I recently saw a little boy named [name_m]Parson[/name_m] and it piqued my interest.
I didn’t find much when looking for older Nameberry forums for the name.
So, a few questions.
Any strong feelings or impressions about the name?
Next, does it just blend in with alllllll of the -son ending names that have become so popular? I usually sort of steer away from the -son ending because there are just so many [name_u]Jackson[/name_u], [name_u]Jameson[/name_u], [name_u]Hudson[/name_u], etc. I also grew up with a [name_u]Carson[/name_u] and have never been a fan of that name- does [name_m]Parson[/name_m] sound too similar? To me it feels entirely different, but I could see people mishearing [name_m]Parson[/name_m] as [name_u]Carson[/name_u].
Lastly, I believe the name [name_m]Parson[/name_m] is an occupational name meaning “clergyman”. I am a [name_u]Christian[/name_u], but would it be weird to use this as a baby name? I know there is controversy about the name [name_u]Cohen[/name_u] because it is more of a Jewish title than a name. Does [name_m]Parson[/name_m] feel like it is more of a title than a name? [name_u]Or[/name_u] does it seem disrespectful to use? [name_u]Or[/name_u], on the contrary, could it be a subtle nod to our faith to use?
‘son’ endings of names mean ‘son of …’ the parent name (not neccisarily the parent of the child’s name)
If you were the son of a clergyman, then from the tradition it would make sense.
Though I wouldn’t think that people would associate it with religion, unless the people in your faith building would do so.
This name reminds me of [name_u]Winter[/name_u] Wonderland and [name_m]Parson[/name_m] [name_m]Brown[/name_m] 
Its cute and usable I think
2 Likes
On one hand, [name_m]Parson[/name_m] feels surnamey and contemporary in vibe, like [name_m]Jaxon[/name_m], [name_u]Paxton[/name_u], [name_u]Hudson[/name_u], [name_u]Grayson[/name_u] etc; on the other hand, it feels distinctly [name_u]Christian[/name_u] - a clergyman. I think the fact it fits in with current trends stops that being too in your face, and I don’t believe its a term that’s heavily used anymore (I just read a lot of victorian literature, so it’s a term I’d recognise immediately)
In terms of disrespectfulness, I’d say it depends how you feel, as a [name_u]Christian[/name_u], but it might be worth talking to other Christians about it.
I’ve not heard that name before (except I guess parson brown) and it feels unique but trend adjacent, which can be a sweet spot. I do think it’d be misheard as [name_u]Carson[/name_u] if that’s a concern but try it out on some unsuspecting cashier and see.
As far as the faith aspect, I don’t think of [name_m]Parson[/name_m] as an overt title. [name_u]Cohen[/name_u] is the Hebrew word for priest and is associated with lineage so that’s a major reason it can be considered offensive (like claiming an unearned privilege) but I don’t think Christianity would have as strong a tie to [name_m]Parson[/name_m]. For example, [name_m]Deacon[/name_m] is growing in popularity and there’s no push back that I’ve seen.
Some similar names you might like too
[name_u]Parker[/name_u]
[name_u]Ashton[/name_u]
[name_m]Langston[/name_m]
I can see the appeal but not a fan. I know occupation names like Sawyer/Cooper and surnames like [name_u]Lawson[/name_u] are popular but just not my style. I would not be surprised to hear it as a name.
It reminds me a lot of [name_u]Palmer[/name_u] or [name_u]Pierce[/name_u] / [name_m]Pierson[/name_m] if you’re looking for similar alternatives