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Baby names

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Thoughts on Ludovic, Octavian, Julius and Lucian for a baby?

54 replies

LimeslemonsPomegranates · 06/07/2026 12:29

I am contemplating these for my short list.

Ludovic (Ludo):
Name of a family friend. It is a very ordinary name in France and Canada, it has the neutrality of a name like Michael, but is the French equivalent of Gary in terms of Gen X baby name popularity and is now almost completely unused for babies in France. Most people have probably heard of it as it has been used in low numbers in the UK for centuries and also via Ben Fogle's son. Is it still useable here for this generation? Alternative French form of Ludwig/Louis. Really the full name is just a way to shortcut to the cute Ludo (I quite like Labyrinth).

Octavian? I assume some sort of eighth association is needed to use this, 8th day of the month or 8th child, is it useable outside of that context?

Julius: I knew an intelligent and thoughtful Julius so generally positive associations for me, but that was a much older generation and names change in how they are used and perceived. Any positive or negative associations?

Lucian: Will it be Lucy?

Also if you had to choose between Ranulph and Edmund, which would you choose?

Thank you

OP posts:
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user1492757084 · 06/07/2026 13:43

Edmund = handsome name.

Of the others, I like Ludovic and Octavius.

DeeNiall · 06/07/2026 12:46

Are you based in the UK?
Ludovic is OK, wouldn't strike me as particularly strange. Ludo sounds a bit like it might be a dog's name (Black Labrador). Makes me think of Ludovic Kennedy.

Octavian - I know one and he's an adult and from a central european country and says it as Oct-av-yan not Oct-ay-vian. I think Skoda Octavia.

Julius - would think it was an elderly Afro-Caribbean man. Julius in EastEnders.

Lucian - Lucy-Ann. Our Lucien in The Liver Birds.

I'd only shortlist Ludovic from those and would add names like Casimir or Michael instead.

@Silverbirchleaf , the surname of the person you mentioned is Rees-Mogg. I hadn't read your post when I mentioned Our Lucien. Smile

faerylune · 06/07/2026 12:44

I would choose Edmund. Not big fan of Ranulph.

I wouldn't worry about Lucian being nn Lucy, once they meet your son, they won't even think of Lucy. I prefer Lucius tho.

I think Octavian is way too pompous to be used even if it's 8th day of month or 8th child. I also think of first roman emperor, who was Julius Caesar's nephew.

I personally prefer Julian over Julius, to me Julius is just a Caesar, but I understand there might be bad association with this. How about Florian or Dorian?

I do love Ludovic and I think you can pull it off. But if you only plan to call him Ludo, then I would use just Ludo.

Silverbirchleaf · 06/07/2026 12:43

Ludovic - unusual but I like it,

Octavian - very Jacob Rhys Mogg, not keen

Julius - really like, unusual but not weird and people know how to spell and say it

Lucien - really like it, (reminds me of The Liver Birds- showing my age) , nn could be Luce, Luke , Luck,

Like both Randolph and EDmund