Is this an actual potential name?
[name_u]Baby[/name_u] number 3 is a boy. Two older sister with plant/tree names. I (obviously?) like nature/noun names and am struggling to find a favorite this guy.
Top of the list are [name_m]Griffin[/name_m] and [name_u]Cedar[/name_u], but was recently reading about wildlife and saw lichen and wondered if it’s ever used as a first name?
Thoughts?
I [name_u]LOVE[/name_u] this name! I’m so happy someone’s else does too! So underrated. Fits in perfectly with [name_m]Lincoln[/name_m], [name_m]Lachlan[/name_m], and seem so to be in tune with the -den trend (but not obnoxiously so) again, a stunning choice! Lichen is nature-y but not in your face. I think that it flows well with a lot of classics, and that it may help balance out the bolder side of the name.
I really like Lichen [name_m]Oliver[/name_m], Lichen [name_u]James[/name_u], Lichen [name_m]Charles[/name_m], etc.
Best of luck with the new family member!
While I understand that it could work in regard to sound (similar sound and look to the likes of [name_m]Lachlan[/name_m] and [name_m]Lincoln[/name_m]) I find it has a negative connotation in regard to the definition of ‘crusty patches or bushy growths’ and just fungi in general, usually connoting uncleanliness. Lichen is also attached to a few skin diseases, so that’s not a great association either.
For these reasons, I can’t say I’m fond of Lichen. [name_m]Griffin[/name_m] and [name_u]Cedar[/name_u] on the other hand, are both great.
I agree with [name_f]Sunniva[/name_f]-it has an appealing and usable sound but I’m not sure on the connotations. [name_u]Linden[/name_u] is similar and [name_m]Griffin[/name_m] and [name_u]Cedar[/name_u] are great
I really don’t care for the perception of lichen so I wouldn’t give it as a name for my child. Both [name_m]Griffin[/name_m] and [name_u]Cedar[/name_u] are nice though.
I also agree with [name_f]Sunniva[/name_f], sorry
I am honestly not sure how to pronounce Lichen. I’ve tried a few ways but it sound a lot like Kitchen or Licking whenever I do try (I could also be way off). But that’s another reason why I’m not a huge fan, the pronunciation is nor obvious/easy.
I really like [name_m]Griffin[/name_m] and I [name_u]LOVE[/name_u] [name_u]Cedar[/name_u].
An alternative to Lichen would be [name_u]Linden[/name_u] which is a tree so it still had the nature name appeal you like and it’s easy to pronounce.
whoops double posted!
Please don’t. There are loads of appealing nature names out there… to me naming your kid Lichen is on a par with naming him Pond Scum or Toadstool. Horrible.
I don’t have a very intuitive way to say it personally, I really like your other names [name_m]Griffin[/name_m] and [name_u]Cedar[/name_u]. What about [name_m]Latham[/name_m]?
Lichen is a fungus that grows on trees.
[name_m]Hawthorne[/name_m] [name_m]Birch[/name_m]. Or [name_m]Birch[/name_m] Summit
[name_m]Forrest[/name_m] [name_u]Oakley[/name_u], [name_m]Griffin[/name_m] [name_u]Spruce[/name_u],
I like the sound but not the connotations. Previous posters’ suggestions of [name_u]Linden[/name_u] and [name_m]Latham[/name_m] are very appealing, and I think either [name_m]Griffin[/name_m] or [name_u]Cedar[/name_u] would also make an attractive choice.
I like the sound and personally would be excited to meet a little boy named Lichen (and, in contrast with what some other posters have said, lichen as an organism doesn’t have a negative connotation in my mind), but I wouldn’t feel comfortable using it myself. I would just be hesitant due to the potentially negative feedback from others. I think [name_m]Moss[/name_m] is kinda similar but more usable. I do think it is hard to land on the perfect nature name for a boy.
Thanks everyone!
It’s funny - I like lichen the organism. I think it’s beautiful and northern. I had no idea some people associate it with a negative thing! Definitely don’t want anyone’s first impressions of him to be compared to a plant they think isnt nice!
Thanks for the feedback 
Lichen is a skin disease and a fungus. I would not name a human being Lichen. Honestly, I wouldn’t name a pet Lichen either. Sorry.