Connotations of names Barnaby, Roland or Jethro?

103 replies

goody3shoes · 28/12/2023 10:05

A friend of mine has married an Englishman, actually he is from Devon. They have taken her surname but he wishes to name their first child, a boy, due in 4 months. He is keen on the above three names but my friend is uncertain of how they would be thought of to an Englishperson and asked me, as I have some experience in the English culture. Still, I thought it would be best to get you guys on the case! Any thoughts and suggestions appreciated.

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MissHavershamReturns · 28/12/2023 10:15

They are very different names. Barnaby is a very standard (nice in my view) name currently and reasonably classless. Nn Barney.

Roland is posh and quite old fashioned, only met one personally under 50, usual nn Roly.

Jethro uncommon and I’m sorry but I don’t like it.

Emotionalsupportviper · 28/12/2023 10:14

Without knowing the surname it is hard to say which would be least dreadful (as you can probably tell, I'm not keen on any of them - but it's not my child and not my choice).

Re: the names - Barnaby is essence of A-hole to me, Roland is medieval, and Jethro - well my friend had a huge black and white cat called Jethro* (it was MASSIVE) and that's all I can see when I hear that name.

If I had to pick one of the three it would be Roland.

*after Jethro Tull

ALonelyRoad · 28/12/2023 10:12

Barnaby is ok and don't have any direct associations. It does remind me of Barney Bear though. The only association I have with Roland is the Irish singer. I can't think of a Jethro but highly dislike the name. None of the names are my taste but there are so many 'old' names or unique names in fashion right now that I don't think any of these would particularly stand out.

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