Do these names have negative connotations?

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We are really stuck for a boy's name for our little one who is due mis-July (we've decided on Phoebe Margot if it's a girl).

Keen on the names below but worried each might have a negative connotation, so please help! Do you like the below and am I over-thinking each name?

Rex (does this make you think of a dog?)
Rufus (is this too posh-sounding?)
Casper (does this make you think of the friendly ghost?)
Casper (is this too pretentious?)

Any other ideas gratefully received

Sorry meant to write Cassius instead of Casper at the end

I’m afraid Rex and Rufus are both dog names for me and yes Casper does make me think of the ghost. But they are all names in their own right so if you like them, use them. Someone will be able to come up with a negative connotation of any name you pick so just use what you like.

Yes to everything you've said 🤷‍♀️

Also...Rufus is a dog name.

Unless you're genuinely posh (eg you grew up in a country pile with lots of dogs and horses, your mother's name is "Bunny" etc) they all sound a bit pretentious, sorry!

Ah I didn't know that about Rufus, I haven't met any dogs with that name! Why are boy names so hard. We literally have nothing now.

I know a fair few Rufuses! Don't worry, go for it if you love it! Honestly round here there's an Oberon, Zephyr etc, boys names are getting way more left field.

@FlossieTeacakesFurCoat18 we are both from that kind of background (although both mums had normal names!) however don't really want to impose something on our child that will mean they're teased. I just feel like I've lost perspective.

Our daughter's name is uncommon but classical so we wanted something similar for a boy.

I think you're overthinking it.

I'm not that keen on Rex but the others are lovely. Rufus is my favourite - I don't think of dogs or anyone particularly pretentious, but I'm not keen on "Roofie" which is what the one in my family goes by. But that's personal choice (his parents like the nickname). Likewise I wouldn't associate Caspar with a ghost although am aware of the connection. There are millions of associations with all names and near impossible to avoid to some extent. The more popular the name, the more and therefore diluted the associations.

I have to admit I’m not keen on any of the names you gave - for the reasons you gave.

How about Alexander? Could be called Lex for short (which rhymes with Rex) and fits the classical bit. Maybe a bit popular (seems to sit at about no 20 pretty consistently) but there isn’t going to be 4 of them in his class!

Matthew and Luke have both fallen to outside the top 50 these days.

@Mumoftwoinprimary I love Alexander but sadly that's already taken by DH!

I'm also pretty keen on Hector

What about Jasper?

Rufus and Rex were on my list, they're lovely names. Yes they are associated with dog names, but almost all names are connected to something, it's very difficult to find one that isn't!

For what it's worth, my friend's cat is called Rufus

Jasper is nice.

Ainsley
Mason
William

I like Hector!
What about Joseph, Sebastian, Dominic?
All have a similar feel to me.
I do like Casper but the only one I've met in real life was Dutch and I think it's not uncommon there so doesn't have the friendly ghost association.

My neighbour is called Rex therefore I associate the name with old men rather than dogs. Casper does make me think of the ghost. Cassius is trying to hard. Rufus is a lovely name. I wouldn’t worry over the dog bit. Actor Rufus Sewell comes to mind!

Rex and Rufus are dog names, there’s a Casper in my daughters class and every time I hear it I mentally follow it with “the friendly ghost” and Cassius far from sounding pretentious sounds common as muck.

What about Oscar or Alistair?

I love Rufus.

What about Jasper instead of Casper?

Julius
Sebastian
Raphael
Miles
Milo
Hugo
Felix

I love Hector and Rufus, not keen on the others. Casper/ Caspar sounds very wishy washy to me.

I agree with your original reasoning. I'm surprised that hasn't put you off, but at the same time every name can be criticised and you just have to go for one that feels right for you and your family.

I only like Casper but they’re all fine. It’s Rufus that reminds me of a dog for some reason (Ruf Ruf is one of the dog sounds in my first language so maybe that’s why).

Other than Rex, yes to everything you’ve said, rufus is a dog name to me.

@Ellmau I love all of those names! Jasper does make me think 'carrott' but I doubt that would be an issue for a baby born in 2021!

Our daughter's name ends with 'o' so much as I love Hugo and Milo they might sound twee with her name. Felix was one of our faves but a dear friend has named her son that so I think it would be odd to copy her.

This is the issue with having babies after your friends

Rex is definitely dog.

Rufus =dog, but also boys name, so if you love it go for it.

Casper, well, yes to ghost, but it is a pretty old film. Will you avoid every name that has ever been in a film? Again, if you like it, I would go for it.

Cassius - well, maybe a bit pretentious, but then once it is a name, it is your son's name and that is it.
I was in a post labour ward with a Ptolomy. It was quite funny watching the midwives try to pronounce it and then try to keep a straight face as they walked away.