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Baby names

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

Arthur and Emrys too much together?!

30 replies

PollysPockets · 11/07/2022 11:38

We already have an Arthur (named just before it stormed up the baby name charts) and we absolutely LOVE the name Emrys more than any other name we have found ( we've spent hours researching names and have already ruled out other Arthurian legend/Welsh names etc including Idris, Tristan, Evan, Osian etc)

Is it way too much considering we already have an Arthur, or if we adore it should we not care and use it anyway?

We do love the Arthurian connection, the fact it's Welsh (my late father was Welsh) and not super common here but wondered if it's too on the nose/cringy? Although surely not as immediately on the nose as using Merlin with Arthur?

Can we use it or is it way too much together, what are your thoughts?

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swanfake · 23/07/2022 16:17

I would make the connection but who cares?!

Both are great names and like a pp said I might assume it was on purpose or you were fans of the show, but wouldn't dwell on it. Merlin and Arthur I think would raise more eyebrows and so we wouldn't use the name Arthur (we have a Merlin in the extended family), but Emrys is a more obscure reference.

bluegardenflowers · 23/07/2022 11:52

I love both and the legend aspect is not a big issue

SpringIntoChaos · 23/07/2022 11:38

(My post was for @Holly60 )

SpringIntoChaos · 23/07/2022 11:37

You do know that the legend of King Arthur is a 'legend' because it's VERY OLD, right? It wasn't 'written for TV' 🤦‍♀️

RestingMurderousFace · 23/07/2022 11:28

Arthur is a great name. Emrys not so much.

latetothefisting · 23/07/2022 11:23

Holly60 · 12/07/2022 07:05

I never would have made the connection. Just two nice names.

If you like it, I'd go for it.

With the Merlin thing - how many people are going to have heard of it in 15 years? No one id think ...

Um...given the arthurian legends have been going for at least 700 years I'd say there's a fair chance they'll still be around in 15? Emrys wasn't an invention of the TV series, its always been the welsh name for merlin.

I like the name op but I think you need to accept that although most people won't make the connection a fair amount will so up to you how much it bothers you.

IceCreamWithSprinkles · 23/07/2022 11:08

I feel exactly like Penfelyn: I would make the connection, but who cares! I wouldn’t find it weird, I would just acknowledge it in my brain and move on.
They are lovely names and sound good together.

user1492757084 · 23/07/2022 10:54

Arthur and Emrys sound fine.
Arthur goes with many nice names.

Penfelyn · 22/07/2022 06:00

Love the name Emrys. I would make the connection and assume you're into Arthurian legends, but then so what ? It's not wrong or embarrassing. It's two established names in their own right, you're not calling your kids Daenerys and Tyrion. I wouldn't spare this more than a passing thought other than "oh, an Arthurian duo" and then probably never think about it again as I would get to know each child for who they are.

Mydogatemypurse · 12/07/2022 19:00

No i like them

PollysPockets · 12/07/2022 18:54

Thank you so much everyone! It's given us lots to think about. I have a feeling this baby won't get a name settled for him until the last minute -If we feel brave enough to just think sod it and go for it! Lol

OP posts:
Bunnygirl0 · 12/07/2022 17:11

Have no idea what this means at all

myriama · 12/07/2022 11:42

I had no idea about the connection between the two names, but I'm not Welsh and I never watched the TV show beyond a couple of episodes.

Most people probably won't think anything of it.

liveforsummer · 12/07/2022 10:49

I had no idea about the connection. Who cares anyway, the names sound nice together- people can assume whatever they like.

Whichjobnow · 12/07/2022 10:37

I would never have made the Merlin connection.

As an aside, my nephew is an Arthur and my friend's son is an Emrys and they are two of the sweetest, brightest and coolest little boys I have ever met, so the names have excellent connotations for me! Lovely choices and I think they go beautifully together!

SpiderVersed · 12/07/2022 07:11

I’d think you were overly invested in Arthurian stories.

Holly60 · 12/07/2022 07:05

I never would have made the connection. Just two nice names.

If you like it, I'd go for it.

With the Merlin thing - how many people are going to have heard of it in 15 years? No one id think ...

Happytap · 11/07/2022 22:57

Would never had made the connection and don’t really understand it now! Just two nice names as far as I’m concerned

BlackbirdsSinging · 11/07/2022 22:55

Too much.

CheshireCats · 11/07/2022 22:53

I would instantly think of Merlin.
Osian is really lovely.

StinkerTroll · 11/07/2022 22:43

I would have immediately made the connection, however, I'm an signed up member of the Arthurian Legends Geek club 😁

ArtichokeAardvark · 11/07/2022 22:42

I'd assume you were a Merlin fan.

Maggit · 11/07/2022 22:40

I am Welsh, speak Welsh as my first language, and had no idea Emrys had any arthurian connection. [Blush]
It's not uncommon here, I know three or four infant Emrys. I think it's a lovely name.
Emlyn is a similar name, or the lovely Emyr.

JM10 · 11/07/2022 22:40

I did watch Merlin and still wouldn't make the connection.

Luredbyapomegranate · 11/07/2022 22:37

I wouldn’t even think about it, it’s fine. Most people would know Merlin only as Merlin

It’s not like Merlin was GOT popular

Gawain is also nice, I always think.