I love the name [name]Nixon[/name] for a boy. Are the government/president ties just too strong for this name to work? Our other son is named [name]Leo[/name].
Personally, all I think of is [name]Richard[/name], and I’m not even American. I think most people would feel the same. It’s a cool sounding name in theory, but when people use names like this I always feel like they’re trying to make some kind of political statement (like the [name]Romney[/name] post a few months ago). Plus the association isn’t a great one. 
But really, if you can get past the association, it’s up to you!
Umm, yes, they are too strong. Surprised this even needs to be asked.
Hey now, no need to belittle someone for asking a question.
I do think that [name]Nixon[/name] is forever tied with a shady president, but I read a post not long ago about someone naming her daughter Nixen, and I think this spelling completely erases the President [name]Nixon[/name] tie. In fact, I hadn’t thought of [name]Richard[/name] [name]Nixon[/name] at all upon reading that post. The poster had already settled on Nixen as her daughter’s name and was asking for help with middle names, I believe, and made it clear that she did not want to hear any negative feedback on her first name choice because she and her husband loved it. I thought it was great. It has [name]Christmas[/name] vibes to me because of the reindeer name Vixen, but I think that makes it whimsical. For a girl I liked the idea of the nickname [name]Nixie[/name], but I could see a boy being Nixen, nickname [name]Nix[/name].
I named my dog [name]Nixon[/name] five years ago. Like you, I loved the sound of the name, still do. But, everyone who hears his name for the first time says “like the president?” It’s annoying. Obviously it is like the president but I just liked the sound, did not intend for it to be political at all. I still like the sound of it but I am thankful I did not bestow the name on a son.
…another good alternative would be Noxen, which is a place name. Of course, it has the word “oxen” in it, but every name can be dissected and criticized for words they rhyme with or contain.
Immediately thought of the President. I think you’d get really really tired of people bringing that up. I like the suggestion of Nixen, it does take away that association, although I’m sure you’d still run into “Oh like the President?” from time to time, especially when people don’t see the name on paper.
i know a grown man named [name]Nixon[/name] & he’s very handsome & talented so i thought i’d ask around to see what the general feeling about the name is. you’re apparently young seeing as your name is ‘ummokayyeah’ so maybe i should show you this man…http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs41/f/2009/014/1/3/Nixon_Framing_Hanley_by_XxXTAI_SantiXxX.jpg …his name is [name]Nixon[/name] & he carries it well.
Thanks to all of you who gave honest but polite answers.
to the user called ummokayyeah…i know a grown man named [name]Nixon[/name] & he’s very handsome & talented so i thought i’d ask around to see what the general feeling about the name is. you’re apparently young seeing as your name is ‘ummokayyeah’ so maybe i should show you this man…http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs41/f/2009/014/1/3/Nixon_Framing_Hanley_by_XxXTAI_SantiXxX.jpg …his name is [name]Nixon[/name] & he carries it well.
Agree with this completely and I’m also not American! If you really like it, go for it, but I think if you find a few more options, you may find something else you like 
If it wasn’t for the Presidential association, I would say it is a handsome sound name. I like [name]Nix[/name] as a nn. Maybe in 50 years the name will be usable again.
Watergate. Not good.
thanks everyone!! i guess i got my answer!