[name_m]Just[/name_m] stumbled on the name [name_m]Ransom[/name_m] today, and I’m really falling for it. Also has a literary connection for me as it’s the name of the protagonist in C. S. [name_m]Lewis[/name_m]’ space trilogy!
Thoughts on it being given as a first name? I don’t really like [name_u]Randy[/name_u] as a nn. Would ppl revert to that? And I’m thinking [name_m]Ransom[/name_m] [name_m]Judd[/name_m] (honor name) wdyt?
I love the name [name_m]Ransom[/name_m]. I’m using it as a middle name if our 3rd baby due in [name_u]January[/name_u] is a boy. It is my great grandpas name and actually my husband has a gg grandpa named it too. I would use it as a first name, but I’m nervous people just think of the negative connotation and don’t realize it’s an old name… I’m curious to see what other people reply because I’ve always wondered what people really think of it as a first name! [name_m]Ransom[/name_m] [name_m]Judd[/name_m] is handsome 
My taste is not conservative, but I gotta be completely honest, I think of being held ransom/ransom notes. I get the appeal and I like the sound but it’s not something I’d be comfortable using. Though if I met one, I’d assume his parents are pretty cool.
[name_m]Way[/name_m] too negative a connotation. Like stream of consciousness goes: ransom, kidnapping, murder, violence. Not good.
I also think about someone being taken hostage…
I see it as a word moreso than a name. But I’d like it in the middle spot.
My thoughts immediately go to the negative word as in being held for ransom.
I actually know someone named [name_m]Ransom[/name_m], and it works really well. Totally usable.
Thanks for all the input! Jonquils I’m thrilled you got the literary connection! Seems evenly split so far so that’s good to know. For me, there’s a spiritual aspect as well. But I totally get and am not excited about the crime connotation.
I’m conflicted about this name, because I adore the way it sounds, but the negative connotation/definition is pretty blaring to me. Personally if it were high up on my list, I would use it as a middle.
I don’t think people would resort to [name_u]Randy[/name_u], but I’ve never met a [name_m]Ransom[/name_m] so I don’t actually know. I can’t seem think of any nicknames, besides maybe [name_f]Ro[/name_f].
Although [name_m]Ransom[/name_m] [name_m]Judd[/name_m] is a little “hard” sounding for my taste, RJ is a great nickname that would age well.
I forgot to add that you might like [name_m]Samson[/name_m] as a milder substitute