What do you think of Atticus?

[RnB]

I'm rather liking it. Siblings are Benedict, Rex and Artemis

Wrong. This is a 'what's your opinion on thread.

That's my opinion.

There are names I like and say so. There are names I dislike.

And if you call your son Henry are you waving a flag saying, "I have read Henry V and I'm telling everyone that."

One couldn't of course just like a name regardless of where it's come from, could one? It's just not possible.

The thing is Atticus is pretty much linked with just the one character. Have just looked up on wiki and there are a few others, but none that most people would know imo. I think you'll find there have been a few Henrys around.

"It's probably fine in the Deep South but in the UK?"

Wow. How to be ignorant and remain ignorant.

Yes, let's only read books from our own country and culture. Cringing for you.

I'd leave this thread now before you embarrass yourself further.

I must admit that when Posh called her baby Harper, I did wonder whether either she or David had actually read TKAM.

No, but they are avid fans of the Wizards of Waverly Place.

But MardyBra, so what? Just because you have read a book, like the name of one of the characters in a book - any book - and use it for one of your dc's does not make you pretentious.

Anyway, let's say you do actually espouse the values and moral compass highlighted by TKAM - why does that make you pretentious? Why? Are you certain you understand the meaning of the word?

As somebody said, TKAM is hardly Ulysses, is it? A pretty bog standard read at GCSE level.

Stop the sneering because it makes you sound like you have a superiority complex.

Well I love it, and all the other names you have chosen for your children.

Most names have been used in some book/novel over the past thousands of years. That is because the authors, just like when we choose a name for our baby, choose names for their characters.

I have personally never read To Kill A Mockingbird, but I still LOVE the name Atticus. I just really like the classic, elegant sound and the fact that you don't hear it every day.

So let's not assume that people choose names based on 'being well read' (because I'm not ) or because they are trying to come across as something they're not. Some may simply just like the name!

I love Atticus.

I think those who find it 'too try hard' or 'pretentious' are saying more about themselves. Hopefully most children will be more open minded.

Sorry, but I keep thinking of things like Horrible Histories - is Atticus at the top of the stairs-icus

Oh my goodness...

It means to be "from Athens" -- originating at a place and time when Athens was a thriving philosophical center of conscious development. The fact that so many people have been inspired by the character embodied by Gregory Peck that Atticus Finch was voted the greatest hero of American film by the American Film Institute!

Gosh that's a terrible reason isn't it! {please note my sarcasm)

RnB has a DP called Benedict..yet no one has gone 'Ohhh, Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare fan are we, or do you like greek mythology since you have a DD called Artemis? Love Rex, yet DH has said no annoying git

FWIW RnB - I like Atticus but since you already have DD with an 'A' initial, i'd go with something else. Esp as you have 3DC it would imho by nice to let them all have a different initial. Do you have any other names??

Good Luck!

my husband studied roman history and there was a guy called atticus who was really nice, the only one who tried to reconcile ppl and not lop heads off. so you could always say he was naed after the historical figure and wave a massive finger at "trying too hard" ppl. "pretentious...moi?" haha!

*named

i'm liking Silas at the moment- early christian missionary-but everyone i ask just thinks silas marner and i dont think i can b bothered to explain it every time i introduce my child

I love Silas.

I kind if agree with PercyFilth in terms of TKAM being a GCSE text, so not much if an indication of well readness.. FWIW while I do love the name Atticus, I couldn't have name my DS it because it really does sound like you are saying "I've read TKAM", rightly or wrongly... That is exactly what I thought Victoria Beckham was trying to imply with Harper anyway.. in fact didn't she say it was her favourite book? Back to PercyFilth's point, my immediate thought was that she read it at school and probably hadn't read another book of substance since..

It's a very strong name, and the first thing that pops in my mind is Atticus Finch, so you/he should expect to be reminded of this on a regular basis

Oh Silas is a lovely name.

I think if you did want to make reference to TKAM, why not use Jean Louise or Jeremy (Jem)?

I'm surprised that Jeremy isn't more used. There are various well-known Jeremys at the moment, OK they're a bit marmite but they are varied, from Clarkson via Vine and Kyle to Paxman :o But Jeremy is a good traditional name, timeless and with various nn options eg Jerry, Jem, Jed, Jez etc

Thanks for all your comments. Wow, I never thought I would inspire such an intense debate

The irony is - we just like the name! In was in fact dp who suggested it and he has never read TKAMB. He got the name from a character in the film The Manchurian Candidate! Pretentious? Moi?!

I am somewhat inclined to agree with those who have suggested that it's too similar to Artemis. Dp has dismissed this but I do think it could be an issue.

Noddy - yes indeed I was pg when I last saw you - had found out 2 days before (was still in shock!). And your ds does have a gorgeous and unique name (and he's adorable too!)

I think it is lovely, lovely, lovely, and if I had one I would call him Ace for a nn. :)

However.

Too close to Artemis. :(

TKAM is the only book a lot of people I know have read...it's required reading in high school over here. :)

RnB - thanks for coming back to the thread. at the Manchurian Candidate being the inspiration.

You've probably gathered now it is a bit of a marmite name, but whatever you decide, I wish you good luck and all the best with your new baby.

As the tone of the thread has got somewhat combative, I thought I'd lighten things by linking to a pretentiousness quiz I found.

Apparently I am "A little Prententious. You are nicely in the middle, easy going fun to be around, but you still know some stuff." Some might not agree with that assessment though.