Just how usable is Benedict?

[redtulips]

I have really fallen in love with the name Benedict. Just how usable do you think it is in the US?

[emmybee]

I think it is quite useable, especially since many people have a new association with the name because of Pope Benedict, whereas before most people thought of Benedict Arnold.

Then there's the glorious British actor Benedict Cumberbatch--don't get me started!

[frustratedauthor]

I've asked myself that same question. I love the name, and Benedict Cumberbatch of Sherlock fame is a good association. <3 But I'm a History teacher, so the name still gives me pause. I don't have an issue with the name, but I worry that others might.

[penguin]

I hate to say it, but our country is so poorly educated, I think most people nowadays wouldn't even know who Benedict Arnold was.

[emmybee]

I think as long as his middle name isn't Arthur or Arnold, you're safe My father is a professor of History, and I asked him how he felt about the name Benedict. He said he was considering it for my brother who became Benjamin instead (in 1989), but he thinks if Ben were born now he would be a Benedict.

[catheyc]

I think this name is definitely usable. A fresh twist on Benjamin. .... and I'm ashamed to admit a guilty pleasure tv show of mine is Fairly Legal on USA and there is a character on there named Benedict and it totally works.

[southern.maple]

I hate to say it, but our country is so poorly educated, I think most people nowadays wouldn't even know who Benedict Arnold was.

This exactly. I can't even recall Benedict Arnold's name being mentioned in school. My history class last year thought Benjamin Franklin was a president, if that tells you anything...

[peppersprout]

Benedict Cumberbatch has completely redeemed the name for me.

[ashthedreamer]

I love Benedict. I just love its meaning, "blessed". I had to look up Benedict Cumberbatch to know who he was, and I am not sure I love the Pope connection (nothing against the Pope--I just am not Catholic, so he really means nothing to me). I dislike the Benedict Arnold connection, but I met a kid named Benedict a while ago and he seemed to wear it well, so maybe it wouldn't be a problem. Either way, I do love the name. I'm still not sure how usable it is, though...

[marisamar]

I do like the sound of the name, but in my family we we commonly use the term being a "benedict" relating to Benedict Arnold... However, like the above people noted, a lot of kids/people don't know this association so it may be totally fine. Good luck on whatever you decide!