Caractacus

[ArsenicyOldFace]

The only boys name DH is interested in discussing.

I thought he was joking, but apparently not

He has conceded it will probably end up a middle name but wants me to consider it as a (first) Christian name.

Obviously this stems from his childhood CCBB fixation.

Thoughts?

Memorable

I just imagine a cactus. A cartoon one with a cowboy hat.

I saw 'cataract'

Erm… original

Well quite.

I think I'm going to have to accept it as a (wonderfully eccentric? ) middle name.

It is how to go through the motions of 'considering' it that is flooring me. I can't quite believe he is serious.

Some kind of compromise would be wonderful Dick Van Dyke?

I don't know what CCBB is but I associate it with the Court of King Caractacus song by Rolf Harris.

I just imagine a cactus.

I saw 'cataract'

Wasn't it used in a Rolf Harris song?

Just gets better and better....

Oh god, I've never heard the Rolf song.

CCBB is Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. There is a character (the dad) called Caractacus Potts.

I have tried to find something positive to say about the name but can't.
Its a shit name to saddle a child with.

I just googled it to see if there were any other names that he might like and found a YouTube clip of Rolf Harris singing 'The court of king caractacus' could that connection put him off, perhaps?!
Another article in the Guardian was 'caractacus: britain's Osama bin laden?' which wouldn't exactly swing things in favour of the name for me!

To be honest, as names sound, it's not great but it's not the worst I've heard. I would veto it as a first name though!

Oh dear. Poor child. Perfect target name for a bully to home in on. Please dont allow this to be bestowed on your dc.

Well the Rolf Harris connection is a foolproof argument against, so thanks for that.

I can see DH's thought process (well heart/stomach process really). Caractacus Potts is a lovely character and he just can't see beyond that.

Anyway the new RH song info just killed thank goodness

Does that kill Jake as we'll then...?

Potts would be better. Sorry that's probably not very helpful.

King Caractacus of the Catuvellauni lead the British resistance to the Romans in the 40s AD! There's a great speech in Tacitus' Annals attributed to him where he basically tells Claudius, "kill me and look like a big man for five minutes, or spare me and gain a lasting reputation for clemency". The world's first spin-doctor!

But also, Rolf Harris.

Potts would be better. Sorry that's probably not very helpful

I don't see it troubling the top 10 tbh.

alma I could kiss you

You just gave me the (somewhat tangential) lightbulb moment idea of Bede. Fabulous name and apt for us. Just need to sell it to DH.

I think Jake might be common enough to be safe jaundice

Is this the Welsh Caradog?
Not sure I could, sorry -even as a middle name-

I don't think you have to accept this as a middle name. I think you should hold out on this!

Well, I think it is different and would make a lovely middle name. I don't think I would be brave enough to use it as a first name.

Seriously?? That poor kid will be bullied within an inch of his life...

Well, on the plus side, if this is 'the only name your DH is interested in discussing' then I guess that means you get to decide the first name all on your own :)

Or he could stop trying to steamroller things and have a proper discussion about names, where you both offer suggestions (PLURAL) and come to a joint decision...

Oh and here's another point against:

'Carrie! Carrie! Where are you Carrie boy?'

or possibly:

'Crack! Crack! Crack I said come here NOW!'

or even:

'Tacky! Tacky! Put that DOWN Tacky!'

Hmm, wonder what other lovely NNs one could get to...

I think he's more 'head in the clouds' than steamroller. A print out of this thread will cure him though