View Message

I’m not a fan. I don’t think of the poet but of the cartoon character Homer Simpson.

In one of Arthur Ransom's novels, it's the name of a pigeon.

I still think of the cartoon character.

I think even without Homer Simpson, I wouldn’t like it. It just doesn’t sound attractive.

I strongly associated this name with Homer Simpson for a long time, even after learning about Homer the poet. I think my mind started changing with The OA, where there is a character called Homer, who is the love interest of the main character. She says his name a lot and it started sounding like Simpsons and more... heroic, I guess? I'd still never use it, not so long as The Simpsons is on, because it's still so strongly associated with that.

Homer is very strongly associated with Homer Simpson.

---

Here's the thing: The Simpsons is the longest-running animated series of all time*. It is one of the longest running TV shows of all time. IT has won dozens of awards (over 50 probably over 60). On top of this, it is the forefather of modern-day adult animated shows. Name a cartoon that isn't somehow associated with The Simpsons, I dare you.

---

The future generations are going to know him for a very, very, very long time.

---

*It is the longest-running in the west. There's an anime that is older and outside of anime fans, it isn't known in the west. Also we are not talking about cartoons that have been revived over and over again like Scooby Doo, we are talking about one, long, ongoing, never-ending series.

---

If people care about names deeply associated with characters (eg Barbie) then yes, especially Homer with his strong and often negative personality. He's a lazy slob and he often strangles his son and thinks only for himself. I know he's got a good side and he's often shown working hard for his family, but this is the image people will see.

---

As for my own opinion: its very dated but I kinda like it. Ish. This is a recent thing and I've not outright watched The Simpsons in years - I prefer Futurama. Perhaps its the newer seasons that just don't do anything for me or perhaps I've grown tired of them idk. I don't dislike The Simpsons, however. In fact, "I just think they're neat".

---

Unlike... other adult-orientated animated series.

This message was edited 7/10/2021, 7:00 PM

Simpson. :/

---

I think of the poet after Simpson!

---

I think the cartoon association might still be too much for the new generation.

I really adore it. It sounds so friendly, and as a poet who majored in Ancient Greek, the classical association is sterling.

---

ETA: I'm 31 and have never seen a single episode of The Simpsons, so I never think of the character.

This message was edited 7/10/2021, 1:33 PM

I think this name is actually really cute. It's so old and serious but it has that pop culture lighter side that warms it up. It's in the same category of names as Casper, Clifford, Barney and Archie for me. I'd use Homer. I think it would be especially cute on a pet.

---

I honestly don't know how much the Simpsons reference will matter to the newer generations. It's kind of already obsolete, isn't it? Not exactly forgotten, but, unimportant. I know people only 10 years younger than me who don't get my Simpsons references. I think it matters a bit to my generation, but a kid could be called Homer and not have to worry about issues with other kids, I bet. The teachers, on the other hand....

I think the Homer Simpson association is particularly strong and I would not like to have this name, but it would be fun to see it come back into general use if the association weakens.

---

I love the name Omer (oh-MEHR)

I don't really like it. Its meaning isn't good and it's mainly associated with the cartoon character.