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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think this is a bit odd?

44 replies

SunshineDaisy · 08/03/2015 00:13

My friend has just named her DS Severus. As in Snape, that's who she named him after, because she's a big fan of the character. Her argument is by the time he gets to school, no one will know about Harry Potter. I've suggested that I think he might get picked on at school. I don't have a problem with the name in itself, but I think it has unfortunate connotations.
Am I being unreasonable to think this?

OP posts:
ifdaryldiesweriot · 08/03/2015 00:16

Whilst I think it's selfish to name a child something that they could very well get picked on for ... its ultimately none of your business.

You expressed your views so you need to leave it at that.

He will probably be called by a nickname anyway.

trashcanjunkie · 08/03/2015 00:16

Do you mean because he is a bad guy? Except, he isn't! Severus is a real name, so it will probably be fine. There's some very strange names out there.

TheMoa · 08/03/2015 00:16

Very unreasonable!

Snape was the finest character in the books, and Severus is a very cool name.

I'm going to use it if I have another baby Grin

MummyPidge · 08/03/2015 00:18

I wanted it as a middle name if we had a boy but it got vetoed Sad

SavoyCabbage · 08/03/2015 00:18

I think it's great.

pollykinesis · 08/03/2015 00:19

I know a kid called 'soprano'! Severus is odd but will probably just blend in with all the other strange names that seem to be coming more common these days. YANBU to think it's odd but I wouldn't say anything

AwfulBeryl · 08/03/2015 00:19

But, but Harry and Ginny named their second born son after him. Snape rocks.

anothernumberone · 08/03/2015 00:20

Shortened to Sev is not to bad. I wouldn't do it though.

SchroSawMargeryDaw · 08/03/2015 00:23

My eldest has the middle name "Godric", if little Severus (fab name btw) is anything like him, he'll just refuse to acknowledge that that is actually his name...

PelvicFloorClenchReminder · 08/03/2015 00:35

Severus is a bloody awesome name. Yabu.

Muggle.

UnalignedAnt · 08/03/2015 00:35

Oh God. That's shite. The kid will be judged, the parents too...it's a chain of shame. I love Harry Potter, but really? Be a bloody adult! Might as well call your youngest Pigwigeon, or however you spell it.

HeartShapedBox · 08/03/2015 00:37

I like it Smile

PrettyFeet · 08/03/2015 00:57

I think its selfish and stupid.

editthis · 08/03/2015 02:36

Harry Potter is iconic and will definitely still be known and read in fifty years' time, certainly during the years this child is at school. So it's a bit like calling him Smeagol or Tumnus.

I don't think YABU to think it odd but, saying that, I think the assumption that having a certain name will lead to a child being bullied (which I know you haven't mentioned, OP) is stupid. Some people carry their unusual monikers very well; I was at school with a Lucy who was called "Loo Seat".

I haven't researched it, but JK Rowling is very thorough and I expect Severus is a real name with Latin roots and a meaning relevant to the character.

ICanTotallyDance · 08/03/2015 02:49

I wouldn't do it BUT Severus is a real name (see a list of people named Severus here) so it's not like she's chosen a name that was made up for the character, like Legolas or something.

On the other hand, I think your friend is completely nuts to conclude that children won't know about Harry Potter in five years time. It will still be as popular in my opinion.

So, YANBU to think it's a bit odd, and that people will likely know/guess that the baby was being named after a fictional character but YABU if you keep expressing your negative view of the name to your friend. The baby's named, I doubt she'll change it now and besides I think "Severus" has some cute nickname potential (even if I would never consider the name for my own children).

steff13 · 08/03/2015 03:08

I think your friend is being unreasonable to think that Harry Potter won't still be popular when he starts school.

I like the name, though.

Jengnr · 08/03/2015 03:18

Firstly, it's a horrible name. Secondly, the fact the character turned out to be brave and good doesn't mean he wasn't very unpleasant while doing it and thirdly, why would you think a piece of literature that had such an impact on you wouldn't still be around in a few years?

YANBU!

ScrambledEggAndToast · 08/03/2015 07:37

That's awful!! Certain names will always be related to books and that's definitely one of them.

coolaschmoola · 08/03/2015 07:40

I like it.

NobodyLivesHere · 08/03/2015 07:42

I think it's cool. Kids grow into their names for the most part I think. There are children in my kids school whos names raised my eyebrows a little but I'm just used to them now.

Totality22 · 08/03/2015 07:45

It's a bit too out there for me (although I adore the name Sirius for a boy but would never dare use it)

It's not really your business though OP? I hope your friend gave the poor child a decent middle name he can switch to if he chooses

pillowaddict · 08/03/2015 07:47

Em, Snape turned out to be 'good deep down' but he also bullied various children horrendously, often for crimes their parents committed, throughout the books - I would hope in this day and age he would have been struck off as a teacher given his conduct tbh. .. However I do quite like the name!

GokTwo · 08/03/2015 07:56

I'm not really into Harry Potter so didn't know that name. I'm not that keen on it (which is irrelevant) but think Sev or Sevvie is really nice. I wouldn't worry about it. I very much doubt he'll get teased. I've taught children with very unusual names and have never seen them teased about it. People just get used to names, no matter what they are.

MidniteScribbler · 08/03/2015 07:56

Snape was my favourite character in the books, but it's not really a name I would look at a cute little baby and say 'aww he looks like a little Severus'. Sometimes names will fall out of use because of association with a fictional or real person - when was the last time you met anyone called 'Adolf'.

MrsFrankieHeck · 08/03/2015 07:57

Haha, good one OP.