Y’all. How did I not know that Linus is used in Greek mythology?! Why didn’t someone warn me before I fell in love?!
This may sound like a huge overreaction, but I had set a strict rule for myself not to use mythological names. I am a devout Christian, so using a name that is tied to a religion that I don’t believe in feels wrong.
That said, I don’t think I am ready to let go of Linus just yet. I think Linus is an obscure enough figure to where most people would have no idea about the association. My boyfriend also doesn’t think it matters.
I understand where you are coming from, but I agree with you and doubt many people would associate the name [name_m]Linus[/name_m] with Greek myth like they would names like [name_f]Persephone[/name_f] and [name_m]Orpheus[/name_m]. For most, if not all, [name_m]Linus[/name_m] will just seem like a retro choice.
When I think of [name_m]Linus[/name_m] I think of the [name_m]Linus[/name_m] in the bible and the [name_m]Linus[/name_m] who referenced the Scriptures when explaining the true meaning of [name_u]Christmas[/name_u]. I think you’re safe!
No, I don’t think it’s wrong at all. Think of the [name_u]Charlie[/name_u] [name_m]Brown[/name_m] character! Most people that hear it will likely associate the name with the [name_u]Charlie[/name_u] [name_m]Brown[/name_m] character over the greek mythology link!
There are a lot of Greek names in the Bible and also many Western names that would be seen to be connected to very overt [name_u]Christian[/name_u] meanings are Greek in origin (given the history of the church)… Think [name_m]Theodore[/name_m] or [name_u]Timothy[/name_u] .
Also wasn’t there a Pope called [name_m]Linus[/name_m]?
I looked up [name_m]Linus[/name_m] for a board recently and all I remember is the flower association from which we make linseed oil and linen, that’s all I remember without looking it up again!
If this is your rule, I understand your reevaluating this name, and I don’t think it’s an overreaction! If it helps, my associations with the name [name_m]Linus[/name_m] are very explicitly [name_u]Christian[/name_u].
Pope [name_m]Linus[/name_m] was canonized as a saint. I wouldn’t be surprised to see St. [name_m]Linus[/name_m] as the name of a Catholic church.
I also think of little [name_m]Linus[/name_m] explaining the true meaning of [name_u]Christmas[/name_u] in A [name_u]Charlie[/name_u] [name_m]Brown[/name_m] [name_u]Christmas[/name_u].
I’m not familiar with the Greek mythological [name_m]Linus[/name_m]. I don’t think he was a major deity in the same sense as [name_m]Zeus[/name_m] or [name_m]Apollo[/name_m]. I think you would have to be very interested in Ancient Greek paganism to have even heard of him.
There are a number of pagan/pre-Christian names in the Bible e.g. [name_f]Chloe[/name_f], [name_m]Apollos[/name_m]. They were just common names at the time.
But it’s up to you. I wouldn’t use a name that I was uncomfortable with, religiously.
I was going to say the same. There were quite a few early Christians with names tied directly to Greek mythology–Dionysius and Epaphroditus are a couple others which came to mind. Jason, even. I have a Christian friend who seriously considered Apollos, after the New Testament preacher, even though it’s Greek, while she wouldn’t use Thor or Osiris.
But if the thought of breaking your rule for Linus makes you uncomfortable, that’s understandable too.
I get not wanting to use a name from a religion you don’t believe in. However, mythology is very different from current practiced religion for me. Are there people who actually worship or believe in the Greek gods? It’s on the level of fairy tales or folklore for me and thus not an issue.
I can see where you’re coming from (and for the record, I am leaning towards keeping Linus regardless), but paganism is actually growing quite popular these days, and many sects believe in the greek gods! It’s actually quite interesting to research.
I guess I feel that I’m not concerned that someone will mistake me for a pagan or that choosing a name with a connection to mythology would make me a pagan. Because I know it wouldn’t.
I didn’t know there was a [name_m]Linus[/name_m] in Greek mythology. I always think of [name_m]Linus[/name_m] in the Bible or [name_m]Linus[/name_m] in [name_u]Charlie[/name_u] [name_m]Brown[/name_m] and his famous speech on the meaning of [name_u]Christmas[/name_u]. I highly doubt people will make the connection on the [name_m]Linus[/name_m] in Greek Mythology. Don’t let it hinder your love of the name!
I agree with everyone else that it’s not a big deal to use [name_m]Linus[/name_m], despite your “rule.”
I do want to point out, in case you were unfamiliar, that Christianity has clearly been influenced by Greek, [name_m]Roman[/name_m], and Egyptian mythologies. Throughout history, there’s been an evolution of religions and religious thought, with many of them overlapping and influencing one another.
Put me down as another person who knew about Pope [name_m]Linus[/name_m] and [name_m]Linus[/name_m] from Peanuts, but not Greek [name_m]Linus[/name_m].
