Erasmus!

What do you think?

Full disclosure: I’ve had two miscarriages in the past six months. We’re TTC again, but given my age (44) chances are good that I won’t be naming anybody. But just in case…

My husband suggested [name_m]Erasmus[/name_m] half-jokingly during my last pregnancy. At first I thought it was comically quirky… then I started to like it… then I adored it. The meaning (beloved, desired) was the icing on the cake.

[name_m]Erasmus[/name_m] [name_m]Darwin[/name_m] is an interesting namesake, and then there’s the hero of [name_u]Neal[/name_u] Stephenson’s Anathem, Erasmas. I think [name_f]Raz[/name_f] would be a great nickname. We live in NYC where a lot of kids have unusual names, so I’m not too concerned about teasing on that score. Middle name would be [name_u]Avery[/name_u], after family.

I know this name won’t be to everyone’s taste, but does anyone like it but me? What associations does it bring up?

I do really like the sound of Erasmus, but my one hang-up with it is the prominence of the European year abroad university program. It’s not a bad thing at all, but it is the first thing I think about, and my only real association with the name.

Erasmus Avery is SO handsome!

Also, so sorry for your previous losses, but hoping for the best of luck ttc again!

Thanks, [name_f]Lucia[/name_f]! I hadn’t heard of that program, so good to know.

And thank you for your kind wishes. We’re staying hopeful.

[name_m]Erasmus[/name_m] is an excellent name. I’d love to see it used.

Thanks for the feedback, Southern [name_f]Maple[/name_f]. It’s great to see [name_m]Erasmus[/name_m] getting support. I honestly wasn’t sure it would.

It’s been given to five or six boys or fewer for the last several years.

I love it, too!

I have no associations, and just admire it’s quirky look and sound.

[name_f]May[/name_f] your childbearing dreams come true.

It’s a good name but I associate it with the [name_m]Erasmus[/name_m] university programme in Europe. If he was ever to travel or live in Europe, I’m sure that he would get comments about it unfortunately. The programme is a great programme but people would also associate it with hard drinking and partying to an extent :confused:

Sorry but I’m not a fan. I’m aware of the philosopher, but honestly my first thought is “erase us”

Ummmmm accurate.

i think it’s awesome!! If my husband wasn’t so traditional, I would probably have something like this. Not sure what you would call him for short though. ?

Hmm, I’ve never heard of that study-abroad program so those associations escape me, and maybe that program won’t be around anymore in ten years anyway? I’m indifferent to the philosopher but intrigued by [name_m]Erasmus[/name_m] [name_m]Darwin[/name_m]'s poetry, though apparently he was a bit of a rake. “Erase us” never would have crossed my mind–I wonder if that occurs to anyone else?

For short I think “[name_f]Raz[/name_f]” or “[name_m]Ras[/name_m].” Any other ideas?

Everyone, thank you for your feedback! And [name_f]Apollonia[/name_f], Angerine, thank you for your enthusiasm.

[name_m]Erasmus[/name_m] is a favourite of mine! It’s very unusual but doesn’t seem too weird to me. It has a great meaning, the nickname [name_f]Raz[/name_f] is pretty cool, and [name_m]Charles[/name_m] [name_m]Darwin[/name_m]'s abolitionist grandfather is indeed an interesting namesake.

Thanks, Darlingdoe! This is enough positive feedback to make [name_m]Erasmus[/name_m] definitely my number-one pick for a boy, if I’m lucky enough to have one. ([name_f]Ondine[/name_f], [name_u]Vesper[/name_u], or [name_f]Lenore[/name_f] would be top contenders for a girl.)

Thanks to everyone for letting me know your views.