Would the name James Brown be too associated with the singer?

[MapleSeed]

DH and I are struggling to agree on a name for our baby boy due very soon. One name we both like is James (Jamie for every day use) but it would mean his full name is James Brown… do you think he’ll be haunted by association with the musician for the rest of his life? Is James Brown that famous in the UK? It’s definitely making me hesitate, but it’s the one name we seem to be able to agree on. 😅

No idea who James Brown is, but it’s a very basic name so I wouldn’t think so.

People will comment but people comment with a lot of names. I know a couple of James Browns so it hasn't bothered other people. It's a nice name. Go for it!

You don't know who James Brown was ?

I taught a Michael Jackson once. I wouldn't worry about it.

I bet she feels good not knowing.

Wouldn’t give it a second thought.

Although I do know who James brown was, I don't think of him if I heard it for a boy/man .

I know a family of James Brown's from grandad to grandson.

If he's mostly going to be known as Jamie then it'll be fine. It's a good solid name :)

HA 😂

lol!🤣

Definitely. I taught a James Brown. And the comparisons were so stark, which only made the name more ludicrous for the child. Sadly.

It should be OK, @MapleSeed . I know people with celebrity namesakes that are far more obvious.
Not the names but something like Brad Pitt or Jennifer Lawrence.

I think kids may not know who James Brown is but adults will. I also taught a James Brown and the jokes were made. My issue with him and therefore the name would be his record of domestic violence.
Jamie Brown is lovely - just call him that

I work with a James Brown and if I’m honest, that was my first thought (I’m 38). It’s not awful but I’d try and avoid it if I could.

I don’t think I’d make the connection if he was Jamie Brown though.

Yes

I'd just go with Jamie. Lovely name.

Yes I think the comments will get really tedious.

I know a Michael Jackson and he’s said the reason he first decided we were going to be friends was because I made no comment on his name. Practically everyone he meets says something stupid or sings at him. It annoys him but people just can’t help themselves.

Really? I am very surprised. I would not call a child James Brown/any other name with associations.

I went to school with Lewis Carroll, James Brown is fine!

I looked at your thread title and immediately had ‘get up, get on up’ in my head

But then realised I have known someone called James Brown since I was 7 and NEVER made the connection because when I see or hear about him, it is him, not THE JB.

I wouldn’t - he won’t thank you for a famous namesake.

I'd instantly think of the singer. Having said that I'm sure there are 1000s of men called James Brown in the world. I do think though, that if a kid's surname is going to be Brown they deserve a more standout first name. Not wacky or weird, just something less pedestrian than James.

@Shloopie i agree honestly— our daughter has a very uncommon name that my husband and I both adored and agreed on instantly. Really struggling to find a boy name we both like 🥲

It’s nice so nice

In any case, while I like James, I think a name like Brown calls for a slightly more distinctive first name.