[name_m]Hi[/name_m] everyone ! I’m pregnant and we’re trying to come up with a name for our little boy. I’m looking for opinions about [name_m]Severus[/name_m]. We actually love the name, really, but … [name_f]Do[/name_f] you think it’s usable ? Or totally prejudicial ?
Thanks.
I think it’s cool but I think it is way to tied to [name_u]Harry[/name_u] [name_m]Potter[/name_m]. If you are okay with the [name_u]Harry[/name_u] [name_m]Potter[/name_m] references than go for it!
Welcome to Nameberry!
I’m getting strong [name_u]Harry[/name_u] [name_m]Potter[/name_m] vibes, but there’s nothing wrong with that! If you love it, then it can absolutley work 
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I really want to like it but… it’s just so severe. I think it’s the -us ending that really cements that vibe for me, because that’s already such a grand and somewhat imposing sound.
I love [name_m]Severin[/name_m] and [name_m]Severino[/name_m], so it’s not actually the “sever” part that I struggle with per se, but the combination with that magisterial -us ending, plus the very strong HP connection (even though I quite like the character, actually).
However, I love that you’re considering it! It’s such a bold and interesting choice, and not one I see talked about much at all. I don’t think it’s prejudicial, but it is quite a big name to carry.
Similar names (apart from those mentioned above) might be [name_m]Sirius[/name_m], [name_m]Lazarus[/name_m] or [name_m]Silvius[/name_m].
Best of luck! 
The only [name_m]Severus[/name_m] I’ve heard of is the one in Harry [name_m]Potter[/name_m] so for me it’s very tied to the series. I would expect a man with this name to get comments about [name_m]Severus[/name_m] Snape often. Which is a bit of shame, because I think it’s an interesting, historical name.
Welcome to Nameberry!
Ooh, this is tricky. [name_m]Severus[/name_m] is such a cool name–even though it’s not my style personally, I can totally see why you love it! It strikes me as intriguing, unexpected, and strong. But I do wonder if it’s the kind of name that would be tough for a quieter/shyer/softer kiddo to wear. To me it does feel a little bit, well, severe. And the strong HP connection (and not to a universally beloved character) further complicates things–although some would view it as a big bonus of course. This is just my opinion though, ymmv!
I know some people hate the idea of putting a beloved name in the middle, but that’s one of my personal favorite ways to use a special name that doesn’t feel totally wearable to me as a first. I don’t think of it as hiding it at all, although I know some feel that way. If that doesn’t suit, I do think @Katinka’s idea of [name_m]Severin[/name_m] might be a little bit more wearable. A nickname (Sevy? Ero? [name_u]Ever[/name_u]?) could also lighten it up a little! And of course if [name_m]Severus[/name_m] turns out to be the name for your baby–he will become your only association with the name and I’m sure he’ll ultimately wear it perfectly 
The first thing I think of is [name_u]Harry[/name_u] [name_m]Potter[/name_m].
It’s not bad, maybe just not for me. All I think of when I hear or see it is sever. not Severe, but sever, like cutting. No offense to you though
How about [name_m]Stephan[/name_m], [name_m]Stefan[/name_m], or [name_m]Stellan[/name_m] instead?
Severus sounds sly and sinister and very [name_u]Harry[/name_u] [name_m]Potter[/name_m], sorry.
Sadly, I must agree with the PPs. Maybe [name_m]Phineas[/name_m] or [name_m]Augustus[/name_m] to get the same ending?
I think it could work! It’s no different than naming your kid [name_m]Anakin[/name_m]!
Itll turn some heads, but for the most part I’m sure everyone will like it. If I didnt know better, I’d say it was a very Victorian era name.
That being said, I like the suggestions of [name_m]Silvius[/name_m] and [name_m]Lazarus[/name_m]. I’ll also suggest [name_m]Leonidas[/name_m] and [name_m]Ignatius[/name_m].
I like [name_m]Septimus[/name_m] and [name_m]Sirius[/name_m] better than [name_m]Severus[/name_m]
I’m afraid I don’t like it. The character is the only thing I can think of and he’s not a positive association in my eyes. Apart from that, the sound is unappealing to me. @greyblue said it perfectly, the name sounds sly and sinister, and just… severe? I like the suggestions of [name_m]Septimus[/name_m] and [name_m]Phineas[/name_m]!
Severus is super [name_u]Harry[/name_u] [name_m]Potter[/name_m] to me (and I would assume most other Millennials). Snape is not a character I would personally name my child after, though some say he is redeemed in the end. Additionally, JK Rowling has said some horrible things about trans people recently, so it’s a no from me.
The nameberry page says it all for me too, sorry.
Tell us though, what is it that draws you to this name in particular? Maybe we can help try and look outside the box to find something different but that evokes a similar feeling for you, personally.
I know I’ve seen a lot of people suggesting other names ending in “us” and maybe they’re on the right track, but my instinct actually would have been to suggest something like [name_u]Ripley[/name_u], oddly enough.
I’ll start by saying I’ve never seen [name_u]Harry[/name_u] [name_m]Potter[/name_m].
But I’m really thrown off by the name. All I see is “Severe” or “Sever”—— would make me scared to discover what nicknames people would come up with. Kind of like naming your kid [name_u]Danger[/name_u] or [name_u]Rebel[/name_u].
Thanks for your answers and honesty.
I don’t care about the HP reference. I quite like Snape but I’m not about to name my child after him.
Well, it’s a strong, elegant, uncommon and mysterious name to me. It’s an old historical name ; we love old fashioned names. We find this name “bewitching” and it’s actually an evidence. It’s kind of hard to describe why. I can only imagine a different name. But it’s a heavy name to wear … I suppose I’d better think about it. 
I like [name_m]Septimus[/name_m].