To think that Machiavelli is not a suitable name for a boy?

[HighDataUsage]

I was out in town today and heard a woman call out the name Machiavelli and a little boy ran up to her and answered 'yes mum'. Given that the historical figure Machiavelli was a manipulative schemer, AIBU to think it's not an appropriate name for a little child. I couldn't quite believe my ears the first time I heard the name but she repeated the name once more & the poor child responded once more to the name. The poor little fellow is going to be ripped apart when he grows older.

What on earth where his parents thinking when they chose the name. Can anyone top this name in the whackiest name poll?

Why is AIBU awash with taking the piss out of children's names, all of a sudden?

(OK, awash is an exaggeration, but that's 2 in the last day)

lovealookabout - there's an Aston Martin in my son's school. Feel sorry for him.

Another one here whose ds's name is the first bit of a famous historical warlord. I tend to lengthen it out as a sort of joke nickname but some friends did ask is in awed tones (a good year or so after we met them) whether it was his real name, ha ha. I second or third that as a theory to explain little Mac. In general though I would applaud people who try to find something a bit different, don't think we should be laughing at them too much.

I know a Galahad too. It's refreshing.

A very distant relative by marriage called her son Nero. I can imagine the ribbing he's going to have to endure, poor soul.

ahaha Machiavelli is my Italian bestfriend's surname

I went to school with an Elvis Presley.

My Mum didn't believe me, that there was a lad in another class called Elvis Presley! He tripped me over playing kiss chase and I cut my chin open. Bloody Elvis Presley.

Years later, he was in the local paper. In prison for something or other. ELVIS PRESLEY. Take that, ma.

I used to be a teacher and I have had a Aston in my class and yes he's surname was Martin..... My hairdresser also knew a little girl called Barcardi. I have had a Chantilly Lace and a well known sunglass..... Yes that's right Ray-ban.... The mind boggles......

Sorry, Cauliflower...he sounds like nothin' but s hound dog.

Uh huh huh...

Its like that woman from 19 kids and counting who called her child Spurgeon.

Niccolo, I could understand, nice name, but Machiavelli, stupid.

I've always wanted to call my cat machiavelli

I was thinking they should have called him Niccolo, but I see that has been said!

Are you in the East Midlands op? A friend has a small Machiavelli, we tend to use Mach.

Definitely not Malachi, Malachy or MacCauley?

No I am not in the Midlands and the lady definitely said Machiavelli as she repeated the name twice and I was standing close by.

Given that the historical figure Machiavelli was a manipulative schemer

He wasn't a schemer he just said 'this is how political power operates' and was morally ambivalent about it rather than being an evil manipulator.

I know a Michelangelo now known as Mick.

IIRC, the prince (Borgia) was the manipulative schemer that inspired the book. Machiavelli wrote the book.

Still, and considering the meaning of machiavellian, it would be a no for me.

She must be a Tupac fan

YABU.
Machiavelli was amazing. Just included his work in my dissertation. In my opinion, he is misunderstood and misinterpreted by chavs who don't know their political theory from their elbow!!

I might just go and dust off my copy of The Prince. It's been years since I read that.

Yes, gold, he figures quite large in my PhD dissertation too . Fascinating man. I'm a fan. Cedars Borgia was certainly a ruler who he professes to admire in The Prince, but his political thought is complex and subtle.

Cesare. Damn autocorrect!

Lilith refused to be subservient to Adam and went her own way instead. She's a great role model!

I knew a Wendy House and it wasn't her married name. What were her parents playing at?

I also knew a Victoria Cross but that was a married name, she was known as Vicky, and they didn't call their son George!