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Help[Opinions] Ptolemy
I keep coming back to Ptolemy.. (even though i'm 100% sure i'm having another girl)
I really REALLY love it, but I fear the silent P is going to make the kid hate me.. and I know my family will go berserk (but i'm not so worried about that!)
Our only real 'rule' we had when naming the kids is that unusual is fine, but to try and pick names that have fairly 'easy' spellings.
Is Ptolemy really that bad? And Tolly is a cute nickname, to make it a little less 'big' for a small kid.
I really REALLY love it, but I fear the silent P is going to make the kid hate me.. and I know my family will go berserk (but i'm not so worried about that!)
Our only real 'rule' we had when naming the kids is that unusual is fine, but to try and pick names that have fairly 'easy' spellings.
Is Ptolemy really that bad? And Tolly is a cute nickname, to make it a little less 'big' for a small kid.
This message was edited 4/21/2020, 3:44 PM
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Replies
Sorry, but it’s a no from me, I just can’t get on board with Ptolemy. People will never know how to pronounce or spell it and it will drive you up the wall, let alone the poor kid! You have better options in my opinion. Maybe just wait and see whether you’re having a girl or a boy first, before you worry too much about it.
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it actually is a girl!
http://www.behindthename.com/bb/ot/5118535
http://www.behindthename.com/bb/ot/5118535
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I love love love the name. And Tolly as a nn. You probably already have some insight into how you feel about silent letters or people “never having heard of it” with the IRL reactions to Hermione.
The only drawback I can see is that with the kids’ names getting progressively obscure and erudite (only slightly, but still), Theodora starts to look a little more common and dull by comparison. There’s also the risk of people thinking you’re the type of person to choose names just so you have an excuse to educate people. But once they get to know you they should realize.
The only drawback I can see is that with the kids’ names getting progressively obscure and erudite (only slightly, but still), Theodora starts to look a little more common and dull by comparison. There’s also the risk of people thinking you’re the type of person to choose names just so you have an excuse to educate people. But once they get to know you they should realize.
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Tolly is good. Do you know the Lucy M Boston books about Green Knowe? There's a character called Tolly whose full name is Toseland: give me Ptolemy any day. As for silent letters, every Leigh deals with that issue on a daily basis, and it seems to be a non-event. Anyway, why not educate the public at no extra cost?
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I can only imagine it on a pet , to be honest.
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I really, honestly, truly do not believe one silent letter is a problem. Yes, there’ll probably be some spelling issues, but from experience I know it’s not that big a deal. I think the worst culprits for me are actually my own family, most official documents etc. have the correct spelling, or I’ve had to input my own name anyway. I’m super biased, but Ptolemy’s a great name, and I doubt any son you or I may have would hate us for it.
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I'll admit I still don't know how to pronounce that name. Even after first reading it in Harry Potter as a child, it's still alludes me xD
If you have reservations, I'd put it safely in the middle of her name. You can always call her by that name, but she'd probably thank you for the easier first option as she grows up
If you have reservations, I'd put it safely in the middle of her name. You can always call her by that name, but she'd probably thank you for the easier first option as she grows up
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I think she was talking about it for a boy... lol
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I don't think Ptolemy is bad at all. I think practically everyone knows it's not pronounced PTOL-u-mee.
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I like it :)
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It's cute. If you like it go for it. I feel like being a famous name, it shouldn't be difficult to spell.
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Yeah if i'm going to use it, i'm definitely not going to change the spelling. That would just cause extra confusion for people who have heard of the name.
Who knows, maybe it's more well known than I think.
Who knows, maybe it's more well known than I think.
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It seemed outlandish to me at first (years ago, when I first saw it mentioned on the board)...almost like Hannibal or Agrippa though less unfortunate...now I must have gotten used to it, so I expect people will adjust to it easily enough. I really like it, although the meaning still bothers me.
Maybe it's partly because a friend of mine has a toddler boy named Tully, and I've gotten used to that sound.
Since you love it and don't really care about meanings, I think it'd be a great choice. It has a lot of character.
I wouldn't worry about the silent P. Having to spell your name out loud sometimes isn't a huge deal.
Maybe it's partly because a friend of mine has a toddler boy named Tully, and I've gotten used to that sound.
Since you love it and don't really care about meanings, I think it'd be a great choice. It has a lot of character.
I wouldn't worry about the silent P. Having to spell your name out loud sometimes isn't a huge deal.
This message was edited 4/21/2020, 9:04 PM
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I really like Ptolemy for a middle name. I don't think it would be terrible as a first name, people do generally know how to spell it, but it's a lot to live up to.
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I think the spelling won't be an issue. The name itself is a bold one for a kid to handle
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You already know my thoughts - I vote yes! There’s more pros than cons imo - maybe writing out your own list of pros and cons might help? (if you haven’t already). At the end of the day though you have to with your gut. Are you finding out the sex or waiting?
PS: Tolly is adorable (definite pro!)
PS: Tolly is adorable (definite pro!)
This message was edited 4/21/2020, 5:32 PM
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The biggest con is definitely the spelling. I know that it shouldn't be as much of an issue because nothing is spelt the same way these days (I teach 6 Caitlins spelt all different ways AND I had 3 Jacks in the same class spelt Jac, Jack and Jak!). However I know it's going to be so confusing.
The meaning isn't nice either, but i'm not so fussed on that and I know there's iffy history with the name too but also doesn't bother me too much.
I don't think the name is quite as big or pretentious sounding as Percival, I think the Tolly makes it a bit more 'friendly'.
I should have actually already found out the sex and i'm dying! The test results should have been in yesterday and I went to my doctors and they weren't there yet!! :(
The covid testing has meant that everything else is taking longer.
I really do love it though... hubby learning to spell it might be the issue lol.
Ptolemy _____ Stewart (SN) does sound nice...
The meaning isn't nice either, but i'm not so fussed on that and I know there's iffy history with the name too but also doesn't bother me too much.
I don't think the name is quite as big or pretentious sounding as Percival, I think the Tolly makes it a bit more 'friendly'.
I should have actually already found out the sex and i'm dying! The test results should have been in yesterday and I went to my doctors and they weren't there yet!! :(
The covid testing has meant that everything else is taking longer.
I really do love it though... hubby learning to spell it might be the issue lol.
Ptolemy _____ Stewart (SN) does sound nice...
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How annoying that you’re still waiting!
I just figure (and I’m probably assuming too much maybe?) that anyone who went through basic history at school in around year 7/8/9 should have come across Ptolemy...
The combo flows well so far.
I just figure (and I’m probably assuming too much maybe?) that anyone who went through basic history at school in around year 7/8/9 should have come across Ptolemy...
The combo flows well so far.
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I love the sound and appearance of Ptolemy, but I find the meaning distasteful.
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Yes, the meaning isn't the greatest, but not enough to deter me. I'm not one who loves names just for their meanings.
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