Atticus, is it too much?

[yorkshiregirl29]

We LOVE the name Atticus but we've been getting lots of negative feedback.
What are your opinions?

Yes, it reeks of "I read a classic once and now I consider myself cultured". Atticus is the name everyone chooses when they want a literary name or a "unique" name.

I really like it and Atti. Strong, individual, classic.

Hello Mrs Rees-Mogg!

I love Atticus, DH has refused it even entertain it. As a result one of DS' bear's has been named Atticus

I'm surprised by some of the reactions and don't see how it's pretentious. To Kill a Mockingbird is a wonderful and very popular novel which is studied by children in schools - it's not like you're naming him something from a very obscure and difficult piece of Russian literature or something? It's like telling a parent of a child called Luna that she's trying too hard/being pretentious/trying to look well read just because the name Luna also appears in Harry Potter. I think Atticus is cool and unusual and I'd use it if my surname weren't such a nightmare. And if your son has a namesake from a popular family novel then great, that will be nice for him, it's a positive connotation anyway.

Nothing screams “my parents haven’t read a book since GCSE English Lit” like a kid called Atticus.

That's the point @Bluebonnieblue it's the trying-to-be-literary choice of people who read Mockingbird in 1996 and haven't read anything since, but they like how a book they read is back in fashion.

That the worst sentence I've ever written, ironically but I can't be bothered to fix it.

"Too many horrible nicknames. Shatticus and Fatticus are the first two that come to mind."

My first thought was Twa...
I'm not well-read

It's a marvellous name. But it is rather a lot to saddle a kid with. I don't think it would be easy to pull off.

I really like it. I dont even think it is all that far out. could imagine a boy in ds class(6th form) be called it without any issues.

After reading StormTreader's comment I want to totally change my answer! Twatticus, Fatticus and Shatticus! Horrible but funny and kids are so mean, if anyone will pick up on that, they will!

Too much sorry

Storm, you could have included Pratticus.

We have an Atticus at the school I work in !

Too much.

It’s realky “Wanky London” and I say that as someone who lives in London and isn’t averse to a “far out” name.

I know a 3yo Atticus, I think its lovely.

(I'm nowhere near London either).

Strong and beautiful, go for it. I can't help but think most of the people who say he'll be bullied are the sort of inverted snobs who would be doing the bullying...

Your child, your choice. Personally I like it as it suggests humanity and tolerance, I take that from the lawyer father in To Kill a Mockingbird. And no, I have no intention of reading Go Set a Watchman.

To all the doom merchants suggesting how a young Atticus will be teased and bullied, if someone wants to bully you they don't need an excuse. Everyone's name should be respected whatever its source.

Over 30 years ago my friend Giovanni was told 'We can't use that name, we'll call you John!' by the nuns who should have been welcoming a 5 year old into school in a strange country.

Atticus is pretentious and attention-seeking. If that is a characteristic of your family and social circle, go for it - Atticus will fit right into your family brand ;)

I know a 2/3 year old Atticus in the West Midlands.

Not my cup of tea, but if you like it, go for it. DS has a (real, but not currently "on trend") name that raises eyebrows, but it suits him and DP and I are more than happy with it.

I think it is Downton Abbey that has encouraged the recent surge in popularity of Atticus, not To Kill A Mocking Bird or Go Set The Watchman.

"Your child, your choice."
hmm that's yes and no though, isn't it?

It's not just "your [thing]" we're talking about here like it's a pet cat, its a person who will have to live every minute of every day of their lives with the results of that choice.
You could argue that you love the name "Biggus Dickus" because you love Monty Python - would that also be "Welp - your child, you choice!"?

Not a fan sorry.