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I think that, strict aesthetic appeals aside, the name does unfortunately come with baggage. It all depends on how you feel about carrying that baggage. Are you ok with getting the occasional sidelong glance and knowing smiles? Are you ok with tirelessly explaining the significance of Sappho and possibly having to identify your own sexuality, whatever that may be? Are you ok with having your daughter experience these same things? There is no good or bad answer - some people hate the idea of having to constantly educate the public, while others love it. And of course, it's hard to say how the public-at-large would react to such a name. Maybe they won't care at all. Maybe they don't even know who Sappho was. So who cares what other people think? People are mysterious! Do what you want! Name anarchy!

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I will say though that today it irks me to see all the "but LESBIANS" comments. Yeah, ok, Sappho came from Lesbia -edit: Lesbos, thank you- and that is where the word lesbians come from. But the question that remains is - what is WRONG with thinking about lesbians, or being reminded of the existence of lesbians when you see the name? If people really claim to be pro-gay-marriage, equal rights and whatnot, then what is wrong with the name because it "makes one think of lesbians"? I never hear "oh that name makes me think of straight people, so no, it's too much pressure on a kid/it's not fair to them/etc". It just reinforces the idea that being homosexual is "not normal". Why is it "cruel" to use a name that references lesbians but it's not cruel to make a child wear the expectation that she will be heterosexual?

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Anyways, all THAT fun stuff aside, it is a lovely name. It's very hip. You are right, O-ending gives it a real edgy edge while still being melodic and beautiful. I also like Cleis, the name of Sappho's daughter (and mother).

This message was edited 4/26/2010, 11:38 AM