what do you think of Atilla?

[mixedmamameansbusiness]

We have been backwards and forwards over boys names sooooo many times. We have a really mixed cultural background and have posted before.

DS1 has a name that is traditionally Islamic works with both cultures and is also used in England.

DS2 has a Turkish name that can be shortened to something common and easy in English.

So DS3 expected tomorrow, we have gone over and over and over names and everytime we sort of agree eventually one of us backs out.

Now Atilla has come up a few times. I really like it as does DH but I just dont know if I have the guts to use it and if I like it for the wrong reasons if you know what I mean.

I don't know why but I really want to call you Hun....

No, I think I would find it hard to keep a straight face, cultural heritage or not. Don't want to be rude but I think you might find this in real life too.

no way sorry. there are tons of Islamic names that work perfectly well for English speakers.

I agree with all above. It screams Hun I'm afraid.

Are you kidding hun?

The hun.

immediately think that.

I think the Hun is usually spelt with a double "t", so you add a confounder of people assuming you can't spell either.

But I do like it as a name.

I know a primary school age Cengis, and I don't think he's teased.

I know people think the Hun and that isnt really a problem for me. you know my dad has actually suggested Cengiz too! Must be a warrior theme going on.

In terms of losts of nice Islamic names, the problem is that we have been through millions and have not been able to find a middle ground we can agree on.

Not keen, sorry. I think the "hun" thing would get tiresome even if you're not yet fed up with it.

What other names do you like?

no, no and thrice no! it's a terrible choice.

Don't do it unless you are prepared to take on the chin!

I agree with Bluddy - yo ucan't do it if yo uare going to live in the UK for any length of time.

you just can't do it.

I LOL sorry

Just no.

You just can't do it in the UK

It might not be a problem for you but you don't have to live with the name. Agree with everyone else I'm afraid.

Are you being serious? Attilla the hun. Dreadful. He will be teased mercilessly and never forgive you. you will be constantly defending your choice of name or having to deal with raised eybrows from other people.

I'm so sorry but this made me laugh! If it wasn't for the background you gave re dual cultures I really thought this was a joke. Normally love unusual names but Attilla the Hun is not good!! And brought back the the consciousnesses of a new generation by Night At The Museum, too!

Speaking as someone for whom this is a typical heritage name I say don't do it. Some names just don't travel well outside a particular country or culture.

I would have loved Hungarian names for my dtds but the truly non-westernised names would have definitely meant a lot of teasing at school and the tedium of constant spelling - as I know from experience.

I knew an Attila at university - British born and bred, as far as I know (certainly sounded very English) but obviously from a mixed cultural background. Of course he got all the hun comments, but he took it all well and after the first five minutes you forget the associations. He carried it well.

But I can't help thinking there are easier names to give a child who is going to grow up in the UK...

Well if it's Turkish you're talking about, I guess Atilla is better than Fahti or Horshit, but only marginally.