This may be an overthinking problem, but I need to hear others’ opinions
[name_f]My[/name_f] partner and I both adore the book The [name_m]Catcher[/name_m] in the [name_u]Rye[/name_u]. We both read it at very different times in our lives, but it impacted each of us heavily in our own way.
Recently, we’ve both been loving the name [name_u]Holden[/name_u]. It checks all of our boxes - literary, unique but not unheard of, and also offers the adorable nickname [name_m]Hal[/name_m], which both of us adore.
However, if you’ve ever read The [name_m]Catcher[/name_m] in the [name_u]Rye[/name_u], you would know that [name_u]Holden[/name_u] isn’t necessarily the best character. He’s not bad in his own right, he just goes through quite a lot and is constantly dealing with difficult situations that cause him to grow up too fast. (In fact, when I first read the book, I was crying by the end because I just felt so badly for him).
In this regard, would it be “bad” or even a “bad omen” to name our child [name_u]Holden[/name_u]? It’s a very meaningful book to us, but I wouldn’t want to “curse” a child with Holden’s fate, or wish anything he went to upon a child.
So I guess the question is - would it be bad to name a child [name_u]Holden[/name_u] after The [name_m]Catcher[/name_m] in the [name_u]Rye[/name_u]? Please let me know!! I really appreciate any input
Not at all! I know of a [name_u]Holden[/name_u] who is probably in his 30s now, and my mom always talks about how cool his name is (and his brother’s name, Ezra). I also worked at a daycare that had a three year old named [name_u]Holden[/name_u]. I loved the name, it suited him very well, and it’s adorable.
One of my favorite names is also associated with a negative fictional character, so I understand. But while [name_m]Catcher[/name_m] in the [name_u]Rye[/name_u] is a classic, I’m not sure how many people in the younger generations have actually read it. Like, I never had to read it in school. All I know through osmosis is that he’s kind of pretentious and thinks everyone else is a phony? He may have been the character who popularized the name, but it was an existing name before him. I think it would be 100% fine to use.
Many people share names with characters who had unfortunate lives or lived through tragedies. [name_f]Ophelia[/name_f], [name_f]Matilda[/name_f], etc. If you wanted to spin it in a positive way, you could focus on the resiliency of characters with hard lives? Again, I haven’t read it, so not sire if that applies to [name_u]Holden[/name_u].
But I think it’s a cool name that has a life of its own outside of the book.
Tough one - I struggle with similar thoughts when it comes to Shakespearean characters since it’s my academic field, I’m up to my eyeballs in [name_m]Shakespeare[/name_m] every day. I can’t escape the fact that [name_f]Ophelia[/name_f], [name_f]Lavinia[/name_f], [name_f]Juliet[/name_f], [name_f]Cordelia[/name_f] suffer horrible fates and I don’t think I could personally use those names because I’d just always think of the characters. I feel like my kids would react badly, like ‘you’re a Shakespearean scholar and you chose that character, really?!’ However, I love seeing them on other people’s lists and on other people’s kids, because they are very beautiful, and I think for people who aren’t as enmeshed with the plays, there’s no problem using them.
I suppose what I’m saying is, the book is obviously very meaningful to you both - but is it a case of knowing the book and character so well that the name is inextricably tied to that, and to the suffering which that [name_u]Holden[/name_u] goes through? [name_u]Or[/name_u] do you think you could separate them and appreciate it on its own?
I absolutely loved reading this book in high school. It’s artful and written with heart and fervor… and I think Holden is certainly one of the most genuine and human characters I have read. The impact of this book on your self and your life is real and wonderful. And that if your partner’s! I think that the name Holden is not only a way to honor that special connection between reader and novel, but also an omen of resiliency and courage. Holden consistently tries, even though he screws up and falters plenty.
(Plus, Holden is a kick@ss name—and Hal is the sweetest nickname!!!)
This is how I always read Holden, myself. I first read the book at an exceedingly happy time in my own high school life, which I think has absolutely influenced my perception of Holden as a character. I agree, even so, that he is not “bad.” Not at all.
(Side note: Salinger nn Sal instead? Different vibe but I think Salinger is so fun. Oooh, especially Salinger nn Sally for a girl! )
I think it’s fine! [name_f]Ophelia[/name_f] has grown in popularity too after all and I don’t think parents are naming their kids that because they’re cursing their child with her fate [name_u]Holden[/name_u] feels cool and versatile
I really appreciate your take on this - I love the idea of spinning it in a positive way to show resiliency!! It’s not something I had thought of, but I really like the message of it
Oh these are very interesting questions to think about - I will definitely run them by my partner! Thank you for giving me a new perspective though, I definitely do appreciate that
I’m so glad you see [name_u]Holden[/name_u] that way too!! And thank you for the [name_m]Hal[/name_m] comment, it def warms my heart This really made me feel better, so thank you!! (I also LOVE [name_m]Salinger[/name_m] nn [name_f]Sally[/name_f], but partner has already vetoed haha. To the GP list it goes )
I have a Holden!! I can’t really speak to your situation, because we don’t have the same connection to the book or character. But we did feel like it was the more risky of our name choices and I’m so glad we went with it. It suits our son so well and I never get tired of hearing or saying it!
I have read The [name_m]Catcher[/name_m] in the [name_u]Rye[/name_u]. I hated it. I even read it as an adult and still hated it. I am sorry you adore the book so much
That said, I think that [name_u]Holden[/name_u] is a great name. Y’all should go with it. Maybe don’t tell people that you named him after that awful excuse for literature, but I don’t think you should “hold” back on using a name y’all like.
I think [name_u]Holden[/name_u] is fine to use in this case. I tend to be pretty conservative about nixing names with tragic associations (no [name_f]Ophelia[/name_f] or [name_f]Lavinia[/name_f] for me ), but because [name_u]Holden[/name_u] is such a rich, complex character whose story isn’t synonymous with tragedy in the cultural consciousness, it wouldn’t feel like a bad omen to me. I think it’s a beautiful nod to your shared love for the book.
And [name_m]Hal[/name_m] is such a sweet nickname!
However, I love seeing them on other people’s lists and on other people’s kids, because they are very beautiful, and I think for people who aren’t as enmeshed with the plays, there’s no problem using them.
Different vibe but I think Salinger is so fun. Oooh, especially Salinger nn Sally for a girl! 
)
[name_u]Holden[/name_u] feels cool and versatile 
This really made me feel better, so thank you!! (I also LOVE [name_m]Salinger[/name_m] nn [name_f]Sally[/name_f], but partner has already vetoed haha. To the GP list it goes 
I can’t really speak to your situation, because we don’t have the same connection to the book or character. But we did feel like it was the more risky of our name choices and I’m so glad we went with it. It suits our son so well and I never get tired of hearing or saying it!
), but because [name_u]Holden[/name_u] is such a rich, complex character whose story isn’t synonymous with tragedy in the cultural consciousness, it wouldn’t feel like a bad omen to me. I think it’s a beautiful nod to your shared love for the book.