Branwell
I really like Branwell as a first name.
It's not in the database, although it's user-submitted twice. Apparently, it's not considered to be part of the stock of first names. The only person I've heard of who bore this name was Branwell Bronte, brother of Charlotte Bronte, and it was actually his middle name, and he was given the name because it was his mother's maiden name.. He was an alcoholic and laudanum addict who died young because of his addictions, and never lived up to his early promise.
So...do you think it works as a first name? Is it too tied to one person? Is it a bad association because of the fate of Branwell Bronte? A cursed name, perhaps? If it weren't for all of that, would you like it based upon the way it sounds?
I just think it's really cool, but I'm not sure that I would ever use it because of the above reasons.
It's not in the database, although it's user-submitted twice. Apparently, it's not considered to be part of the stock of first names. The only person I've heard of who bore this name was Branwell Bronte, brother of Charlotte Bronte, and it was actually his middle name, and he was given the name because it was his mother's maiden name.. He was an alcoholic and laudanum addict who died young because of his addictions, and never lived up to his early promise.
So...do you think it works as a first name? Is it too tied to one person? Is it a bad association because of the fate of Branwell Bronte? A cursed name, perhaps? If it weren't for all of that, would you like it based upon the way it sounds?
I just think it's really cool, but I'm not sure that I would ever use it because of the above reasons.
Replies
I didn't even know there was such a person as Branwell Bronte, so no. I don't think it's tied to him at all. I don't like the name, though. Sounds like a breakfast cereal, like some others have mentioned.
I think it's cool, too. It doesn't have the most responsible namesake, but so what? Branwell was charismatic and extremely talented.
I really like this name. I absolutely love the nickname Bran for a boy, but I don't think I'd want to use Brandon as a full name because it's so popular. I'd rather use Brannon (but I prefer Brennan, which doesn't really have Bran as a nn option). I also like Branwell because it sort of reminds me of composite fantasy-character names like Samwell and Samwise.
I thought of Branwell Bronte right away, but I don't think the name is cursed by association. I do think of it as a sad name, though, and that's probably because of him.
Bramwell is more to my tastes, all in all.
Bramwell is more to my tastes, all in all.
Well, Bran is among my very least favorite syllables, and sticking "well" on it makes it look like you've put brandon in a false moustache and a monocle, so no I don't like anything about it. But I think it works as a name, and definitely sounds now-ish enough to override Branwell Bronte associations.
it sounds like a breakfast cereal...
The kind old people are encouraged to eat to keep them regular.
The kind old people are encouraged to eat to keep them regular.
Yes...
Exactly. All one needs is Wilford Brimlry eating some Branwell cereal.
Exactly. All one needs is Wilford Brimlry eating some Branwell cereal.
Uh...no. Branwell is not a good first name for a baby.
I think it's usable and sounds nice enough. I would think of Branwell Bronte, because I've got Lynne Reid Banks' 'Dark Quartet' sat on the shelf here. But I imagine most folks would probably think it was just a family surname-name, or a mashup of Brandon and Maxwell, or something.
Also, he may have had a sad end, but he wasn't super-evil or anything.
Also, he may have had a sad end, but he wasn't super-evil or anything.
I think it works as a name, although I don't think I really like the -well ending. I think it makes it sound a bit pretentious that way. But not bad. I do really like the Bran- part though. I was unaware of Branwell Bronte, but don't think that association would be too prevalent. It is a neat name.
I prefer the related name Bramwell, and I think it sounds better. But, I don't think Branwell is "cursed" or anything.
I don't think he's generally well-known enough to put a negative spin on the name in that way, unless that was just me.
Branwell reminds me of Branwen, so I sort of thought it was going to be a girl's name.
Branwell reminds me of Branwen, so I sort of thought it was going to be a girl's name.
I'm constantly reminded of healthy breakfasts! So I would certainly avoid it myself.