Same name as someone famous

[Bearsinmotion]

Is this a really bad thing to do? We have a fairly common surname, but my favourite name for DD2 who may well be DS2 would give her the same name as someone famous. Neither name is uncommon, think calling her Naomi if the surname was Campbell.

Is that a really bad idea?

Thanks everyone - good to know not everyone has heard of her!

I wouldn't do it. She's been in a few high profile films. Younger/trendier/pop culture-y people know who she is.

I think its a lovely name.

And as its a pretty first name and a relatively common surname There must be older ladies than that one with the same name. If you don't turn it into a thing, it won't be a thing.

I don't think that people will make the connection as I don't think that many people will have heard of her.

I have the same name as a celebrity by marriage and I don't think that many people notice, either that or they just don't comment.

Some people will of course heard of her, but even if they have it's not a far out celeb name, unlike Zowie Bowie!

I don't think it should be a consideration at all!

While she's not very famous and both names are normal, I think I'd still be put off.

I used to work with a Michael Jackson and he didn't like having a famous namesake.

I suppose- although can't imagine Lilly Cole getting caught up in the did he/didn't he kind of press. Michael Jackson is definitely an unfortunate namesake!

I'd never heard of her either, although I recognised her face when I googled. It's a lovely name.

I would use it, it's a pretty name. You're not to go around and introduce your DD as Lily Cole all the time, she'll simply be "and this is Lily"

Go for it, I never knew who it was - and neither will her mates at school! Lovely name.

Personally I wouldn't and would be if a friend told me she'd named her child that. But I know who she is and so do all of my friends.

I don't think it's such a big deal, it just predisposes people to think of the same-named person in a particular way. Why inflict that on a child who will be their own unique special person?

I know who you mean and in this instance, I'd say it was fine. She is by no means as famous as Naomi Campbell or indeed Kate Moss, Jourdan Dunn etc.

I think someone would have to be quite in to fashion to make the connection.

I am quite in to fashion and wouldn't think "oh like X". I know who the model is but she's not superstar famous and wouldn't think anybody would be inspired to name a child after her.

Never heard of her and unless she becomes a film star Idoubt she would become a household name. Love the suggestion of Lilia but think lily would be fine and is very pretty.
We're thinking of calling our next ds the same name as a classic poet just because we like the name - but thinking/hoping the next generation won't make the connection!

I'm coming round to Lilia! Or Lilian. DP is still not keen! And we haven't even considered boy names yet