Thoughts on name Bento for a boy

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Hello!

I’m originally from Brazil, and my husband has Italian heritage, so we’re considering the name Bento for a boy. It means ‘blessed’ in Portuguese and goes very well with our last name. However, I know people will link it to the bento boxes, which doesn’t really bother me, but I also don’t want him to be upset with us later in life 😂 Am I overthinking it, or should I go for another name? We plan on raising our kids in the UK.

I also love Matteo and Theo. Thank you!

Yeah, bento = bento box. Such a shame!

Really like Matteo though.

Isn’t that a lunch box? No from me.

It mightn't bother you if you were naming a dog but a human really?

Bento Box was my immediate thought. I’d go with one of your alternatives. Kids will take the mick.

No, that's a lunch box.

Sorry/ I agree that people will assume bento box.

Sorry, I just thought of Bento Box. Would probably soon get used to it though.
Theo is nice but very popular. Matteo is nice and not so used in the UK.

I really like the other 2 suggestions much more than Bento
He will probably just be Ben by the age of 3 or 4 if you go with Bento anyway

What about Benito? Same vibe but without the bento box connection.

I would worry that kids at school would pick up on the "Bent" part of the name and make gay jokes, that would have happened when I was at school but maybe things are more enlightened these days. Theo is lovely.

My instant thought was “bent toe” he might be paranoid wearing flip flops when he’s older 😂🙈

LOVE the name Matteo though

I prefer Matteo, personally.

Bento for me just immediately is linked to lunch (although it doesn't have a direct translation in Japanese and is actually derived from a Chinese word for "convenience")

All names can and do have strange and interesting meanings. My name means "snare". It's a really common name so no one cares about it's odd meaning. If you really, really like Bento, who cares if some people will take it to mean lunch? Lunch is hardly a bad thing (and he'll probably end up being Ben anyway!)

Matteo is so much better than Bento!
Give your kid a break!

Bento just screams 'product' name to me. Matteo is fabulous though!

The word 'bent' used to be a derogatory term for 'homosexual'. It might be used less nowadays but people will still remember. Then there's the lunch boxes. I really, really would NOT choose Bento, living in the UK. Could you have just Ben?

Or Matteo or Theo are lovely names.

Yes, people will immediately think of the lunch boxes. It's a bit unavoidable I'm afraid.

If I were you I would find something else, but ultimately it's your decision.

If you do go with it, you (and your son when he's older) will need to explain the origins of the name to everyone you meet who will inevitably comment on it.

I am another who immediately went to "box". Bento boxes are not a bad thing in themselves, and I think it's quite a nice name, aside from the association.

He'd be Ben by week 2 so just call him that. He won't thank you for calling him the same as a lunch box.
Otherwise Theo and Matteo in that order.

Straight away thought of Bento Box.

How about Ben?

It's just me that thought of Fray Bentos then?

Yes, go for Matteo.

Is your surname Box? Benedict or a variant would be better.

Yeh I originally thought of a Bento box, I’m so sorry. It’s a lovely meaning behind the name. What about Matteo Bento, then you still have it in there but he won’t be made fun of? I love Matteo, such a beautiful name which translates well in all countries if you don’t end up raising your children in the UK.

I thought of Fray Bentos too. Not heard of the lunchbox but I'm old!

My first thought was Frey Bentos 🥧