William and Benjamin

[sancerrre]

We already have a William and are expecting DC2. For a boy my favorite name is Ben. Question is, do you automatically think flowerpot men? And does it matter? Guessing their friends at school wouldn't pick up on that.

Yes, I definitely think of Flowerpot men.

Yes Flowerpot men here too. Depends tho - what do you call your William? If you always use his full name then it probably doesn't matter. If you usually call him Bill or Billy then no to a Ben.

Yes :)

The kids might not, but the parents will and they will over hear them and your boys will be teased. Surely there's another name you like that wont set them up to be teased?

No, and my friend has William and Benjamin. William is never Billy, only Will, so it's never been an issue.

It wasn't the first thing i thought when she told me DS2's name either!

Hadn't even occurred to me!

I had a friend with twins called William and Benjamin. But they were always called by their full names so I don't think it was a problem. And kids today would be unlikely to have heard of Bill and Ben.

I have a William, known as Billy for now.
I really like Benedict for a future DS, particularly as the name means blessing, and one would indeed be a blessing. I prefer Ned as a NN, and wonder if I could get away with Billy and Ned. But the flowerpot thing bugs me too :(

I wouldn't notice it with William and Ben, or William and Benjamin.

However as soon as you said Will and Ben, or Bill and Ben, I'd definitely think Flowerpot Men.

I thought it from the thread title, sorry

I think those who think flower pot men are showing their age . Before my time, but I agree that a Will and Ben would be funny, whereas William and Benjamin sound fab together

Thanks all, I think William will probably be known as Will in the future so probably Will and Ben is a bit too close to being the flowerpot men. Will have a think of some other names.

I really don't think it matters. If any of the friends make the connection (which is unlikely) it will only cause a couple of seconds amusement before people move on.

Ha, Bill and Ben.

Yes, its pretty noticeable, sorry!

No, never even though of that. Generally today William is shortened to Will rather than Bill.

Will and Ben/Benjy
Most kids today have never seen the flowerpot men, so i don't think it will be a problem - not like naming your kids Charlie and Lola

Hmm. Bill and Ben the Flowerpot Men - that didn't jump out at me, it's more that Ben is a dog's name.