Would this put you off a name?

[RosieLemonade]

DH has a very common surname. Two of the boys names we like we can't use because one would be the exact name of a sitcom character and the other would be the exact name of a video character. Would this stop you using a name?

Those characters may be forgotten in time, but if they're still currently pretty much in the common consciousness then I'd avoid if I were you!

it really does depend how well known they are now, and how likely they will be well known in the future, also whether they are positive or negative characters

If it's an obscure sitcom character that's unlikely to reach cult status it should be fine but it would be trying to be called something like Rodney Trotter or Frank Spencer.

Really hard to say without knowing how popular- which sitcom? A fairly main character? I get that you don’t want to say actual name.

Is it something like Frank Spencer? I'd avoid

Basil Fawlty?

Agree with everyone, it depends which character, how well known, and what type of character it is.

A girl I know has the same name as a well-known rock star. Apparently her parents thought he would fade into obscurity. He did not. So yes, that would put me off completely.

@BordelDeMerde - Alice Cooper?

[quote PaxRomana]@BordelDeMerde - Alice Cooper?[/quote]
I couldn't possibly say.

Yes.

Wouldn't bother me. If we have another boy we are naming him something that putting the two sons first names together is an actor's name (like George Michael, but not him). But some actor that'll be forgotten is not going to stop us.

Video character - no. I don't know any so I'd be in blissful ignorance!

Sitcom character - maybe, depending on the character. Only if they were VERY iconic. Frasier Crane maybe. Or Chandler Bing.

I've never heard of Frank Spencer 🤣

Victor Meldrew no.
Grant Mitchell definitely OK..

Woman I worked for wanted to name her child Charlene after the character in neighbours ( this was the 80’s btw) but thought it would be annoying for her to be always asked “like Charlene off neighbours?” So named her kylie instead after the actress who played charlene. That backfired!

I mean, it really depends on which characters they are!

Definitely depends on how well known/iconic the sitcom character is - a minor character in a short lived/non cult series probably wouldn't be a big deal. The video game character I'd worry less about as many people probably won't realise- and kids/adult gamers might even think it was cool as long as the character wasn't dodgy.

You'd have to give us the names really.

What about using your surname?

My old boss called her son Michael, her surname was Knight, the tv reference was completely lost on her. I’m also related to a number of Eddie Murphys, to be fair most are older than the American actor.

I think if it’s a very pop culture name then I’d stay away from it. If it’s a name that will pass then go for it.

@Paperyfish

Woman I worked for wanted to name her child Charlene after the character in neighbours ( this was the 80’s btw) but thought it would be annoying for her to be always asked “like Charlene off neighbours?” So named her kylie instead after the actress who played charlene. That backfired!

That made me laugh, definite backfire

Depends. If it was a popular game and the title character, no.

If the sitcom character is a notorious bastard then no.

Basically if the character is a well known/villain I wouldn’t do it.

@AliceMck

My old boss called her son Michael, her surname was Knight, the tv reference was completely lost on her. I’m also related to a number of Eddie Murphys, to be fair most are older than the American actor.

I think if it’s a very pop culture name then I’d stay away from it. If it’s a name that will pass then go for it.

Lost on me too I am afraid.

Had a friend who steered clear of Natalie with surname West but a girl in DS class at school has a name which if you merge it with her surname becomes that film studio area of California!!

Funnily enough, the first character that I thought of was also Frank Spencer

I don't know any video game characters except Sonic the Hedgehog and Mario!

My DD has same name as a male celebrity. But we actually know another girl, two years older, in her dance class who has same name too.

@BordelDeMerde

A girl I know has the same name as a well-known rock star. Apparently her parents thought he would fade into obscurity. He did not. So yes, that would put me off completely.

Stop 😂

It really depends on the characters in question op! Hard to say without knowing.