Can I use a name that is similar to someone famous?

[Bubbinsmakesthree]

I have a first name I like but combined with our surname it is similar to the name of someone well known.

Don't want to post the actual full name as it's too identifying, but think Katherine Jenkinson or Robin Williamson.

I knew a Julie Andrews. Every dr appt someone would break into song. She hated it.

There's a boy at DD's preschool called Harrison Ford

It depends on how similar. Katherine Jenkinson or Robin Williamson - I'd say that is fine.

I looked after and Abraham Lincoln once I think anything goes. Its just whether people pointing/making a joke it out will annoy you or not.

You could always add a different middle name to break the pattern but would say avoid the famous person's first name if you can. I knew an Elizabeth Taylor who had Mrs Taylor as her idol which was endearing... But better to give your child his/ her own identity

We accidentally gave DD the name of an actress, she occasionally gets people ask "were you named after the actress that died? " but thats all.

It's not the name of anyone really iconic - it's a fairly well known serious TV presenter. Again, not the actual name but along the lines of calling a boy Jeremy Packham.

I know a Charlie Brown and a Jonathan Ross. Neither of them seem bothered by the association.

I think if it's a serious TV presenter you're on safe ground.

I'd be concerned if it was a celebrity who was highly likely to make a twat of themselves and therefore any associations would be negative.

A respected presenter should be fine!

It's not Chris Evans is it?

If it is then please don't name your ds that!

Until you said TV presenter I was thinking maybe Donald Trump isn't the best name to give to a newborn.

It would be fine as long as it isn't person who is ridiculed like Donald trump.

From the examples you've given I think that would be fine.

I was at university with a Rob Williams (don't ever call him Robbie)

To be fair, the famous one was not famous when he was born.

The parents of the James Brown I was also at university with had no such excuse.

Similar to a well known serious TV presenter might be ok.

I know a Harrison Potter, just adding to the examples.

I know a Dylan Thomas, Chris Evans and a James Brown. Afaik, none of them ever get ridiculed about it and apart from maybe the first time someone hears their name, I don't think it's even commented on, so not an issue.

Really depends what it is. Friend of my ex-colleague called his child Rex Harrison unknowingly - my first reaction was wtf why would you do that?
Super famous or reality star I'd avoid tbh otherwise go for it

I knew an Elizabeth Taylor and she married a Fidel Castro...

It really does depend how current/famous the person is. Or perhaps how likely they might be to get caught up in a dirty scandal...that would put me off!