We just found out we are having a boy and we have LOVED the name “[name_m]Ford[/name_m]” forever. Our last name is a girls name and I want something masculine, short and slightly vintage without being popular. Our one year old daughter is named “[name_f]Nora[/name_f]”. To me they are both simple and go together well. So, we were loving this name (to me it is old school [name_f]Americana[/name_f] sounding) until my husband had to repeat the name several times to a person, then described the name by saying “like the truck”. We both turned our noses up. We are in no way “truck people” or “redneck” but we do live in the deep south and are now afraid people might think we named him after the company… which we do NOT want.
What are your thoughts on this name? Can it be separated from the [name_m]Ford[/name_m] Motor Company? His name would be: [name_m]Ford[/name_m] [name_m]Charles[/name_m].
Thanks for the input!
I think that the company shouldn’t keep you from using your favourite.
Before I read what bothered you, though, I thought the problem was if [name_f]Nora[/name_f] and [name_m]Ford[/name_m] aren’t too similar as they both have 4 letters and the -or- in the same position. If that doesn’t concern you than I don’t see a problem.
I think of the [name_m]Ford[/name_m] Motor Company and the fjords (like in Norway) in equal amounts. I like surname names, but [name_m]Ford[/name_m] isn’t at the TOP of my list, but I do like it as a middle. I think [name_m]Ford[/name_m] [name_m]Charles[/name_m] is lovely, and I don’t associate it with the car company so strongly that it couldn’t stand on its own well. My largest hesitation, honestly, is that [name_f]Nora[/name_f]'s name and [name_m]Ford[/name_m] both have 4 letters and have that strong (or maybe, prominent is the better word) “or” sound in the middle. [name_f]Nora[/name_f] and [name_m]Ford[/name_m]. It’s not a deal-breaker, I don’t think, but it does sound pretty similar to me.
Good luck!
[name_m]Ford[/name_m] has exactly what you are looking for in that it is strong and masculine and you love it! It’s a great name. I think that almost any boy name could be connected in some way to a company, food, etc. [name_m]Even[/name_m] the name [name_m]John[/name_m] as in [name_m]John[/name_m] Deere, [name_m]Orville[/name_m] Redenbacher, and on and on. I wouldn’t worry about it at all and I don’t think you will meet many people where you have to spell out the name, and if you do, just smile and know that they just haven’t heard it before. No big deal [name_f]IMO[/name_f].
I think because you live in the south, people will associate it with [name_m]Ford[/name_m] Trucks, but I don’t the association is strong enough to throw you from the name altogether. Personally, I really like [name_m]Ford[/name_m]. I love the presidential association. (but if you aren’t Republican or just dislike President [name_m]Gerald[/name_m] [name_m]Ford[/name_m], I strongly advise against using [name_m]Ford[/name_m]…)
Like pp’s have said, I think the biggest concern would be how close it is to [name_f]Nora[/name_f]. But if that doesn’t bother you, go for it.
[name_f]Nora[/name_f] and [name_m]Ford[/name_m] are great names!