See the results of this poll: Use the name Holden?
Respondents: 15 (This poll is closed)
- Only if you read the book! : 7 (47%)
- Do NOT read the book. : 4 (27%)
- What book?: 4 (27%)
I feel like [name_m]Holden[/name_m] will always be associated with Catcher in the rye just as [name_m]Atticus[/name_m] and [name_u]Scout[/name_u] will always be associated with To Kill A Mockingbird. I don’t think you need to love the character to use the name, but I do think you should be familiar with the book since so many people will associate your son’s name with it. If I heard the mother of a [name_m]Holden[/name_m] say she never read the book I would find it odd… if I heard a mother of a [name_m]Holden[/name_m] say she loved the name despite not loving the character in the book I wouldn’t bat an eye. But to not read the book that made the name popular seems like you didn’t do your homework. Haha.
Good luck.
I think you can name your kid whatever you want, regardless of what literary character shares that name
The name [name_m]Holden[/name_m] is popular enough that I’m sure there are other people using the name who haven’t read the book. But personally, I would want to be very aware the what kind of strong association my child’s name has. It really is a well known book. [name_f]Do[/name_f] you feel confident using the name without reading it? Are you okay with the possibility of being asked about the literary connection? I think it’s less important how we here on NB feel about someone using the name without reading the book, and all about how you feel about it. You should feel confident in your choice.
But my personal advice would be to read the book, yes. But mostly because it’s an easy thing to do. You can pick it up used on Amazon for like 25 cents (before shipping). It seems like a pretty easy way to research your child’s potential name to make sure the association is one you’re okay with, even if you dislike the character.