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Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Felix - cat (food) association too strong?

29 replies

LucyEleanorModeratz · 12/05/2023 11:40

Hi all

Just that really.

I adore the name but DH thinks it’s just cat food or alternatively the name of a cat.

I don’t agree and even if that was the case we would soon shed any feline associations because it would be the name of our gorgeous son instead!

Brother is Rupert.

Welcome any thoughts!

OP posts:
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KirstenBlest · 12/05/2023 12:13

It's a fairly popular boy's name., it's not like you are suggesting Sheba or Whiskas

MuffinToSeeHere · 12/05/2023 12:17

It's a fairly common boys name but yes my first thought is the pet food. However it's irrelevant what we think it sounds like your DH isn't a fan so it's not on the table as an option regardless.

Motnight · 12/05/2023 12:24

KirstenBlest · 12/05/2023 12:13

It's a fairly popular boy's name., it's not like you are suggesting Sheba or Whiskas

🤣🤣

ididntknowthat11 · 12/05/2023 12:25

I'd say so, yes.

I do know one elderly man called Felix and think it's a great name. I guess because he was born prior to the cat food he gets away with it.

But little Felix's (age 5 and under) are a dime a dozen where I am and I always think of the cat food when I hear it and I know I'm not the only one.

GeraltsBathtub · 12/05/2023 12:25

I think it’s common enough as a name to be fine - I know 3 of different ages. It has a lovely meaning too (lucky). What about Benedict? Similar meaning (blessed) and also goes nicely with Rupert.

Needmorelego · 12/05/2023 12:32

I like the name Felix. It does make me think "cat" but that's a good thing because I love cats.
I thought I knew a Felix - turns out his name is actually Phoenix 😂

Timtamtaffee · 12/05/2023 12:33

I have a Felix! It was DH's choice and I do love it. It means "happy" / "lucky". I remember when he was little and we took him on holiday and I called for him and a lady started shouting "Felix!" in a more panicked tone, as her son was also called Felix and she thought I was calling for her son! It wasn't a common name (10+ years ago) although there is another Felix in his school now.

sunshineandmango · 12/05/2023 15:48

@LucyEleanorModeratz we are having a similar dilemma with the name Flora for our DD! Felix is a lovely name, the association is there but I don’t think people would give it a second thought after they meet him. It’s so hard when you love a name and have these concerns, we are in the same boat as you as would hate to pick a name that could lead to potential bullying in the future. Guess you have to go with what feels right to you deep down, you will always get a mixed response on these forums.
Good luck with whatever you decide!

33goingon64 · 12/05/2023 15:59

I know 3 child Felixs and never have I thought about cat food - and our cat eats Felix!

CruCru · 12/05/2023 17:42

I like it. I know one - his parents wanted a name that could be pronounced by English and German speakers.

anothername2d · 12/05/2023 17:44

I know a year 11 Felix, so I thought of him. Lovely boy, great name.

BigFatLiar · 12/05/2023 17:47

Nothing wrong with Felix as a name, first thing that comes to mind though is 'The Odd Couple' and Felix Unger.

Reugny · 12/05/2023 17:55

KirstenBlest · 12/05/2023 12:13

It's a fairly popular boy's name., it's not like you are suggesting Sheba or Whiskas

Damn I should of called my DD "Sheba" as in "Queen of Sheba".

😆

Reugny · 12/05/2023 17:57

There are lots of boys in my area who seem to be called "Felix". (Well I notice it on the bus and in the supermarkets.)

I only actually know one who is a young teen and has a really sweet nature.

DemonicCaveMaggot · 12/05/2023 17:58

It is a great name.

MyFaceIsAnAONB · 12/05/2023 17:59

Nah Felix is fine, I know a few. With Rupert it’s a bit animal ish (bear and cat) but people will get over that pronto. I know brothers Rufus and Felix which gives me cat and dog vibes (dont know why I think of rufus as a dog name?) but I don’t really see why that would be a big deal.

CountMushroom · 12/05/2023 18:02

Felixes are ten a penny, OP. I’d be far more concerned about over+use than cat associations. It’s a nice name, though.

Choccyoclocky · 12/05/2023 18:07

My 5yo is called Felix so I am biased. When somebody asks me to repeat his name, I say "Felix, like the cat food" because I know they'll be thinking it. But I love the name so much that I don't care!

ourflagmeansdeath · 12/05/2023 18:13

It would be my first thought, yes, but also it is known as a boy's name too so it's not like people would think you're crazy or anything. It's like with Tabitha for a girl.

PickledScrump · 12/05/2023 18:28

I’ve never thought of cats or cat food when meeting a felix. It’s a nice enough name, go for it. I’ve also never thought of margarine with a Flora or sanitary products when meeting a Luna. It’s just a persons name.

yellowmeerkat · 12/05/2023 22:58

Felix is a great name, I wouldn’t let the potential cat association put you off

user1492757084 · 13/05/2023 00:54

Rupert and Felix do govery well.
However, I suspect you will not use it ifyour husband dislikes it.

Rupert and ..
Banjo
David
Digby
Cedric
Alexander

LucyEleanorModeratz · 13/05/2023 15:33

Thanks all for your thoughts, and yes you’re right I think in reality we’re unlikely to go with Felix on the basis of my husband not being keen.

Problem is, there just doesn’t seem to be a name that exists that we both agree upon. The closest we came is ‘Jasper’ but it doesn’t work with our surname which also ends in ‘er’ so together it’s clunky sounding.

I feel we are destined to settle on a name about which we’re both ambivalent, but which at least neither of us strongly dislike.

Boo!

OP posts:
dwightschrutebeets · 14/05/2023 14:24

I know 3 little Felixs currently. I think the cat name association has gone

JohnnyMcGrathSaysFuckOff · 14/05/2023 14:45

I have a primary aged Felix and only one person ever has made a cat related comment.

It is more popular than I had thought, though - he is one of three in our tiny village primary!