Active discussions

Help protect children from gaming harms.

Take our survey

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Baby names

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

Original poster

Magnus

107 replies

HashB · 05/05/2024 09:33

What’s your impression of this name?
My husbands reaction was, ‘but we’re not Scottish’ which threw me as it’s always sounded rather Viking to me. This is mainly the reason I haven’t thought about it too hard - I love it but to me it’s always felt a bit out there, a bit of a crazy choice that will have people giving each other side eye behind our backs.
I’ve never met one or heard of one.
Thoughts?

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
Moreteaandchocolate · 05/05/2024 10:02

I quite like it and don’t think it sounds ridiculously out there! And I’m neither Scottish nor posh!

Thingsthatgo · 05/05/2024 10:02

I love it and considered it for DS. Where I live it would be unusual, but wouldn't be commented on because everyone has an unusual name here! Also, easy to spell and pronounce is a bonus.

loverofalmonds · 05/05/2024 10:01

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

ItsYourColdDayInTheSun · 05/05/2024 10:01

I might be biased because I have a Magnus, but I love it. We're in England if that helps, and certainly not posh.
He mostly goes by Gus/Mags.
I don't think it's a very 'out there' name compared to a lot of the kids I've met recently.

oldnorsesaga · 05/05/2024 10:00

loverofalmonds · 05/05/2024 09:55

posh?

or just a name more prevalent in private schools than state.

Show quote history

Why are you so upset someone from working/middle class to use name Magnus and then send child to state school? I would say state school can have more variety of names, especially (in London or Birmingham) if in one class there's kids from Vietnam, Egypt, Italy or Poland... do you think in that case anyone would care about child's name when all child have 'new' names?

JungDove · 05/05/2024 10:00

I like it, Manus is used in Ireland. Never came back strong like magnus.

An older man's name, but personally I could see it coming back.

KeinLiebeslied54321 · 05/05/2024 10:00

Alex Drake · 05/05/2024 09:55

I love it but think it's a rather 'brave' choice outside Scotland.

Magnus Magnusson did quite well outside Scotland.

Toddlerteaplease · 05/05/2024 09:59

Awful. I know a Scottish family with a baby Magnus.

KeinLiebeslied54321 · 05/05/2024 09:59

Waitingfordoggo · 05/05/2024 09:58

I like it. I’ve only met one and he was from Orkney!

There's lots in Orkney, it's very popular. 😬

KeinLiebeslied54321 · 05/05/2024 09:58

loverofalmonds · 05/05/2024 09:55

posh?

or just a name more prevalent in private schools than state.

Show quote history

Suggesting something is more prevalent in private schools inherently includes suggesting it's posh. We both know that. Anyway, this is a digression.

Moier · 05/05/2024 09:58

I absolutely love it.
But l love most viking names.
Was one l considered if l had a boy.. had two girls.
Both viking names.

Waitingfordoggo · 05/05/2024 09:58

I like it. I’ve only met one and he was from Orkney!

Original poster
HashB · 05/05/2024 09:56

AsYouMightBe · 05/05/2024 09:54

I like it. I also think it’s quite ordinary.

Do you happen to be Scottish or Scandinavian ?

OP posts:
Alex Drake · 05/05/2024 09:55

I love it but think it's a rather 'brave' choice outside Scotland.

loverofalmonds · 05/05/2024 09:55

KeinLiebeslied54321 · 05/05/2024 09:53

Writing a name off as posh, because someone isn't awarebof the origins, is a bit silly imho.

Show quote history

posh?

or just a name more prevalent in private schools than state.

AsYouMightBe · 05/05/2024 09:54

I like it. I also think it’s quite ordinary.

KeinLiebeslied54321 · 05/05/2024 09:53

loverofalmonds · 05/05/2024 09:50

so perhaps the poster should tag on

“or live in Orkney”

Show quote history

Writing a name off as posh, because someone isn't awarebof the origins, is a bit silly imho.

KeinLiebeslied54321 · 05/05/2024 09:52

HashB · 05/05/2024 09:46

This is complete news to me. I’m from not too far from the Scottish border but have still not met one or ever considered it a Scottish name. Thanks for your reply!

Show quote history

Although Orkney is part of Scotland now, there's a lot of Norse/Viking/Norwegian influence/ancestry, and that's where names like Magnus, Thorfinn, Sigurd etc come from. It's very common for little boys to still have these names in Orkney.

loverofalmonds · 05/05/2024 09:50

KeinLiebeslied54321 · 05/05/2024 09:41

I'll tell that to all the Orkney males named Magnus, none of whom went to private schools (there aren't any in Orkney).

Show quote history

so perhaps the poster should tag on

“or live in Orkney”

Original poster
HashB · 05/05/2024 09:46

KeinLiebeslied54321 · 05/05/2024 09:39

It's a very traditional name in Orkney, lots of males of all ages are called Magnus - there's even a Saint Magnus Cathedral!
I'm not overly keen but it's definitely not awful either.

Edited

This is complete news to me. I’m from not too far from the Scottish border but have still not met one or ever considered it a Scottish name. Thanks for your reply!

OP posts:
MolkosTeenageAngst · 05/05/2024 09:45

I think it’s a love-hate kind of name ad I’m afraid I’m definitely not on the love side.

Original poster
HashB · 05/05/2024 09:44

AppasAnnie · 05/05/2024 09:38

Unless private school fees are an option it’s a no

😂

OP posts:
bomi · 05/05/2024 09:41

Oh I love it!!
Such a strong name. Perfect.

KeinLiebeslied54321 · 05/05/2024 09:41

AppasAnnie · 05/05/2024 09:38

Unless private school fees are an option it’s a no

I'll tell that to all the Orkney males named Magnus, none of whom went to private schools (there aren't any in Orkney).

EveryKneeShallBow · 05/05/2024 09:39

I think it’s great. Strong, simple what’s not to like? I am in Scotland, though. It definitely wouldn’t sound out of place here.