Would naming my kid "Vault" be a detriment to him in life? Or a bonus giving him instant geek-cred?

[JoJo]

I'd think it would be fine as a middle name but as a first name? I doubt he'll be pleased about the reference, why not name him after one of your favourite Fallout or gaming characters which has a more typical name? You have to consider how as an adult people will judge that name too.

 

[Guitarmasterx7]

I would say more harm than good, perhaps it would make a better middle name. If he likes it he can use it as a nickname.

Yeah that actually makes a lot more sense than the first name. But even as a first name it wouldn't be too bad. Vault is kind of a cool sounding word, and if it becomes a name it sort of loses its meaning. I'd think it would be one of those things where he says his name is "Vault" and people would assume it's some foreign name spelled "Valt" or something. It's not like naming your kid "Spock" if that's what you're concerned about.

 

[King of the Sandbox]

I'd think it would be fine as a middle name but as a first name? I doubt he'll be pleased about the reference, why not name him after one of your favourite Fallout or gaming characters which has a more typical name? You have to consider how as an adult people will judge that name too.

Again, I've already stated it would be his middle name, so he could choose to go by it or not.

Secondly, if they're adults, they shouldn't be making fun of someone's name. That's childish.

 

[King of the Sandbox]

I would say more harm than good, perhaps it would make a better middle name. If he likes it he can use it as a nickname.

Yeah that actually makes a lot more sense than the first name. But even as a first name it wouldn't be too bad. Vault is kind of a cool sounding word, and if it becomes a name it sort of loses its meaning. I'd think it would be one of those things where he says his name is "Vault" and people would assume it's some foreign name spelled "Valt" or something. It's not like naming your kid "Spock" if that's what you're concerned about.

Exactly my thinking.

 

[King of the Sandbox]

Super Snip

It's supposed to be comical, not genuine advice

But ultimately the 'not giving your child a stupid name that will get them bullied' point rings true.

Oh, was that why I was laughing so much? Oh, wait...

I kid, I kid. I know. But comedy always grows from a kernel of truth, so... I dunno.

I still like Vault as a name. And like I've said numerous times, I'll make sure he's loaded with plenty of sweet comebacks that make him super popular and ensures he nails all the cheerleaders.

 

[thepyrethatburns]

I had so many things that I want to say on this from the effects on a child's psychology to the future employment prospects (Yes, a name actually has been proven to affect the chance of getting hired) to more insulting things like the maturity level of naming your kid after something in a video game or the standard "this is why gamers should not procreate" comment.

BTW, how do you know your kid will be into those things? Your plan to shove it down his throat seems like a good way to have it backfire in the same way that your parent's attempts to shove things down your throat probably backfired as well.

But I'll skip all that if only to not turn this into a flame war and just give you the most practical solution that I can think of:

Get a pet instead and get these impulses out of your system. Pets don't care what you call them. Dogs are happy to see you regardless and cats won't acknowledge you anyway.

 

[somonels]

If it's going to, it will have been your "vault."

 

[King of the Sandbox]

I had so many things that I want to say on this from the effects on a child's psychology to the future employment prospects (Yes, a name actually has been proven to affect the chance of getting hired) to more insulting things like the maturity level of naming your kid after something in a video game or the standard "this is why gamers should not procreate" comment.

BTW, how do you know your kid will be into those things? Your plan to shove it down his throat seems like a good way to have it backfire in the same way that your parent's attempts to shove things down your throat probably backfired as well.

But I'll skip all that if only to not turn this into a flame war and just give you the most practical solution that I can think of:

Get a pet instead and get these impulses out of your system. Pets don't care what you call them. Dogs are happy to see you regardless and cats won't acknowledge you anyway.

It's not throat-shoving, it's instructed easement. Think of it like something mundane, like fishing or gardening, and you'll get what I mean. Of course, if he's not into games, he's not into games. I was hoping that came across more as a joke. I mean, sure, I'm going to try and introduce them to him, but it's ultimately up to him as to whether or not to pursue it as a true interest.

And it's not just an impulse, I've been thinking about it for a few months now.

 

[Erana]

What about appropriating the surname 'Torvald" and make it "Torvalt" or something like that?
Then it at least would sound like a name.

 

[Valdus]

Don't give him some stupid gimmicky name. At best you'll, as you put it, "give him instant geek-cred" (assuming he'll want it) at worst you'll alientate him and make him resent you. Is it really worth the risk?

 

[King of the Sandbox]

If it's going to, it will have been your "vault."

I c wut u... oh, you know.

 

[King of the Sandbox]

Don't give him some stupid gimmicky name. At best you'll, as you put it, "give him instant geek-cred" (assuming he'll want it) at worst you'll alientate him and make him resent you. Is it really worth the risk?

Completely. I'll use it as a lesson about how someone hating on you because of your name makes them ignorant and petty.

 

[Flare Phoenix]

You sound pretty selfish to me... wanting to name your kid something just so you can live vicariously through him. If you really think it is a good name for a kid, go ahead, but if you just want someone in your family to be called Vault, go down and change your own name.

Also, as I am to understand this is something to do with Fallout. Think about it: is it even going to be relevant when your child goes to school (i.e. is anyone going to get the reference 5-6 years into the future?)

 

[Pegghead]

...No, just sounds kind of silly and out of place for a name. Additionally, naming him after your let's play channel sort of puts him in the shadow of that part of your life, and to be honest it doesn't really scream "overcoming any obstacle" either...and vaults are the last thing I think about in terms of "Instant geek cred".

Hell, if you wanted a boyish, geeky name that screamed "overcoming any obstacle" Link'd probably be more appropriate. Just remember, kid's gotta live with that name:

Completely. I'll use it as a lesson about how someone hating on you because of your name makes them ignorant and petty.

Then it's settled, name your kid "Dog shit". "Dont worry son, those 6 billion other people are just ignorant and petty".

Edit: Middle name? Hmmm, vault's not too bad, might wanna make that clearer in your original post.

Hell, a friend of mine's middle name (but I'm not sure if it's...official official or not) is "Silly sausage"...I swear I'm not making that up.

 

[88chaz88]

If you want your kid to forever resent you for making him explain his name every single time he introduces himself and for having people make him work much harder to be taken seriously just because you have some stupid geek fetish, go ahead.

But if you don't want him and everyone he eventually makes friends or aquaintances with to think his Dad is a complete twat-donkey, then don't do it.

 

[sharpe95th]

I can't believe anyone needed to ask such a stupid question. No you fool don't call him Vault, don't call him Indiana, Aragorn, Rambo, or any other stupid name. Sadly it seems common sense is beyond you so I'll have David Mitchell explain it far better than anyone here could. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xblh12XgQ4o

 

[Jandau]

There is a special circle of hell reserved for people who give their kids stupid names. The parents are usually dragged to the circle of hell by their own kids, who are quite pissed off for being the butt of every joke during their decade-long trek through the educational system.

Do you want to go to hell?

 

[Capt. Crankypants]

I can see children at his high school making lots of jokes. I immediately thought of using pole-vault in a gay joke myself. Don't do it. Name him something reasonable. Don't make your child hate you.

 

[Superior Mind]

Vault is a stupid name for anyone. Not necessarily because of potential for teasing, (why is that the only things parents seem to consider?) but because he'll have to endure a lifetime of people asking him "Is your name really Vault"/"Why is your name Vault?"/"What kid of idiot would name his kid Vault?"

No offense meant. It's just you're toeing the line of "retarded celebrity baby names".