So, we named our son Wyc after a hero of ours, a 14th century Christian reformer — John Wycliffe, who led a truly transformative life. You can read a bit more about him from the link in my usercard. We absolutely LOVE the name Wyc, but it’s a hard one to follow up on.
Today, I’m seeking more hero names that would fit our style.
If possible, first have a read of our thoughts, then comment. And you’re definitely welcome to comment whatever your background.
Heroes We Like
We love King Alfred, one of the earliest English Kings, for the awesome life he lived. Though neither my wife nor I are a 100% sold on the name, and we don’t like the standard nicknames: Alfie, Alf, Fred. This isn’t a huge deal, b/c it’s possible it would be a middle name we don’t actually use day-to-day.
Phillip, the evangelist and deacon in the Bible (not the apostle) is also a hero of ours. It’s perhaps a tad too much a dad name though, with so many people our age bearing the name. But we love the nickname Pip.
And here are some other heroes of ours, though many of them we do NOT love for their names. Working backwards in time: Brother Andrew, Sophie Scholl, Francis + Edith Schaeffer, Irene Sendler, CS Lewis + Joy Davidman, Corrie Ten Boom, JRR Tolkien, GK Chesterton, Jane Austen, William Wilberforce, John Adams, Blaise Pascal, JS Bach, Lady Jane Grey, John Calvin… and the list could go on another 3000 years back, but that would maybe steal the fun of asking for your help!
Feel free to make any of these names sound good in your suggestions, as a brother to Wyc.
Some Guides
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We’re especially looking for heroes in the Christian tradition. Could be from any branch of Christianity. But we’re from a reformed background, so someone strongly associated with another branch, like a pope, is probably not going to be a winner. As much as we like JPII, we wouldn’t name a kid after him.
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We’re especially NOT looking for anyone overtly politicised right now. If the name is a political football for partisan bickering currently, NO. We’re not interested.
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But the name could be from any field - arts, sciences, ministers, brave ordinary folks, royals, even political heroes from further back.
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As a hero, they need to have done something that tremendously blessed other humans — making life more beautiful, removing a real evil, bringing freedom to the oppressed, dying or living to save others, etc.
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There are many people who did great good, but also did great evil, or actually lived quite horrible lives in private. We’re not seeking those names. Especially no sexual abuse. Please do not suggest someone who was likely involved in any sort of sexual abuse. We will not be using such a name.
Final Words
Hopefully those aren’t too many restrictions. A good hero can be hard to find.
Really, just want a good hero name that pairs well with Wyc.
Last thing - I’ve mentioned some female names above. We’d be totally open to honouring an awesome female hero in a future son’s name — by using a surname or converting a female name to a male name.
Thanks tonnes for any suggestions!!!