Picking out a name for your newborn baby is a big undertaking - one parents take very seriously. After all, your name's a big deal. It's the first thing people tend to first notice about you, but it can also leave a lasting impression.
As such, parents should take care when choosing a name shared by a prominent figure or celebrity and think about whether they'd like their child to be associated with that person.
One couple who would agree with this sentiment have been left in a tricky spot after falling in love with the name Thatcher. Based in the US, they adored the moniker, thinking it could work as a first name for a boy or a girl.
However, they started second guessing their pick after learning about Margaret Thatcher and the name's 'negative connotations'.
The parents' conundrum came to light after they took to Reddit's 'namenerds' forum seeking advice. In a post to the website, they explained their reservations about naming their youngster after the controversial political figure and asked for new name suggestions.
"My husband and I both adore the name Thatcher. I’m in the US and neither of us had heard of Margret Thatcher until I saw it being brought up in this group on previous posts. Any ideas for a name with similar vibes? We actually liked it for a boy or a girl," the mum wrote.
But not everyone was convinced the couple needed to pick out a new name, leading to a fierce debate among commenters. On the one hand, some people suggested it did not matter if the couple's baby has a famous namesake.
"In the US I don't think people would immediately associate it with Margaret Thatcher," one person wrote. Another said: "I'm British and I wouldn't think twice about meeting someone called Thatcher." And someone else revealed: "To be fair a girl in my office (UK) called her son Thatcher and I never once though of Margaret."
However, other commenters said they immediately made the connection and issued advice for the parents. "I would definitely associate it with Margaret Thatcher. Not a great association," read one such reply.
Another said: "I'm in the US. Margaret Thatcher is my first association. Use it if you love it, but know that many people will make assumptions about your core values."
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