Connotations of names Barnaby, Roland or Jethro?

[goody3shoes]

A friend of mine has married an Englishman, actually he is from Devon. They have taken her surname but he wishes to name their first child, a boy, due in 4 months. He is keen on the above three names but my friend is uncertain of how they would be thought of to an Englishperson and asked me, as I have some experience in the English culture. Still, I thought it would be best to get you guys on the case! Any thoughts and suggestions appreciated.

Barnaby is ok and don't have any direct associations. It does remind me of Barney Bear though. The only association I have with Roland is the Irish singer. I can't think of a Jethro but highly dislike the name. None of the names are my taste but there are so many 'old' names or unique names in fashion right now that I don't think any of these would particularly stand out.

Without knowing the surname it is hard to say which would be least dreadful (as you can probably tell, I'm not keen on any of them - but it's not my child and not my choice).

Re: the names - Barnaby is essence of A-hole to me, Roland is medieval, and Jethro - well my friend had a huge black and white cat called Jethro* (it was MASSIVE) and that's all I can see when I hear that name.

If I had to pick one of the three it would be Roland.

*after Jethro Tull

They are very different names. Barnaby is a very standard (nice in my view) name currently and reasonably classless. Nn Barney.

Roland is posh and quite old fashioned, only met one personally under 50, usual nn Roly.

Jethro uncommon and I’m sorry but I don’t like it.

Good point about the surname! They have to go with "Panicucci"

None of them are negative - they are all similar to names in fashion right now although not that popular themselves

I love Jethro

I like Barnaby/Barnabas too - there’s a kids TV character Barney, which is what it’s usually shortened to

I am not crazy about Roland but it’s fine. There’s was a kids TV character Roland Rat, but not now. It’s often shortened to Rolly (Row-lee)

(Oops obviously this was a reply to emotionalsupportviper)

Barnaby - wet and posh
Roland - wet and posh but could be cool if the person was cool
Jethro - Farmer. A lumpen peasant name. Very different to the first two.

None of them are terrible. Roland is ok.

Barnaby is a Golden Retriever, Roland got a half-blue in croquet while reading Greats, and Jethro is a hillbilly.

Barnaby and Roland sound posh to me; Jethro sounds like a West Country farmer or a minor character in a Victorian novel.

That said, I personally like Jethro the best. All three sound usable to me and I’ve met boys called Jethro and Barnaby recently.

Just seen your update. The surname is so great any name would sound marvellous with it. Still voting Roland.

Roland shouts posh, rosy cheeked, man in his mid 50s to me. Barnaby and Jethro fine. All leaning towards upper class.

Jethro is a hillbilly. Roland is a man aged about 80, I don’t think the name has come back around yet. Barnaby is a little shit. Sorry but I don’t like any of them!

I don't think that surname works as well with Barnaby but it will elevate either of the other names. I prefer Jethro. None of those first names will pin an age or social class on your son, which I see as a good thing.

And much appreciated!

Pronounced "Panuh - coochi"? (I don't speak Italian so am trying to approximate). Fabulous name, though.

I still like Roland best of the three - as others have said, sometimes shortened to "Roley". or even "Rollo".

Barnaby is increasingly popular these days,
nn Barney. It’s just a bit…wet.
Roland is a cartoon rat.
Jethro Tull is a band.

I personally think Barney or Jethro are fine.

They are all fine. Several non posh Barneys around plus a Jethro

😂

Leroy Jethro Gibbs, character in American tv series "NCIS".

Barnaby is a posho
Roland is a fat kid with glasses
Jethro is a farmer

Great name.

Would they not choose something that works in their culture/language too?

Roland to me is forever the boring fat kid in Grange Hill.
Jethro is either Jethro Tull, that awful West Country comedian or that bloke from Emmerdale. Not keen but given the WCountry link fair enough.
I personally quite like Barnaby but see it as v posh and it seems odd to have a name ending with an 'ee' sound alongside their surname.

DCI Tom Barnaby and his cousin DCI John Barnaby in tv series "Midsomer Murders".

Barnaby is a simple minded Dickens character with a pet raven, Roland is a very irritating puppet rat who needs adenoidal surgery and Jethro is a yokel.

Barnaby (Barny) is quite common now, and wouldn't cause any comment.

Roland is less usual, and in the past might have been posh or tacky.

Jethro is a bit yokel tbh.

Roland reminds me of Roland rat, sorry!

I was at school with a Roland and he was an utter twat so for that reason I can't stand the name. Which I know is unfair on all the probably very nice Rolands out there.