Is Lewis considered a downmarket name in SE England?

[CaptainChristmas]

Just that really!

I didn’t think of Lewis as ‘downmarket’ at all, but I’ve seen a couple of threads on here lately where people have said things like; it’s downmarket / it’s one of those names teachers doesn’t like seeing on their class lists / “dated and chavvy” (not my words).

I am not from SE England, but live there now and am wondering how it’s perceived in the area. I know it shouldn’t matter, and nor would it if we were totally set on it, but as we’re umming and ah-ing anyway, I just thought I’d ask.

TIA

If I was to name my son after an F1 driver, there’s a really good chance I’d choose Lewis Hamilton for the reasons stated above^^. But, I’m not going to name my son after an F1 driver. I don’t think I’d name any child after a sportsperson, or anyone currently famous tbh. You just never know what’s going to come out in the press and therefore taint the association for me, for one thing. Also, what if my ds decides he HATES F1 with a passion? It just isn’t something I’d ever consider.

I have my own heroes, (from history, politics and music, rather than sport in my case). But I don’t plan to name a child after them, as my heroes won’t be my dcs’.

It is infinitely preferable to Louis-pronounced-Lewis, which is my personal bête-noire.

I live in SW and have never considered it chavvy. I don't know any young ones though and the only 2 I knew growing up were nice, maybe even a little posh. Surprised to hear it's considered down-market as I really like the name. Lewis Arthur sounds lovely to me

I really like the name Lewis. It's definitely not posh though.

I think of DI Lewis when I think of it at all! And Arthur is a brilliant name.

Arthur is much nicer
Not keen on lewis at all but I really like Louis, pronounced the French way.

Yes down market.

Louis isn't.

DH has vetoed Arthur as a first name, but is happy enough with it as a middle name! I have a sneaky feeling the royals might use it if they have a boy, so I might avoid for that reason.

My other favourite, (which changes a lot and which dh isn’t hugely keen on, but could live with), is Edward. If we used that, we’d use Edward Arthur or maybe Edward James and then if the royals use Edward as a first name, we’ll start using the middle name! I’m due next month, so dc would only be a few months by the time the royal baby arrives.

I’m in two minds about Lewis and dh chose dc1’s name, so I’m tempted to overrule him and insist on Edward...

Other options are Vincent, Sebastian and possibly Peter.

Yes a bit down market in London/SE

I LOVE Peter.

I'm also born and bred SE, also teach, and would consider Lewis to be a neutral name. Never occurred to me that it may be celeb inspired, probably because it's been around longer than Lewis Hamilton here.

Edward (unless Ed or Eddie primarily), Sebastian and Vincent would all be a bit posh here.

I like it but if associated it with Morse/Oxford/etc! I didn't realise.

If = I'd

Funny isn't it. Louis is more chavvy than Lewis here!

OP our d's is almost 23. Names on our list were: James, Edward, Vincent, Arthur, Louis (rather than Lewis). I think you have exquisite taste and I don't think Lewis is at all chavvy.

If I were naming now I think I'd have Merlin and Gawain on the list

Peter's a lovely name, too.

The only Lewis I know is the child of a solidly middle class/academic family in the south west. Personally I think it's a lovely name with no class connotations at all. (I'm less keen on Louis unless there is a French connection - again just my personal taste)

Peter is also an excellent classic name and underused imo.

I'm from the North and rightly or wrongly, it's a name associated with being 'chavvy'.

Also, to the PP who was outraged about Lewis Hamilton being called a 'cleb', wasn't that just short for celeb or have I missed some new insult?!

This thread is quite amusing to me as my partner is a Lewis!
I wouldn't say he was chavvy (though certainly not posh either). Maybe I'm biased though...
Currently live in the SW and know a few Lewis, all seem pretty normal, generally work in offices, one is a policeman. I grew up in the North East and again can't think of any particular Lewis growing up who stood out!

Oddly enough OP me and my Lewis have pretty much decided on Arthur for our baby due in Feb!

Idk. But Louis (without the s) surely isn’t ‘chavvy’, is it?

Louis is lovely and I quite like Lewis as well.

I've never heard that about the name, all I've ever heard about it is that it's more commonly used in Wales.. However I was considering using it as my baby's middle name as it's my partners middle name.. I think if you like it, use it..

I don’t think it has any negative connotations where I am and I teach. In fact, I’m surprised by the idea that there are ‘naughty boy’ names given the massive range of names that there are!