Is it really that bad of a name?

Erin1010Sky

DH and I are considering the name Aristotle for a boy...with the nickname Ari.

 

Everyone in the family has turned their nose up at it...saying we should name the kid Richard or John or Robert. All three, awesome names, but we wanted something unique and uncommon. Is the name that bad? 

I know, don't listen to family, but I figure the internet won't fail me. 

rsquaredr

It's definitely an uncommon name. I say it's your baby, you name it what you want.

vans or violets

Aristotle is a bit of a mouthful but I always loved Ari.  I say go for it.  It's your baby.  Everyone in the family will survive. 

Mama_SAS

ETA: I know a Socrates who loves his name. 

IrishBrideND

I can imagine this is name that will get made fun of a lot, just something to think about.

sunnyday016

I like just plain Ari. Aristotle is a little over-the-top.

BelleBaby

I kind of get a snooty vibe from it.  Very preppy-sounding.  It's not the worst name I've ever heard, but it definitely gives the kid something to live up to!

EwokofEndor

I really like Ari as a nickname. I'm not sure how I feel about Aristotle. I feel like it might be a lot to live up to, but maybe that's just me.

shopgirl_07

Are you Greek? If not, I think it's a bit weird.

waterfly

I like it, but would probably use it as a mn rather than fn.  That said, there are worse people to share a name with than one of the fathers of Western thought and a billionaire who married a former first lady, and Ari is a cute nickname.

bakemecakes

I would just always call him Ari.  Aristotle is not only a mouthful of a name, but also tied to one famous individual.  Like Adolf, but without the negative connotations.  If you give him Aristotle as a full name I'd just be sure to always call him Ari......(like his locker at school would say Ari, etc.)

metzy144

rsquaredr:

It's definitely an uncommon name. I say it's your baby, you name it what you want.

This

Becky262

I like Ari, but Aristotle is a bit much.  It reminds me of the line from the Philosopher's Drinking Song:

Aristotle, Aristotle was a bugger for the bottle

lol 

If you like it, go for it.  Just be prepared for many years of defending your choice (especially to strangers  lol)

honkytonk_kid

In my opinion, it is that bad.

I like Ari though.

Your only choices aren't Aristotle or Richard/John/Robert- there are plenty of unique and uncommon names that are better than Aristotle.

EastCoastBride

honkytonk_kid:

Your only choices aren't Aristotle or Richard/John/Robert- there are plenty of unique and uncommon names that are better than Aristotle.

This!  I find Aristotle to be a bit over the top too.

YOUR desire for a "different" name is sticking your child w/ that name forever.  They are the ones who have to go through life w/ that name.  All so that you can say "Oh, we didn't use a boring name".

crystal959

sunnyday016:

I like just plain Ari. Aristotle is a little over-the-top.

 

this

RoxyLynn

He'll be in second or third grade before he can spell it, and many friends/teachers/coaches will never spell it correctly. I always feel like kids with high-expectation names end up doing the opposite. Like Palmer Worthington [last name] becomes a professional hamburger-flipper who goes to monster truck events on the weekends...

braveangel2

Real first name, real nick name. Sure it's a bit much for my personal taste, but geez Louise, it's a real name. If it has personal meaning to you and you both can defend this unique name, then go for it.

https://www.behindthename.com/name/aristotle

And don't feel too bad. They're tastes aren't your tastes. And remember you're also dealing with different generations. Now I would recommend a classic middle name just in case he grows up not liking his name or wants to use something else professionally.

ames71

No, I don't think it's "that" bad. It's a lot of name, for sure, but I don't hate it. 

lclaws13

Friends of mine used it as a middle name for their son, and still got made fun of.  I don't think the kid minds it, but they got a lot of ridicule when the birth announcement came out.

jiffy-pop

Sorry, but I wouldn't want to be stuck with that name all my life if I were a boy. If I heard that name in public, I couldn't help but give a side eye...just being honest, sorry!

IrishBrideND

braveangel2:

Real first name, real nick name. Sure it's a bit much for my personal taste, but geez Louise, it's a real name. If it has personal meaning to you and you both can defend this unique name, then go for it.

https://www.behindthename.com/name/aristotle

And don't feel too bad. They're tastes aren't your tastes. And remember you're also dealing with different generations. Now I would recommend a classic middle name just in case he grows up not liking his name or wants to use something else professionally.

I don't care if the parents have to defend it. I'm worried about the kid. Can you imagine the jokes his peers will make?

Naming isn't about the parents, even though many seem to think its alllll about them. The kid is the one who is stuck with the name for the rest of his life.

JoannaShaw

Go for it! Aristotle is a cool name and Ari is very suave and sophisticated and I think he would be the cool kid!.

Just make sure you go for a more typical name for mn so he does have options.

braveangel2

IrishBrideND:

braveangel2:

Real first name, real nick name. Sure it's a bit much for my personal taste, but geez Louise, it's a real name. If it has personal meaning to you and you both can defend this unique name, then go for it.

https://www.behindthename.com/name/aristotle

And don't feel too bad. They're tastes aren't your tastes. And remember you're also dealing with different generations. Now I would recommend a classic middle name just in case he grows up not liking his name or wants to use something else professionally.

I don't care if the parents have to defend it. I'm worried about the kid. Can you imagine the jokes his peers will make?

Naming isn't about the parents, even though many seem to think its alllll about them. The kid is the one who is stuck with the name for the rest of his life.

I made this comment because I know a couple who named their boy, Ziggariah nn Ziggy, and they both love the name dearly. It's not my style, and when I first heard it, I chuckled. But after meaning the boy, he is very much a Ziggy...adorable and blond with a zest for life. The parents' love of the name rubs off on the child. I've also noticed that the more story a name has to it, the more people are likely to like their own name, which is why I said 'personal meaning'. No one wants to hear, as an adult, that their mom or dad were not really fans of their name. It actually happened to a poster not that long ago. It's a crappy thing to hear.

So I stand by the statement, but if you feel that you're doing the OP a service, I think it would helpful to list ways you can tease Aristotle. It's not likely to come up on teastthisname.com.

Mama_SAS

IrishBrideND:

braveangel2:

Real first name, real nick name. Sure it's a bit much for my personal taste, but geez Louise, it's a real name. If it has personal meaning to you and you both can defend this unique name, then go for it.

https://www.behindthename.com/name/aristotle

And don't feel too bad. They're tastes aren't your tastes. And remember you're also dealing with different generations. Now I would recommend a classic middle name just in case he grows up not liking his name or wants to use something else professionally.

I don't care if the parents have to defend it. I'm worried about the kid. Can you imagine the jokes his peers will make?

Naming isn't about the parents, even though many seem to think its alllll about them. The kid is the one who is stuck with the name for the rest of his life.

I really can't imagine the jokes.  Most kids get teased to some extent but I can't think of any really horrible jokes about Aristotle. 

IrishBrideND

Mama_SAS:

IrishBrideND:

braveangel2:

Real first name, real nick name. Sure it's a bit much for my personal taste, but geez Louise, it's a real name. If it has personal meaning to you and you both can defend this unique name, then go for it.

https://www.behindthename.com/name/aristotle

And don't feel too bad. They're tastes aren't your tastes. And remember you're also dealing with different generations. Now I would recommend a classic middle name just in case he grows up not liking his name or wants to use something else professionally.

I don't care if the parents have to defend it. I'm worried about the kid. Can you imagine the jokes his peers will make?

Naming isn't about the parents, even though many seem to think its alllll about them. The kid is the one who is stuck with the name for the rest of his life.

I really can't imagine the jokes.  Most kids get teased to some extent but I can't think of any really horrible jokes about Aristotle. 

Really? It would be like naming a kid Einstein. When he's older, and kids are learning about Aristotle, he won't hear the end of it. I think it will be even worse when he's an adult.

Of course most kids get teased. but its insane, IMO, to give a kid a name he will almost automatically get teased for. Don't set the poor kid up!

Eros

I couldn't do it.  I agree that it seems a bit pompous, preppy, and over-the-top.  I think Ari is cute, but I probably wouldn't use it a formal name.

JaysonandKristin

braveangel2:

IrishBrideND:

braveangel2:

Real first name, real nick name. Sure it's a bit much for my personal taste, but geez Louise, it's a real name. If it has personal meaning to you and you both can defend this unique name, then go for it.

https://www.behindthename.com/name/aristotle

And don't feel too bad. They're tastes aren't your tastes. And remember you're also dealing with different generations. Now I would recommend a classic middle name just in case he grows up not liking his name or wants to use something else professionally.

I don't care if the parents have to defend it. I'm worried about the kid. Can you imagine the jokes his peers will make?

Naming isn't about the parents, even though many seem to think its alllll about them. The kid is the one who is stuck with the name for the rest of his life.

I made this comment because I know a couple who named their boy, Ziggariah nn Ziggy, and they both love the name dearly. It's not my style, and when I first heard it, I chuckled. But after meaning the boy, he is very much a Ziggy...adorable and blond with a zest for life. The parents' love of the name rubs off on the child. I've also noticed that the more story a name has to it, the more people are likely to like their own name, which is why I said 'personal meaning'. No one wants to hear, as an adult, that their mom or dad were not really fans of their name. It actually happened to a poster not that long ago. It's a crappy thing to hear.

So I stand by the statement, but if you feel that you're doing the OP a service, I think it would helpful to list ways you can tease Aristotle. It's not likely to come up on teastthisname.com.

Two thumbs up!!

It's Aristotle, not Hannibal for crying out loud!!  Sure, the kids are going to hear about Aristotle, but not until 7th grade-ish.  And, by that time, all they're going to do is make a nod in Aristotle's direction and maybe ask him if he knew about who Aristotle was before that day in school.  Then, they'll move on.  

 

JaysonandKristin

IrishBrideND:

Mama_SAS:

IrishBrideND:

braveangel2:

Real first name, real nick name. Sure it's a bit much for my personal taste, but geez Louise, it's a real name. If it has personal meaning to you and you both can defend this unique name, then go for it.

https://www.behindthename.com/name/aristotle

And don't feel too bad. They're tastes aren't your tastes. And remember you're also dealing with different generations. Now I would recommend a classic middle name just in case he grows up not liking his name or wants to use something else professionally.

I don't care if the parents have to defend it. I'm worried about the kid. Can you imagine the jokes his peers will make?

Naming isn't about the parents, even though many seem to think its alllll about them. The kid is the one who is stuck with the name for the rest of his life.

I really can't imagine the jokes.  Most kids get teased to some extent but I can't think of any really horrible jokes about Aristotle. 

Really? It would be like naming a kid Einstein. When he's older, and kids are learning about Aristotle, he won't hear the end of it. I think it will be even worse when he's an adult.

Of course most kids get teased. but its insane, IMO, to give a kid a name he will almost automatically get teased for. Don't set the poor kid up!

But, Aristotle and Einstein have GOOD/POSITIVE associations.  I don't understand where you see the origins for teasing? 

alisonemma

I love the name Ari (we would use it, but we're not Jewish), and I like Aristotle, too.  Is either of you Greek?  Some names are so ethnic that you almost need to be part of that ethnicity to use them. 

othello888

I like it! Much better than hearing Aidan, Caden, or something else  that is so popular that it is boring. It is a real name, correct spelling, great nn and historical figure behind is cool.

Mama_SAS

JaysonandKristin:

IrishBrideND:

Mama_SAS:

IrishBrideND:

braveangel2:

Real first name, real nick name. Sure it's a bit much for my personal taste, but geez Louise, it's a real name. If it has personal meaning to you and you both can defend this unique name, then go for it.

https://www.behindthename.com/name/aristotle

And don't feel too bad. They're tastes aren't your tastes. And remember you're also dealing with different generations. Now I would recommend a classic middle name just in case he grows up not liking his name or wants to use something else professionally.

I don't care if the parents have to defend it. I'm worried about the kid. Can you imagine the jokes his peers will make?

Naming isn't about the parents, even though many seem to think its alllll about them. The kid is the one who is stuck with the name for the rest of his life.

I really can't imagine the jokes.  Most kids get teased to some extent but I can't think of any really horrible jokes about Aristotle. 

Really? It would be like naming a kid Einstein. When he's older, and kids are learning about Aristotle, he won't hear the end of it. I think it will be even worse when he's an adult.

Of course most kids get teased. but its insane, IMO, to give a kid a name he will almost automatically get teased for. Don't set the poor kid up!

But, Aristotle and Einstein have GOOD/POSITIVE associations.  I don't understand where you see the origins for teasing? 

Exactly.

I've said it before but the Socrates I know passed his name on to his son because he likes it so much. 

LMS05

I think it's bad. If you really love it, use it for a middle name. 

braveangel2

Mama_SAS:

I really can't imagine the jokes.  Most kids get teased to some extent but I can't think of any really horrible jokes about Aristotle. 

I can't come up with anything either...Aristotle hit the bottle? Stotle is such a masculine root to me, and I'm trying to rhyme it with negative things, but I can't come up with much. If there are ways to tease it in the traditional sense (other than the usual, 'ha ha your name is funny', then people should post it.

And there is a difference between naming your child something meaningful and personal and naming your child something because it makes you sound smarter. Time will tell if the OP is one or the other (not that we'll know, but people in their personal lives will).

braveangel2

I'd also like to recommend the children's book, Chrysanthemum. It's a good read regarding unique names.

https://www.amazon.com/Chrysanthemum-Kevin-Henkes/dp/0688147321

msmerymac

braveangel2:

Real first name, real nick name. Sure it's a bit much for my personal taste, but geez Louise, it's a real name. If it has personal meaning to you and you both can defend this unique name, then go for it.

https://www.behindthename.com/name/aristotle

And don't feel too bad. They're tastes aren't your tastes. And remember you're also dealing with different generations. Now I would recommend a classic middle name just in case he grows up not liking his name or wants to use something else professionally.

 

Agreed. I kind of like it.

 

And kids will find a way to tease each other. Naming them Vagina will make it easier, but I'm on board with not being able to find a way to tease Aristotle (which is commonly used in Greece to this day, btw). Haha, you're named for a famous philosopher! And?

Jermysgirl

I actually really like it, especially if you have Greek heritage. 

anna7602

I think it's fine. I like Greek names. They are "real" (v. made-up), timeless and interesting, IMO. But I also have a lot of Greek names in my family, so maybe my ear is just attuned differently.