Original poster

Ben or Felix?

58 replies

Penguin13 · 15/03/2017 17:47

DC2 due imminently and thought we had decided on Ben as our option if it's a boy but in the process of finding a middle name Felix came up as a possible first name. I really like the name and meaning (lucky) and was worried Ben was too common a name but a bit wary that he would sound like a cat! Also DD has a name beginning F and wondering if it would sound a bit much a la 'topsy and tim' especially since our surname also begins with F!

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lazydog · 16/03/2017 02:34

Ben, by miles. I only know really nice ones too - and not that my sample is huge (a whole 3 people Grin ) none of them are rough and all 3 are smart as well as kind.

Original poster
Penguin13 · 16/03/2017 01:52

Thanks for the input everyone, interesting to hear the spread of opinions which was inevitably split I guess given the nature of opinions!

If I were to be pedantic (which I generally am Smile) I would point out that a quick Google reveals Felix has been in popular usage in England since the middle ages which I'm fairly sure pre-dates the cat food Grin

I actually think I am leaning towards Ben as all the Ben's I have known have been friendly, lovely guys and it's a nice, solid name. I have heard of pets called pretty much most things from Gerald to Oscar so that doesn't really bother me in the end just gut feel I guess.

OP posts:
Sugarpiehoneyeye · 15/03/2017 23:17

Ben, good solid name.

RuthB4 · 15/03/2017 22:41

I personally prefer Ben by miles. But go for Felix if you are leaning that way. I wouldn't let the F issue (DD name and surname) put you off.
It doesn't make me think of cats either.

The only possible issue is whether you might have another child in the future and might then feel the need to use F again.

mum2be2boys · 15/03/2017 21:52

Another vote for Ben. I only know one in real life :-)

MrsMarigold · 15/03/2017 21:31

Ben, as in Benedict is lovely. Felix just doesn't do it for me.

5BlueHydrangea · 15/03/2017 21:22

My rabbit is called Benji which is rather lovely...

sosieso · 15/03/2017 21:00

Felix is great and Ben is ok but it's so boring in comparison. There are no boys called Felix at my school but there seem to be a million Ben's! I have a really popular name (top 10) and was one of four in my class at school and I wished I had a less popular name so I could be more individual.

dodi1978 · 15/03/2017 20:40

Felix all the way.

DH initially vetoed it for DS2 on grounds of the cats name issue, but I won Smile.

Mumzypopz · 15/03/2017 20:37

So you would name him after a box of cat food?

Macaroni22 · 15/03/2017 20:27

Felix! Love it :)

Cosmicglitterpug · 15/03/2017 20:22

I have never encountered a cat called Felix. However, I have met at least two labradors called Ben. Just saying.

Purplebluebird · 15/03/2017 19:34

Felix!

n0ne · 15/03/2017 19:33

Love Felix

YogaAndRum · 15/03/2017 19:30

Felix! All the way.

All the Ben's I've ever known have put me off the name. They're always er...a bit rough. Probably a regional thing and just my perception.

Winifredgoose · 15/03/2017 19:24

Felix

hoddtastic · 15/03/2017 19:22

never understood the attraction of felix, think it's really faddy.

fanniboz · 15/03/2017 19:17

Ben. You're having a baby, not a cat

Yogagirl123 · 15/03/2017 19:15

I think Felix is lovely.

Daffydil · 15/03/2017 19:12

As long as your DD isn't felicity then I'd go with felix.

(Well, I did go with felix Grin )

KoolKoala07 · 15/03/2017 19:12

Love ben. Felix is a cats name.

Cosmicglitterpug · 15/03/2017 19:09

Felix.

pilates · 15/03/2017 19:08

Ben, really dislike Felix

Pencilvester · 15/03/2017 19:08

Felix! Ben is a bit dull.

DramaAlpaca · 15/03/2017 19:05

I much prefer Ben.

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