Choosing a baby name can be really difficult - you want a name that you love, but also want to avoid anything that has negative or awkward connotations. One woman was concerned that the baby name she'd chosen sounded a bit too much like a certain brand of pet food - but she wanted to see whether other people thought the same.
She took to Reddit to ask what people thought of the name 'Felix', as she was concerned people would automatically think of the British pet food with the same name. Many people said that they wouldn't let the cat food put them off naming their son Felix, as the name is 'awesome'.
She said: "I already have a Martha and a Matilda, and for this baby we were pretty much set on Max, until we came across Felix.
"We love it, our girls love it. The only problem is, when I said the name to a few friends and family members they can’t get past the cat food brand association.
"Now, we had the same with Max at first…everybody knew somebody who had a dog called Max. Then the name sounded normal. Will the same happen with Felix? Do you just think 'cat' too?
"I’m hoping the name just becomes him. I’m in the UK, not sure if that makes a difference as I’m not sure if the cat food is popular in other countries."
Other Redditors were quick to point out that the name is nice, but does remind them of the pet food brand.
One wrote: "It could be an age thing but since you asked, honestly, I did think of Felix the Cat immediately."
Another added: "I'm in England and all I think of is cat food, sorry. I think Max or a longer version is a much better choice."
Someone else wrote: "I love it and mentioned it to my in-laws after our son was born that it had been on our shortlist and they said they were glad we didn’t choose it because they think it’s a cat name", followed by crying faces.
"I love this name personally and the meaning of joy, but unfortunately couldn’t get my husband over the idea of Felix the cat", one commented.
Others said they loved the name though, and the association with cats would be fleeting so it didn't matter.
One wrote: "I love Felix. It was on my list for our son and we both loved it but ultimately went with a different name we liked more. It’s still on the list if we have another boy."
Another said: "I’m in the UK and don’t think the cat association is too much. Felix is solidly in the top hundred and rising in England and Wales, so the cat food association isn’t putting thousands of parents off using it.
"Personally I much prefer Felix to Max. I love the sound and meaning of Felix, and despite its popularity, Felix is still a beautiful, interesting name to me, whereas Max is much duller to me."
Someone else supported the woman, commenting: "Felix is an awesome name! Go for it!"
One Redditor said they were in the UK and didn't associate the name with the cat food, despite having a cat, writing: "I'm in the UK too. And have known a few Felix's. I don't immediately think of cat food(and I have a pet cat!) Plus even if people do- it's hardly a really bad association."
What do you think of the name? Let us know in the comments.
