New Post
Search
Help[Opinions] Jethro
I have been thinking about this name a lot, and how much I love it. I like that other people don't like it and will only think of the television character (so many awesome names are left non-blasé for this very reason!). I was downtown (DC; at a Chipotle) and a somewhat polished, urbane man was calling his adorable son named Jethro. It added to my appreciation. Anyway, thoughts welcome.
Fits right in with my other long-time favorites too...
Jethro
Silas
Benjamin
Isaac
Ezra
Asa
I'm still not sure I'd use it.
Fits right in with my other long-time favorites too...
Jethro
Silas
Benjamin
Isaac
Ezra
Asa
I'm still not sure I'd use it.
This message was edited 2/7/2013, 11:44 PM
Archived Thread - replies disabled
1
Replies
I do like Jethro and I appreciate that the TV association doesn't bother you (go you!), and I suppose I can somewhat relate when it comes to Grover but, because the TV Jethro image is often perceived as a negative, I probably wouldn't pick Jethro as a first name. That doesn't mean I think others shouldn't; I just know I'd get tired of the same jokes over and over again everywhere I went, so I'd rather spare a child that. Then again, broader use of the name would ease the stereotype so, again, go you. I agree, Jethro fits in handsomely with your other favorites, all of which I really like, Benjamin being a favorite. :)
1
LOVE the name Jethro, but sadly my DH doesn't share my enthusiasm for it. I think it's funky and artistic and love all the other names you mentioned too!
1
I like Jethro. Quite a bit, actually. It's probably my third favorite on your list, after Benjamin and Asa. At the same time, I'm just not sure about using it, either.
It's been at least 20 years since I've seen an episode of Beverly Hillbillies, but that big, dumb lummox association still feels too strongly shackled to Jethro. It's ridiculous, and I know it. If I can be repulsed by Ezra Pound's (my chief Ezra association) fascism and anti-Semitism and still love Ezra, I should certainly be able to forgive the fictional Jethro Clampett's southern-fried stupidity, but it still bothers me. Maybe it's because Jethro's so much more uncommon, or maybe because I'm a Southerner. Hmm. I just know I haven't shaken it yet.
It's a shame because there's so much to like about Jethro. I love that it's biblical. I lovelovelove that O. It has a warm, friendly quality that really appeals to me in a name, especially for boys. It has a decent nickname (Jet) that could be used if he wanted one. If I could rid myself of that "Jethro = Stupid Clodhopper" idea-- and if I knew we could surround ourselves exclusively with polished, urbane, PBS-watching hipsters who have all done the same ;) --I'd probably pounce on it. But that's not my reality, so I'll continue to wrestle with my Jethro issues and maybe recommend it for a grandchild someday.
You didn't ask for other names, and I can't remember what names you've mentioned in the past, but have you ever considered Cyrus, Reuben, Abner, or Amos? They all share that same affable, little bit edgy, little bit huckster vibe as Jethro.
It's been at least 20 years since I've seen an episode of Beverly Hillbillies, but that big, dumb lummox association still feels too strongly shackled to Jethro. It's ridiculous, and I know it. If I can be repulsed by Ezra Pound's (my chief Ezra association) fascism and anti-Semitism and still love Ezra, I should certainly be able to forgive the fictional Jethro Clampett's southern-fried stupidity, but it still bothers me. Maybe it's because Jethro's so much more uncommon, or maybe because I'm a Southerner. Hmm. I just know I haven't shaken it yet.
It's a shame because there's so much to like about Jethro. I love that it's biblical. I lovelovelove that O. It has a warm, friendly quality that really appeals to me in a name, especially for boys. It has a decent nickname (Jet) that could be used if he wanted one. If I could rid myself of that "Jethro = Stupid Clodhopper" idea-- and if I knew we could surround ourselves exclusively with polished, urbane, PBS-watching hipsters who have all done the same ;) --I'd probably pounce on it. But that's not my reality, so I'll continue to wrestle with my Jethro issues and maybe recommend it for a grandchild someday.
You didn't ask for other names, and I can't remember what names you've mentioned in the past, but have you ever considered Cyrus, Reuben, Abner, or Amos? They all share that same affable, little bit edgy, little bit huckster vibe as Jethro.
1
I like it very much. It is on my list as well. I dont associate it with the Beverly Hillbillys at all, but with the Biblical character Jethro, who was a honorable and noble man. So it doesnt sound redneck to me at all, but refined. Strong, yet soft.
I can see it on a child (like someone else said, with the nns Jeth or Jet) and then on an adult.
So, all in all, I like it. :) I have never actually seen it as a name on someone, and would be very interested to meet someone with this name!
I can see it on a child (like someone else said, with the nns Jeth or Jet) and then on an adult.
So, all in all, I like it. :) I have never actually seen it as a name on someone, and would be very interested to meet someone with this name!
1
It definitely does fit in with your other long-time favourites. :) I don't dislike it, I just picture a very old man with a full beard. But I could get used to it on a kid, I think. Why not?
1
Sorry, but I just can't picture it on a real person because of "The Beverly Hillbillies". Maybe if I met a little Jethro that would change, but as of now I see it on a big, hulking moron.
I love your other favorites, though.
I love your other favorites, though.
1
Jethro Gibbs is what I think of. ;)
Not a bad association. ;)
I think the name is a bit heavy, though. Personally, I would probably nickname a little Jethro as Jeth or Jett, which I feel seems more appropriate for a little boy. Of course, once he's an adult, he'll be able to pull off Jethro, but Jeth or Jett would probably still feel a little more smooth, so he (and others) might stick with that instead.
Not a bad association. ;)
I think the name is a bit heavy, though. Personally, I would probably nickname a little Jethro as Jeth or Jett, which I feel seems more appropriate for a little boy. Of course, once he's an adult, he'll be able to pull off Jethro, but Jeth or Jett would probably still feel a little more smooth, so he (and others) might stick with that instead.
1
I only watch PBS
kthnx
kthnx
1
I absolutely adore Jethro! I hope it doesn't get fully appropriated by hipsters/yuppies/some other societal group.
1
Hm. Jethro Tull.
It makes me think of a redneck guy with too many beer cans and dead cars in his yard. I don't think it fits at all with your other names.
Silas is a dark and villain-y type of name.
Benjamin can wear a lot of hats but he's usually the quiet fellow who's book smart.
Isaac is either the jock with no brain or the philosophy major pothead.
Ezra has conflicting images right now. But he still doesn't go with Jethro.
Asa is a little boy's name who sounds like someone Jethro wouldn't like.
I don't particularly dislike Jethro but I definitely don't enjoy it. I like Jericho better, I think.
It makes me think of a redneck guy with too many beer cans and dead cars in his yard. I don't think it fits at all with your other names.
Silas is a dark and villain-y type of name.
Benjamin can wear a lot of hats but he's usually the quiet fellow who's book smart.
Isaac is either the jock with no brain or the philosophy major pothead.
Ezra has conflicting images right now. But he still doesn't go with Jethro.
Asa is a little boy's name who sounds like someone Jethro wouldn't like.
I don't particularly dislike Jethro but I definitely don't enjoy it. I like Jericho better, I think.
1