Theophilus

[Lorraineee]

Hello, I was hoping I could get some feedback on this name. I like the name Theo but I'm not a fan of Theodore and my son is due in a week. I'm completely stuck on names but a friend mentioned the name Theophilus to me and said I could use Theo as a nickname. What do you think of the name Theophilus?

Personally I wouldn’t be able to introduce my son Theophilus to anyone without feeling ridiculous.

“Hello, I’m Lorraine and this is my son Theophilus”. If you can imagine yourself saying it with pride, then go for it.

I don’t like it. It sounds like a disease. It’s not a nice sounding name. And they will probably get nicknamed Phil.

Theo is nice enough as a stand alone name. Doesn't need a long version.

Yes, agree with PP sorry. Sounds like a disease. Too close to syphilis I think.

Theobald? Or just Theo. It’s fine on it’s own.

My first thought is Theophilus P Wildebeest (Lenny Henry character). I am old though.

Sorry, makes me think of Theophilus P Wildebeeste.

Immediately makes me think of Lenny Henry who used to play a character called Theophilus P. Wildebeest.

Wildebeest.

Not a fan, it sounds like a probiotic 🤣 I love the name Theo though, surely you could just use that?

Sounds like something you need to see the gp for.

Sounds like an STD sorry ☹️

It sounds like a disease. Does it pretty much rhyme with scrofulous?

I think just Theo is fine. Or Theon if you want different.

Another one who thought Theophilus P Wildebeest here, too. But I love Lenny Henry, so it wouldn’t necessarily put me off the name.

That said, I would prefer Theodore. Or I might consider Theo itself.

I think it's too much.
I like Theodore but I know several boys just called Theo so I think that's fine on its own.
I know a Theon if you like that idea.

It's much nicer than Theodore. Use it.

but what if he's an atheist?

Sounds like a dinosaur. Not a fan, sorry.

I honestly thought this was a spoof thread. Don't call your child that under any circumstances. Theo on its own is absolutely lovely.

I know a little Théophile, and an adult Theophilus (from the Caribbean, where he says it is not unusual). I don't see that it's any offer than Theodore or Theobold.

Odder not offer.

I don't like it, sorry. Theo is much better or even Theandre shortened to Theo) perhaps.

The point of a longer name is that he can use it if the nickname is too informal. Theophilus doesn’t really work for that.

It always reminds me of Acts 1:1. There are some biblical names that are best left there.

Sounds like a strain of yeast... just Theo is lovely though.

Awful. Goes with Syphilis.

Definitely Wildebeest