Are these boys names too out there?

[BBQueen]

Here’s my current shortlist for DC3 (a boy). Would you know how to say these if you saw them written down, or spell them if you heard them? All opinions welcome, I’m not easily offended!

Alden
Ansel
Atticus
Augustus (Gus)
Orion
Orson

Balonz

My mistake RightYesButNo. I even have some of his prints on my living room walk!

I would know how to say them and how to spell them.

They aren't my style of name, but they aren't too out there really.

Love Orson and Orion, I also love Gus but would probably choose Auguste over Augustus to avoid Gloop connotations.

I like Atticus and Orion. I’d go for the latter personally, less of a mouthful.

Augustus is too comical. Gus is ok.

Alden - not heard this afternoon be before and I’m not blown away by it but it’s nice
Ansel - I like it, I’ve met an Anson before too which has a similar feel to it
Atticus - lovely!
Augustus (Gus) - probably my favourite if the list
Orion - this was on my list but I feel like it could be misheard as Ryan which I don’t like at all. Orion is beautiful though.
Orson - Kyle MacLachlan’s character in desperate housewives and therefore wonderful in my eyes!

@PippilottaLongstocking, I love your comments... I imagine you’re such a sunny, optimistic person!

How about Ptolemy as an alternative. Another Greek (?) name, plus there was a (good looking) presenter so the name is known, bit not overused.

As a good test, ask your partner/husband/brothee to go into a Starbucks and use your baby name of choice as his name. If it feels too weird to him to have it called out then it's probably not fair to a child. Same thing if you have to imagine introducing your new boyfriend [Orion] to friends. Or meeting your new accountant, Atticus. If it feels a bit odd, it's a no. Where do you live? What kind of school will your DS likely go to?

I'd know how to say them all.
Atticus really does scream To Kill A Mocking Bird.
Alden - it's fine. Or Alder - as in the tree?
Ansel - fine, but I do think Hansel and Gretel.
Augustus (Gus) - fine. I like it.
Orion - I think of the constellation first. I don't know much about the Greek myth. Wasn't he one of the ones who went around "ravishing" maidens?
Orson - not my style, but it's OK.

@Namechange128, the Starbucks test is a great idea. DH has an unusual name though, and some of these are definitely more recognisable than his!

I often wonder if in the future it will be much less unusual to deal with professionals with “unique” names... it seems there’s just way too much variation nowadays for recruiters to be able to continue to discount applicants they have stereotyped (which I’m sure happens at the moment). It is worth considering though.

I love in an area that is considered “hipster” (though we’re definitely not, we’re boring professionals!) in a big city. There’s lots of variety in names in DC’s school and nursery, though I think the names on my shortlist would still stand out a bit. We don’t have any Evas/Mayas/Oscars/Olivers, for example, which seem to be all pervading in my niece’s school in a different town

@daisypond, I haven’t read To Kill a Mockingbird, but it seems like most PPs have and it’s the first thing that comes to mind!

I also know very little about Greek Mythology, despite DDs 1 and 2 both having names that originate from it

Orson - would remind everyone of Mork and Mindy surely?

“Mork, calling Orson. Come in, Orson.”

I know 3 little Orsons and a couple more have been in cbeebies lately so it must be rising!

Augustus and Atticus are great names

I like Orion a lot and have literally never heard of a car called an Orion! I actually like most of you suggestions, except Augustus which I am really not a fan of at all and makes me think “dumpy” (maybe the Augustus Gloop connotation mentioned upthread!) but prefer all of these to more “middle of the road” names and they’re not so “out there” as to be silly so you can’t go wrong really in my opinion!

I don't mind Atticus, though I think it's a touch pretentious.

I do like Gus, but I would choose Fergus or Angus over Augustus.

Alden - sounds like Aldi crossed with the girl’s name Eden
Ansel - like it, different, quite cool
Atticus - love it, maybe a tad pretentious but I don’t care
Augustus (Gus) - Gloop, obese child in lederhosen and chocolate smeared all over his face
Orion - a cat’s name
Orson - really like it, rising in popularity though, heard of 2 recently

I like Augustus, Atticus and Orion from your list.

Even though I know it's Orion, every time I've read it on this thread, my brain reads it as Onion. Every single time. So for that reason, it would be a huge no from me.

The others are largely fine. Augustus doesn't seem to fit the style as it's very normal/regular. My favourite of the others is probably Alden.

We have a few Atties in our area, I like it!

(As well as a few Orlandos, v sweet imo.)

I like Ansel best - and Anselm even more!

I don't think any of them are too out there to be usable. If you live in a hipster area he probably wouldn't be the only Atticus or Augustus tho.

Love Augustus!