Choosing a baby name is one of the most personal decisions parents can make, but one dad-to-be learned the hard way that not everyone will appreciate your favourite picks.
The Online Plea for Baby Name Help
An expectant father took to Reddit to seek public opinion on a dilemma he and his wife were facing. With a baby boy on the way and the surname Armstrong, the couple had narrowed their choice down to two distinctive options: Atreus, meaning 'fearless', and Atlas, meaning 'enduring'. He explained his wife preferred Atreus, while he was leaning towards Atlas, and asked the online community for their thoughts to help decide.
Brutal Feedback and Claims of 'Pretentious' Choices
Instead of gentle guidance, the would-be dad received a wave of brutally honest criticism. Many commenters argued that both names came across as 'too clever' and 'pretentious'. One person stated it seemed like he was "trying too hard," while another bluntly labelled both options "terrible."
Specific critiques were harsh. One user remarked, "You're literally putting the world on that child's shoulders by naming him Atlas," suggesting the name carried an unfair burden. Another connected Atreus to "the annoying kid in the God of War series," and several worried that a name steeped so heavily in Greek mythology might make the child a target for playground bullying once he started school.
Silver Linings and Soaring Popularity
Despite the negative reaction, the story wasn't all discouraging for fans of unique names. Some commenters offered supportive alternative suggestions beginning with 'A', such as Atticus, Alexander, Arthur, and Arlo.
Furthermore, data provides a compelling counterpoint to the critics. According to BabyCentre, the name Atlas has surged in popularity by 62% in 2025. This significant rise proves that a great many modern parents are actively choosing this classical name, undeterred by notions of it being overly intellectual or trendy.
The incident highlights the intensely subjective nature of naming and the perils of seeking approval online. While heritage and meaning are paramount for some families, public perception can be unforgiving. Ultimately, the decision rests with the parents, data shows that names like Atlas are winning the day in nurseries across the country.
