Orlando?

[verybookish]

We are a multicultural family which makes naming a bit more complicated. We live in London, expecting number 2. I like the name Orlando a lot, for it's English and Italian literary, musical, and feminist associations. Sibling bears a classic Italian name which is pretty out there here in the UK, but can be shortened to something very English sounding (think Eduardo - Ed). What gives me pause is the association with the Floridian town and Orlando Bloom. And that it's a bit of a handful of a name. Thoughts?

I like it. If you're worried about the Florida thing, there's also Roland, which is the French version of the name.

I wouldn’t choose this name but that doesn’t stop you from, it depends on how much you like it, but the first things I thought were Florida Andrea Orlando Bloom.

And not andrea

I don’t personally like it. It just makes me think of Disney World- not sure whether being called Orlando would cause problems at school because of this association? E.g. “Orlando, I’m going to you on holiday!”

But if this doesn’t bother you and you like it, go for it. It’s different and cool.

Florida and then Bloom are the first things that unfortunately come to my mind when I hear it.

Orlando is one of my favourite names.

It's my nephew's name and every Orlando I have ever known has been really cool.

Go for it.

Thought you were talking about me there!!
I like it. I think of the book by Virginia Woolf when I hear it.

I couldn't give a fuck about Disney personally.

Orlando Furioso is much more to the point.

I think it's a cool name, but be prepared for people thinking you called him that because that's where he was conceived!

Personally I only think of Florida and Orlando bloom but if you like it go for it

I think of the Virginia Woolf book too. Orlando, Florida didn't even occur to me and Orlando Bloom only just.

Do you have an Italian surname? If so, then it will be perfectly obvious that his name is Orlando because of your heritage (my children are similarly named).
Also - you’re in London, there aren’t many ‘usual’ names. I’ve worked in London schools with what sound like very unusual names (to my brought-up-in-the-burbs self), but the kids don’t bat an eyelid.

Yeah, I like it. Know quite a few, inc. one half-Italian. Isn't it EdOardo in Italian? I like Orlando for its flamboyant and artsy associations, never thought about the place in the US until now!

It’s a bit long, but I like it.

I think As You Like It, because I used to teach it at a level and loved it.

When I hear it as a name I don't really connect it to Florida. A little bit Orlando Bloom.

@littlepill yes, the more common spelling is with an O, but I also know Italian Eduardos
Well spotted

I really like unusual names but my DH wasn't keen because of bulling at school, he reminded me of how much I was bullied due to my name, as an adult now I still remember how It made to feel, it gave me anxiety and depression which I still deal with now so I honestly think you should think about that. It's bad that people will bully but unfortunately it will never be stopped

I don't think anyone is bullied for a name, they're targeted because they're vulnerable and the name is simply the focus.

I knew a lovely Orlando at University.
Why do people think that being reminded of Orlando Bloom is a bad thing? He’s a fairly uncontroversial actor, and it just serves to normalise the name when a well-known person goes by it.