MN is an okay place for unique, creative, somewhat crazy names, but I’m not personally the fan of Gotham, especially when combined with [name]Max[/name]. [name]Max[/name] Gotham sounds like the name of some upcoming Batman video game or movie or maybe even a new villain in the series or something. And Gotham makes me think of such dark, dreary, full-of-evil villain images.
I think that it’s fine in the middle spot. The Batman association is strong, but that isn’t the only association that there is for Gotham, and since it’s sort of hidden in the middle I think you can be a bit more adventurous than would be advisable for a first name. I can see why the grandparents are a bit freaked out, but I think after they get used to it a bit they’ll realize that it isn’t as far out there as they initially thought it was.
[name]Jotham[/name] is very similar and a legitimate Biblical name, so perhaps that could help sell them a bit somehow?
I think Middles are more forgiving then firsts. If you love it and it means something to you then go for it. Who says your middle name except your mother?
I don’t think it has anything to do with name snobbery or elitism. If anything, it seems more elite to give your kid such a unique middle name.
I usually think that the middle is the place to go all out, but Gotham is just silly to me. I wouldn’t do it.
[name]Do[/name] you, [name]Max[/name] Gotham, take [name]Vivienne[/name] [name]Princess[/name] Tutu to be your lawfully wedded wife?
I understand liking Batman, but just because it’s the middle name doesn’t mean it’s a free for all. In my opinion. But it’s not my baby. I’m just saying what I would do if I liked Batman and it was my baby.
This is just me, but when people say the middle name is rarely heard, I disagree. Your middle name is read out during big accomplishments in your life such as:
high school graduation
college graduation
during background checks for jobs
wedding day
funerals
If you’re okay with people thinking of Batman during all of those critical moments in your child’s life, whether a kid or a full grown adult, then go ahead and use it. But since you’re asking our opinions, I’d have to say it was silly. I think it’s the same as giving your child the middle name Hogwarts, Capitol, or Forks.
It has nothing to do with snobbery. I’m a big [name]Harry[/name] [name]Potter[/name] fan, it was even our wedding theme, but I would never implant that on my child by giving her or him the middle name Hogwarts or Dumbledore. There are so many actual names in that series that are so much better like [name]Luna[/name] and [name]Ronald[/name] to give a subtle tie and if the kid ends up not liking [name]Harry[/name] [name]Potter[/name], that’s fine, at least it has a history of being a name.
I PERSONALLY think it’s a bad idea because what if your kid hates Batman? Not all boys like batman. Or worse he could be a [name]Marvel[/name] fan! (jk) It’s one thing to have the middle name [name]Bruce[/name] or [name]Wayne[/name] where it doesn’t tie in directly, but Gotham? There’s no way around that. I wouldn’t ever trap my kid that way because what your interests are won’t necessarily tie into you child’s. For example my mom loves diamonds and wanted to name me [name]Diamond[/name], if she had I would have been so mad, thankfully I had a reasonable dad who offered [name]Diana[/name] as a compromise and then she got her favorite flower, roses, as my middle name ([name]Rose[/name]).
I’m not a fan of place names at all, but I’m more against fictional place names because that’s just it, they only tie into the fictional thing. Like [name]Narnia[/name] and Hogwarts. If the poor child ends up hating the connection, they have no back up since there is no history of it being a name. Not saying that it would ruin them or damage them in anyway, but they probably won’t be willing to share their middle name or end up abbreviating it.
Now I get the anything goes in the middle, but even I think that has limits. My husband told me the same thing and even he has limits because sometimes things just a get a little too ridiculous. This is a person not a stuffed animal. [name]Imagine[/name] the name on yourself, how would you feel having Gotham as a middle? If my parents had done that, I’d be so ticked off because I am not a comic book fan.
HOWEVER, this is my opinion and in no way should make you change your mind. If you want Gotham, do it. I’m just answering the question you asked “is it too out there” and the answer is “yes, yes it is” - imo
[name]Deepak[/name] Chopra’s son is Gotham. It was originally Gautama (pronounced: Gotham) and so he changed the spelling when he was older. His name has nothing to do with Batman. I like the name.
If I ask people’s opinions on the name Flapjack Pina Colada genuinely wanting to name my child that, and you said it was ridiculous would that make you snobbish? I mean, I am a huge fan of Flapjacks and Pina Coladas and want to incorporate my passion for these foods in my child’s name somehow.
Gotham isn’t a name that was invented for Batman and, even though the association is obviously pretty strong, it isn’t exclusively associated associated with Batman. There are people out there who have it as their surname.
I feel like a lot of these reactions would be appropriate if the name we were talking about was [name]Max[/name] Batman, but I don’t think that the name is as cartoonish as people here are thinking.
Thank you. That’s where my head is at about this name, as well. It’s not just from Batman and I truly don’t find it any different from naming a child [name]Brooklyn[/name] or Manhattan. I appreciate everyone’s opinions though.
It’s too out there for me…
I’m all for using the names you love for your children: here’s my problem with Gotham: it’s not a very nice place. It’s corrupt and dangerous and evil. I love Tolkien names, but I wouldn’t call my kid Mordor or Isengard even though they’re cool names. I don’t think it’s anything wrong with using a Batman name though. I know it mainly because of the movies, but they are amazing.
Although middles don’t matter too much it could be a little weird. [name]Imagine[/name] a conversation between your child and his classmates. “What’s your middle name? [name]David[/name]. What’s yours? Gotham”
I’m torn between loving it and yet thinking it’s a bad idea. Which I think is how most people you will meet are going to approach it. If it’s important to you go ahead and use it!
I agree with this. Gotham goes a step further than might be appropriate.
On the surface, it may seem like a cool idea, but I would have concerns about it in light of the negative atmosphere of Gotham City. Regardless of how little or often your son’s middle name is used, the name will be part of his very identity. His name will be internalized to a certain extent. Personally, I would want my child’s name and identify to be associated with positive things – not a reminder of a rather shocking place of crime and corruption.
No! Gotham is AWESOME for a name. I have it down for a first name but on a girl. Anything Batman related is awesome lol.
I like [name]James[/name] Gotham. Something VERY usable in the front to balance out the “weirdness” in the middle.
Gotham is amazing as a FIRST name! Like Gotham Chopra…how cool does that sound?!
[name]Max[/name] Gotham is a great combo.