WDYT of Dorian?

Boy Names
1

I forgot that I loved this name, or that it even existed as I don’t really see it on here. What are your honest opinions on it?

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2

I love it, but also associate it with the classic character, who is not a good one unfortunately.

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3

I like it a lot!! Not that you asked for sibling names, but [name_u]Dorian[/name_u] & [name_f]Cecily[/name_f] is a favourite sibset mine :two_hearts:

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4

[name_u]Love[/name_u] it! I think the nickname Dory/Dorie is quite cute for a boy. :blue_heart:

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5

I know someone who has a [name_u]Dorian[/name_u] nn ‘Dory’. I’m not sure why but I can’t say I’m a fan of it. There’s nothing at all wrong with it, it’s just something about its sound that doesn’t appeal to me. I prefer [name_u]Florian[/name_u]. In saying that, I do love literary names so I can definitely appreciate it on that level (not that the character is a positive association).

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6

I like it! I do think it’s almost over-powered by the [name_m]Oscar[/name_m] [name_u]Wilde[/name_u] novel BUT

  1. [name_m]Oscar[/name_m] [name_u]Wilde[/name_u] is fantastic, even if [name_u]Dorian[/name_u] [name_u]Gray[/name_u] (the character) isn’t
  2. Not many young people have read this book, and thus this is unlikely to lead to teasing, etc.

I could see this name making a comeback given the popularity of n-ending names for boys right now, plus the shared “door” sound with [name_m]Theodore[/name_m].

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7

This exactly. Oscar Wilde is phenomenal, but this is a super famous book that gives the name a potentially really negative association.

I do think there’s a point to a lot of young people not having read the book (I didn’t read it in school, I think many don’t).

My personal opinion? I definitely don’t think the name is unusable— but I’d use Darian instead, personally, as an alternative that doesn’t have the same association. Just because it is such an ugly association.

Take my opinion with a grain of salt though, as I revisited the book in question recently so the character is on my mind and the association strong.

(If it helps, Heathcliff is off my list for similar reasons. Lovely name, terrible character.)

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8

I love [name_u]Dorian[/name_u]! It has such a cool sound and I love the literary connection!

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9

I really like [name_u]Dorian[/name_u]! It comes across as intelligent, bookish, and handsome. As much as the character isn’t exactly positive, but I enjoyed reading it and he’s definitely not the worst. Also I don’t recall anyone having to read it for school or anything, so I wonder how strong the association would be. It doesn’t feel as universal or integrated into everyday speech as, say, [name_m]Sherlock[/name_m] for example. I wouldn’t think [name_u]Dorian[/name_u] was named after the character or anything. I think it’s due a revival tbh.

2 Likes
10

Totally love it! It’s strong and grand, but with a real sensitive side. I’m not put off by the character, I actually like the literary aspect of the name. I definitely get a storybook prince kind of vibe, but it doesn’t feel OTT.

We actually have a 30-something [name_u]Dorian[/name_u] in the family (French, it has historically been more popular there) and it wears well in real life!

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11

It may depend where you live if kids/teens will be reading the book. It was a required reading book that we discussed in depth in school. It’s a cool name but a bit creepy due to the association with the book.

12

I like [name_u]Dorian[/name_u]!