I was just talking to a friend about this the other day. She was convinced that it would be a horrible idea because of the fact that [name_f]Sappho[/name_f], the famous Greek poet, was a lesbian and if the kid turned out to not be a lesbian it would just be really weird, but I really like the name (really just as a middle name). I’m not having kids anytime soon but I was wondering what you guys’ opinions were on [name_f]Sappho[/name_f] as a name.
I don’t think it makes any difference whether the daughter turns out to be lesbian or not. As a middle name, I think it would be fine. As a first name, I’d steer clear.
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There was a recent thread asking this question - I’ve tried to find it to link if for you, but I can’t! The general consensus was yes, it’s a bad idea, especially for a first.
[name_m]Can[/name_m] anyone that commented find it?
I think Sappho is a name that someone might decide to start going by as an adult because they relate to the historical figure, but I wouldn’t use it as a first name on a child (and I’m a lesbian myself). As a middle though, it doesn’t seem like a problem - I would assume it was deliberately in honour of the poet Sappho.
I’m not sure about the thread but remember people talking about it in quick polls! The Quick Poll Thread! (Part 6) - #2110 by LeafTree
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I wouldn’t use it as a first name, but as a middle, I think it would be okay 
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It feels like one of those names that are awesome and have a great significance if I were a teen or an adult who chose my name after because I related to it or whatever, but not for a newborn child (as a first)
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Assuming you live in a culture where [name_f]Sappho[/name_f] is not a normal/common name, I would be hesitant to recommend it as a first name.
In theory, I don’t think [name_f]Sappho[/name_f] is inherently any different than other ancient names. But, in the English-speaking world at least, the association with lesbianism is strong (even if the historical [name_f]Sappho[/name_f] herself was probably not a lesbian in the modern sense of the term). I would be concerned about a girl/woman with this name being subjected to unwanted comments and questions.
I think this is a name that is associated really strongly with sexuality, to the point that the name itself is descriptive of same-sex attraction in women, rather than just being a prominent pop culture example. For this reason, I think it might be heavy for a kid to wear. It’s possible that as a middle name it could be better, but it still feels like a name that’s better chosen by its wearer rather than given.
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Since I’ve heard people use sappho as a word to describe wlw I would steer clear of it. It’s similar to the name [name_u]Gay[/name_u] / [name_f]Gaye[/name_f] that used to be popular. Other characters/people who happen to be LGBT would be fine though. But [name_f]Sappho[/name_f] isn’t just a person but also an actual adjective which seems like a lot to place on a child.
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I think it’s fine as a name that someone chooses for themself, but as a given name it would probably be too much.
Agreed. I think it’d be uncomfortable for the child because the association is so strong, especially since it’s quite an uncommon name so that’s the primary association for most people.
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That would be as silly as saying you can’t name your kid after a straight person in case they are gay. [name_f]Willa[/name_f] [name_f]Cather[/name_f], [name_u]Florence[/name_u] [name_u]Nightingale[/name_u], and [name_f]Emily[/name_f] [name_m]Dickinson[/name_m] we’re queer identifying as well, and I see [name_f]Willa[/name_f], [name_u]Florence[/name_u], and [name_f]Emily[/name_f] all the time 
(and tbh, anyone saying you can’t name a baby after her for only that reason feels a bit homophobic and weird to limit it like that)
But [name_f]Sappho[/name_f] is a bit of a one-person name. A very pretty one-person name. I think it could ( and should) be revived.
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I think it’s a fine middle name to honor a poet. It’s very much tied to her, and I’d think of her instantly. As a first name, I’d personally steer clear, but as a middle… feels more of an honor, and it’s nice.
I agree with others! It is tied too much to something your child may not identify with.
It’d be nice to think the general public was educated enough to get the poet allusion, but I wouldn’t count on that. I think it’s a fine name for a first or a middle.
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