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Original poster

Thoughts on name Bento for a boy

57 replies

sig0992 · 02/08/2024 12:34

Hello!

I’m originally from Brazil, and my husband has Italian heritage, so we’re considering the name Bento for a boy. It means ‘blessed’ in Portuguese and goes very well with our last name. However, I know people will link it to the bento boxes, which doesn’t really bother me, but I also don’t want him to be upset with us later in life 😂 Am I overthinking it, or should I go for another name? We plan on raising our kids in the UK.

I also love Matteo and Theo. Thank you!

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user1492757084 · 03/08/2024 13:57

Ben or Benjamin I prefer.
Bento will get Box for a nick name.

I love Matteo.

Or mix the two and go for Mentos, nick name Sucker.
Or Tentoe, nick name Tiptoe.
Or Tonto, nick name Horse.

Rachel234561 · 02/08/2024 19:57

Not keen. I Like Ben or Benji at a push..

bingobanjo · 02/08/2024 18:37

KirstenBlest · 02/08/2024 16:57

@bingobanjo , just because you didn't know it doesn't mean that others won't. OP's DH is of Italian heritage.

Yes thank you, that’s why I said “obviously it’s a no-go” in the post you’re quoting 🙄I suggested it because I hadn’t realised - I realise now, and it didn’t require a third person to tell me. In italics and everything!

hattie43 · 02/08/2024 18:00

Bento box is the first thing I thought of

rainbowbee · 02/08/2024 17:28

Another one who hears bento box and the mean kids will call him bent. Benito could work? Matteo from your list is lovely.

pinacollateral · 02/08/2024 17:06

I don't think it will really work for a child raised in the UK, they will probably get teased about it.

If you were going to raise them in Portugal/ Brazil/ Italy it might be different.

But since you are raising them in the UK, I think it's a bad idea.

StormingNorman · 02/08/2024 17:00

Bento is synonymous with bento box. Sorry. Love Matteo and Theo!

WouldUSayImWorthy · 02/08/2024 17:00

Matteo is beautiful.

KirstenBlest · 02/08/2024 16:57

@bingobanjo , just because you didn't know it doesn't mean that others won't. OP's DH is of Italian heritage.

Chatterboxy · 02/08/2024 16:50

Bento = Lunchbox to me.

peaceinourtime · 02/08/2024 16:47

What do you have for lunch Bento box- don’t do it. Matteo is nicer

bingobanjo · 02/08/2024 16:37

HaveYouSeenRain · 02/08/2024 13:11

Benito for a boy with Italian heritage 😂🤦🏻‍♀️ no way! Next you suggest a German call their child Adolf

Show quote history

I didn’t know that was Mussolini’s name until I saw another poster mention it. Not sure if that’s a reflection on me personally or a sign that it isn’t the most general of knowledge!

Obviously it’s a no-go with that particular link, but it’s still widely used elsewhere in the world and it’s hardly Adolf in terms of first name notoriety within the UK.

jannier · 02/08/2024 15:19

I think you have to consider where he will grow up and the language of that country. It's got lots of bullying potential

Balloonhearts · 02/08/2024 13:55

Berga · 02/08/2024 12:58

It's just me that thought of Fray Bentos then?

Yes, go for Matteo.

No I did too.

tara66 · 02/08/2024 13:52

NO - terrible - be teased he is bent.

CurlsnSunshinetime4tea · 02/08/2024 13:48

Parents are aware of bento boxes more so than small children. Small children don’t usually tease one another over names till older at which point Ben is classic.
Adults are perfectly able to be respectful of the name.

MrsApplepants · 02/08/2024 13:43

Absolute No from me for Bento I’m afraid

SunnieShine · 02/08/2024 13:42

Berga · 02/08/2024 12:58

It's just me that thought of Fray Bentos then?

Yes, go for Matteo.

No, me too 😁

OVienna · 02/08/2024 13:37

If you think you will return to a Portuguese speaking country to live, go for it. In the UK this ia a tricky choice.

Jewelanemone · 02/08/2024 13:28

Berga · 02/08/2024 12:58

It's just me that thought of Fray Bentos then?

Yes, go for Matteo.

Nope, me too!

MovingToLondonSoon · 02/08/2024 13:26

It might be fine in Brazil but in the UK he will get nicknamed Bento Box at school. If you are fine with that, then go ahead. It's not the worst nickname in the world, after all. He might find he shortens his own name to Ben for an easy life.

AlwaysWearSPF · 02/08/2024 13:24

I prefer Matteo 😬

MolkosTeenageAngst · 02/08/2024 13:22

I immediately thought of Bento Box but also unfortunately don’t think a name starting with ‘bent’ would go down well in many secondary schools.

KnittingKnewbie · 02/08/2024 13:20

What about Benji?

Marseillaise · 02/08/2024 13:20

People won't just think about boxes, long term they'll think "Bent" which is not something you want imposed on your child under any circumstances. Think again, OP.

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