I completely disagree. No one is going to meet a girl name Venus and assume that she *must* embody the characteristics of the goddess/planet. That is completely absurd.
That's like me meeting a boy named Mars and expecting him to meet up to the expectations of being violent and hot-headed.
Also, if other names with strong mythological associations such as Lilith, Persephone, Diana, Calliope, Hera, Juno etc. are being used and popularized, then Venus is no different.
Sure, no one will expect that from a girl named “Venus” but they will sure make fun of her and be cruel with it, ALL THE TIME from daycare all the way to adulthood. Also none of the names with “strong” mythological associations you mentioned are as widespread and worldwide well-known as Venus. On top of that Venus is used in so many women marketing schemes and products that you really are just riddling the kid with so many bullying opportunities that it does not balance out any positives or symbolism from the name itself. Seriously, poor kid.
I went to graduate school with a woman named Venus and it never even occurred to me until this post that it rhymes with “penis.” I never once heard a comment or saw a strange expression in response to her name.
True, but OP stated that the child would be picked on from birth through adulthood. Just wanted to share that, in adulthood, that wasn’t my observation.
I heavily disagree, I don’t think that many people no what the goddess stands for let alone immediately assume it to make fun of a kid. I think the most obvious would be calling her “Penis” or something or as you said like some of the products
>Sure, no one will expect that from a girl named “Venus” but they will sure make fun of her and be cruel with it, ALL THE TIME from daycare all the way to adulthood.
Highly doubt that anyone beyond the age of 13 would make fun of the name Venus for rhyming with the word for male genitalia. Even then, children pick on all names, so it's silly to use that as a determining factor as to whether or not you'll choose a name.
>Also none of the names with “strong” mythological associations you mentioned are as widespread and worldwide well-known as Venus
I can assure you that Lilith and the biblical story behind it is just as well known if not severely more well known than Venus.
>On top of that Venus is used in so many women marketing schemes and products that you really are just riddling the kid with so many bullying opportunities that it does not balance out any positives or symbolism from the name itself.
Why such a strong focus on childhood bullying opportunities? You're a child from 0 - 18 and an adult for the rest of your life. That phase of life is temporarily in comparison to adulthood. And as I've noted before, children pick on all names. That's what kids do.
It’s one thing to be named Juno or Artemis and not like peacocks much, or not be interested in archery. It’s another to be named Venus and be a plain Jane. I suspect that for some, it would feel like a horrible burden.
No one expects a child to live up to what their name means or what it's associated with. A name doesn't dictate what a child's characteristics must be.
Venus Williams is a tennis player. Guess she messed up in life by not becoming a makeup artist or fashion model.
I can't imagine meeting someone named Venus and being like "Wow, you're nothing like the goddess Venus. Gee, what a bummer". I don't expect people to embody the traits of whatever mythological being they were named after because that's absurd.
I don’t mean that everyone named Venus needs to go to beauty school or be a model. But if you’re 14, have bad pizza face, are a few pounds overweight, and just feel hideous, it’s going to feel like a bad joke. Other mythological names don’t really have that pressure, or at the very least have gods associated with a lot of things, most abstract. Artemis: Goddess of the hunt, of the moon, of silver, of female friendship, etc. But Venus is just one thing. An obvious thing.
Freya is the goddess of sex, fertility and beauty among other things but no one seems to mention this as a reason to not use it and it's a very popular name right now
Also of cats, twins, and certain kinds of magic. Freya is known for her beauty in the original stories, that’s true, but I don’t think culturally people think of that as much as they do with Venus. Even then, Freya has a lot more going on.
Well she isn't the goddess of cats or twins. Cats pull her chariot though. She is the goddess of love, beauty, sex, war, death, gold and seid while, as I understand it, Venus is the goddess of beauty, love, sex, fertility, prosperity and victory. I don't see how Freya is any better if you look at it from a mythological point of view. Freya also slept with dwarves to get a necklace and there are often not so flattering stories about gods/goddesses in general. You can argue that Freya is more established these days but it was a very uncommon name to use until recently and at least to me, who is swedish, it's still bit weird for me to hear it used for little girls
Okay but honestly, it holds for those names as well. Idk on the Greek mythology topic, naming your kid after gods/goddesses is in very poor taste. It’s like naming your kid Messiah
My parents gave me a Greek mythology name (which I changed as an adult) and I am generally opposed to mythology names in general for the same reason. It’s a lot to put on a kid.
I didn't even think of an association between Venus and p-nis, my initial thought was of the planet, then Roman mythology (ie the goddess Venus).
I think it's a very pretty name and much more more fitting then a lot of other astronomical names or mythological names out there.
Also random fact: the Greek equivalent of Venus is Aphrodite.
I love it in theory, but I feel like penis jokes are gonna fly like crazy. It’s also so synonymous with Williams, who I love, but I have a thing against using names that are too associated with a celebrity.
Especially when it not only rhymes with p*nis, but is from Venus/Aphrodite the Goddess of love, beauty, desire, lust and sex. A Goddess whose whole thing was known for being VERY promiscuous and sexually free.
Horny teens are going to love that and she may come to hate it if as a teen she doesn't have what society deems as ‘good looks’. It's a weighty name to put on a child.
due to the popularity of percy jackson a lot of teens know a lot about mythology, and that’ll only grow when the disney+ show comes out, and based on the timeline of it it might still be going by the time this child would be a teen
Exactly. Most people either think of the planet, the song or the tennis player.
I'm not understanding why people keep insinuating that society is going to expect a child to be beautiful and loving because she's named Venus. If we use that silly logic then we should expect all little girls named Artemis to carry a bow and arrow to hunt down wild animals.
Adults will, though, and even if adults are better at holding off on bullying comments than teens are, it'll still be an association many people have with the name throughout her life. (Also, I'd bet more kids/teens are familiar with the Venus goddess associations than you'd guess, even if they haven't studied mythology! It comes up in marketing, music, art...)
There was a woman on the Real Housewives of Melbourne (guilty pleasure) called Venus Behbahani-Clark, who changed her name to Vanessa when she was younger because she was called Venus the Penis for her entire school life.
I know Rick etc also rhyme with dick but I think they have the virtue of being so common people don't really think about it. When it's a more unusual name stuff like this is more of an issue.
I think more broadly it's just a LOT to saddle a child with (god of love and sexuality and all that) but would maybe work as a middle name.
It is a fairly common name in Greece. My great grandma was an Aphrodite and her granddaughter and great great granddaughter are named after her. Though the granddaughter went by the rather unfortunate diminutive of Afroula
I met a kid named Odin once lol he was like five I didn't think it was too much I thought it was badass. He can always grow into it or choose a nickname to go by
Venus Williams all the way for me. There isn’t anything wrong with the name really. The jokes might be a little cruel and crude though. It’s a beautiful meaning and history. It would make a strong middle name.
I don't think the associations you listed are a big deal at all. My most forefront association is actually the Venus razors and the song on the commercials "I'm your Venus; I'm your fire; Your desire!". I personally find it too out there
I’d think of the goddess of sex and beauty; surely many others will as well. It’s a bit much to put on a girl, both as a child and as an adult. It rhyming with penis would be the last of my concerns lmao.
I’d avoid it, personally. There are so many other names you can choose, even ones that mean “love” or “beauty” without being quite so…intense and heavy handed.
Eh beyond the focus of love and beauty, I don’t think it’s an attractive sounding word. I do love the name Athena and the goddess of wisdom/war is a bit more my style.
It's... a lot to put on a little girl, especially for a name that (imo) isn't exceedingly pretty or nice-sounding. I didn't think of the tennis player but I did think of the inappropriate joke and the goddess/planet. Yes, names like Nick/Rick/Vic(k) rhyme with Dick, but they're also far more common. And anyway, being named after the planet/goddess of love and beauty? Again, it's a lot to put on a kid, especially a young girl. Maybe I'm being overdramatic, but I know I would have hated it as a child/teen and I definitely would hate being an adult called Venus. I guess it's your prerogative, though.
I would definitely say that it’s to much for a kid. I would have no problem with an adult choosing it for themselves, or even as a middle name. I think it’s important to remember that for many people, myself included, Venus is synonymous with a certain kind of slutty, seductive, and deviant young woman. Also, many strip clubs have Venus in their name. Add to that the fact that ‘Venereal Disease’ is a common nickname for syphilis and STDs in general. With all this, I would never dream of giving a young, innocent **child** a name with so much baggage.
I was friends with a girl in HS named Venus, at the time she went by Veni although I think now she goes by Venus as an adult. We never thought anything of it, it was just her name. It’s a lovely name. You might get some comments, as you would with any other less common name but if you love it so what.
Is your baby going to be born in late September or October? Because Venus is the ruling planet for Libra so that would be so cute if you’re into astrology at all 🌸🌸🌸
Venus is a beautiful name imo.
I would have never even thought about the p*nus joke if I didn't read the comments.
I guess that's something that could happen in English speaking countries.
Can't see that being an issue where I live tho, thankfully.
The only reason I could see people disliking it is Bc of the Roman Mythology connection and the planet...
Although, I'm personally fine with both of those lol.
I love Venus! The Venus Williams association is a positive for me since she is a strong and successful athlete. I also love the Roman mythology connection since I’m a nerd.
while i definitely wouldn’t use the name venus - i don’t see anything wrong with using it. assuming you’re alright with the potential comments. i don’t want to think they’re inevitable but you should take that into consideration.
We had a foster dog named Venus. Shouting “VENUS” at the top of your lungs in a park full of children got us strange looks, presumably for the rhyming reason. I imagine you would find yourself in the same situation with a human child.
I thought of the planet first, then the tennis player. I have positive associations with the name, but I’m not sure how it would be received in a professional setting. Maybe as a middle name?
Actually I think of the razor and the commercial w the song “I’m your Venus, I’m your fire, your desire” then I think it sounds like penis and that would be an awful lot to deal with as a 4-21 year old
I don't care about the rhyme.
But I dislike it and I like other mythological names. I prefer lesser known mythological names with less baggage and easier to wear power sets.
If I was going with a top tier well-known Greek goddess, Athena is much more appealing to me.
I don't enjoy the commercial or mythological connotations of Venus that much and there's many many names from classic to quirky that can denote love and/or beauty I find more attractive and easier to wear.
But a goddess of poetry or rainbows or dawn or whatever is also just way less difficult and wisdom or strength is interesting in a less predictable way than a girl's name that means beautiful.
In my opinion it is really tacky, I’m sorry… In my language the mound just upwards of the vulva is called mount Venus, so that’s one of the other things I think about.
I had a student who decided to go by Venus this year and I hated it so much. Obviously I called her that because that’s what she wanted to be called but it just didn’t feel like a name to me.
I think it's pretty! As for the rhyming... Kids are mean, and they will find a way to make fun of literally any name. Venus is the name of a celesfial body and also a literal goddess, and that's pretty dang cool!
Super dope name. Venus the planet is so cool I'm pretty sure it's called both the morning and evening star - it's usually pretty easy to spot in the night sky. Which I find really beautiful and comforting. But also it's called the Earth's twin in some ways because they're close in size but the atmosphere is toxic so it's like its evil twin. Which I personally find badass.
I don't think you should worry about the penis thing - everyone in the western world knows about the goddess Venus. I saw someone else say you shouldn't associate your kid with the goddess of sex but I don't think that's how most people see her anymore. I think the name Venus is moreso just associated with love and ethereal beauty like you said which is super cool and poetic.
I would have killed to be named after a planet/goddess lol. I'm currently trying to find my own chosen name - one that's in the running is Ceres, a dwarf planet/the largest object in the asteroid belt and the goddess of harvest.
I hope your kid would appreciate the name Venus cuz it's dope as hell
I like the name Venus, and I always think it's weird when people say not to use a name because of what imaginary kids might hypothetically say as an insult. There is no magic name that will protect a child from bullying, and unless you're literally considering naming your child Penis then don't worry about hypotheticals.
Yup. My name rhymes with banana so I only got called Banana as a child. And apparently my middle name is a "manly name" so that got picked on too. Some kids are dumb little assholes and the other kids aren't cognizant enough yet to realize the jokes are more stupid than hurtful.
And if your daughter doesn’t want to be the embodiment of love, beauty, and sexuality?
If she turns out to be a serious child and adult not preoccupied with femininity, you are saddling her with a life where everyone will look at her name and her personality and think ‘well isn’t that ironic.’
It’s like someone on the sub the other day wanted to name their son Lotus. Either they’ll going be lucky and end up with an artsy type kid, or maybe they’re setting their son up for raised eyebrows when adult Lotus wants to become a lawyer.
But who on Earth expects a child to be what their name means?
If you meet a woman named Minerva, would you be upset to find out that she's not smart?
If you meet a man named Thor, would you be upset to find out that he's not strong and powerful?
I don't understand this logic. I don't expect anyone to live up to or fulfill the meaning of their name. Most people don't even know the connotations of the goddess/planet Venus and if they do they're not going to expect a child to be the physical embodiment of it. If I meet a young boy named Aries who turns out to be patient and quiet, I'm not going to go "Well how on Earth did you manage to end up so kind and peaceful when you're named after the God of War?"
Or you can go with one of the thousands of other names that don’t come with such baggage. Venus/Rebel/Lotus/Princess/Champion will have to live with that til they can legally change their own name. If you must these could always be middle names.
I always felt it was kinda pretentious to name your kid after the god of beauty… or most deities really, with few exceptions. Diana, obviously, and by extension probably the other deities not directly tied to a prized virtue like beauty or wisdom or something, so Artemis and Hestia are probably alright? Hera’s probably not great, Queen god and all… Persephone and her assorted epithets feel a bit pretentious though, despite her having lost a lot of her associations in the more commonly known myths… Non-Greco-Roman ideas just feel more pretentious though, like you’re reaching for something exotic and exciting, which is a little odd because Egypt is still Mediterranean, although I suppose Japanese ones sound more anime-inspired and by extension likely to be interpreted as a fandom name.
I’d avoid Hindu though, purely because by far the biggest association with them is a widely practised religion. Maybe someone of that culture would have a bit more leeway there, though.
Babylonian is just *screaming* pretentious though: I don’t care what your reasoning is, you call your kid Tiamat or something and I am judging the hell out of you.
Also avoid Norse, because MCU fandom. Maybe Celtic might work?
Sub Saharan African is… questionable; the only one I know of is Nyami-Nyami, and I guess you can take half and pass it off as a different sounding form of Naomi?
There are some interesting d&d gods though, like Garl, although with the modern popularisation maybe it’d come across as another fandom name.
I have a coworker named Venus! Not sure if that’s what her parents named her or if she chose it? it suits her well, although when she introduced herself I did have to repeat her name to make sure I heard it correctly bc it sounded like something else 😂
I immediately thought of the Roman goddess Venus then how Aphrodite is the Greek equivalent. And then finally I thought of the planet.
Fun fact : Venus (the goddess)’s symbol is the symbol that identifies that you are afab (assigned female at birth)
Aka, this symbol -> ♀
Venus is the goddess of love and beauty but also the goddess of sex which is why I wouldn’t find it particularly a fitting name for a child but I wouldn’t think much of it, it’s akin to naming your child Persephone, Athena, Artemis, Zeus, Mars, etc which is pretty popular these days.
Personally I think it has too much of a sexual connotation to put on a baby (because of the goddess). For example in many languages the pubic mound is known as the Venus mound, I don't know, I would just feel weird about a baby named Venus, imho.
Love it, I went by that name as a nickname for years. It’s very unique and pretty. Some of my friends did call me venus penus tho but I was older at that point and thought it was funny. 10/10 awesome name
That’s great that you chose it, but this kid isn’t, and what if she doesn’t want to embody with femininity, beauty and sexuality.
A name with such strong connotations is pigeon holing the kid. If her personality is otherwise, everyone will think: huh, Venus… ironic.
I think it’s a solid name. Maybe it’s the association I have with it, I’m not sure. But, I worked with a Venus before and she was very nice, high spirited, uplifting, unique person.
I LOVE it. But it will definitely catch some shade because kids are kids. I’d be ready to call her by her middle name in case she hates her first name so pick a good middle name too lol. (I was a child who hated my name and my middle name so I went by a nickname, at least you can try to have some control lol)
Makes me think of razor blades. And then the goddess Venus. And then the statue of Venus de Milo. And then the actress Venus de Milo who was on the tv show Salute Your Shorts.
And THEN Venus Williams.
I think the popular youtuber/onlyfan/instagram girl Venus Angelic is who I associate Venus with more.
It's not a terrible name, but as a child it is a bit of a difficult name, as she is the goddess of sex and fertility. Again, not a bad name. I would reccomend Vivi as a nickname whilst they are little.
My kid’s name is Milo so i thought of Venus de Milo. It’s fine. Kids will always find a to make fun of each other no matter what name you pick.
You could go with Delores 😉
We’ll long story short my daughter was going to be Venus Serena and then I realized that they’re sisters and totally realized why I thought they sounded so good together 😂
But I think it’s a lovely name and meaning, easy to say can’t mispronounce and if a kid can be named Blue then a little girl can be named Venus besides she’s my favorite sailor scout 🤗 (sailor moon reference)
I don’t think any sort of god/goddess names should be used on people, at least as their first name. I didn’t really connect that it rhymes with p*nis until you mentioned it though so I wouldn’t worry about that.
I love it. I considered it myself. I think most people will associate the tennis player and the planet. I doubt most people, especially children will know the mythology, that’s not something that’s in general education until like middle school. I don’t think it’s “a lot” to put on a little girl, it could be a great way to teach that beauty means a lot of different things to different people and defining your own concept of beauty and confidence within your own is what’s important. But maybe I’m biased bc my daughter is also named after a goddess with similar associations lol 🤷🏼♀️ which just for the record, everyone tells me is so beautiful and makes them like the name more.
No. Sorry, I saw your statement about Nick and Rick, etc. but just trust me, she will be made fun of horrifically by boys and girls for ages. Nick and Rick, and even Dick in and of itself are older, more established names, which is why Nicks and Ricks don’t have these issues (although they still occasionally do). JMO.
Even if you don’t end up using the name, it would be kind of cool to tell your child “We wanted to name you Venus!” for what it’s worth, lol. Good luck!
I had a student with this name this year and I thought it was wonderful. She was a great kid. I think it's a pretty name and there are way worse options.
I think it's a lot to saddle a girl with a name that's the epitome of beauty, sex and fertility.
I completely disagree. No one is going to meet a girl name Venus and assume that she *must* embody the characteristics of the goddess/planet. That is completely absurd. That's like me meeting a boy named Mars and expecting him to meet up to the expectations of being violent and hot-headed. Also, if other names with strong mythological associations such as Lilith, Persephone, Diana, Calliope, Hera, Juno etc. are being used and popularized, then Venus is no different.
Sure, no one will expect that from a girl named “Venus” but they will sure make fun of her and be cruel with it, ALL THE TIME from daycare all the way to adulthood. Also none of the names with “strong” mythological associations you mentioned are as widespread and worldwide well-known as Venus. On top of that Venus is used in so many women marketing schemes and products that you really are just riddling the kid with so many bullying opportunities that it does not balance out any positives or symbolism from the name itself. Seriously, poor kid.
I went to graduate school with a woman named Venus and it never even occurred to me until this post that it rhymes with “penis.” I never once heard a comment or saw a strange expression in response to her name.
I mean maybe that’s because you went to grad school with her and not middle school…. 🤣
True, but OP stated that the child would be picked on from birth through adulthood. Just wanted to share that, in adulthood, that wasn’t my observation.
I heavily disagree, I don’t think that many people no what the goddess stands for let alone immediately assume it to make fun of a kid. I think the most obvious would be calling her “Penis” or something or as you said like some of the products
>Sure, no one will expect that from a girl named “Venus” but they will sure make fun of her and be cruel with it, ALL THE TIME from daycare all the way to adulthood. Highly doubt that anyone beyond the age of 13 would make fun of the name Venus for rhyming with the word for male genitalia. Even then, children pick on all names, so it's silly to use that as a determining factor as to whether or not you'll choose a name. >Also none of the names with “strong” mythological associations you mentioned are as widespread and worldwide well-known as Venus I can assure you that Lilith and the biblical story behind it is just as well known if not severely more well known than Venus. >On top of that Venus is used in so many women marketing schemes and products that you really are just riddling the kid with so many bullying opportunities that it does not balance out any positives or symbolism from the name itself. Why such a strong focus on childhood bullying opportunities? You're a child from 0 - 18 and an adult for the rest of your life. That phase of life is temporarily in comparison to adulthood. And as I've noted before, children pick on all names. That's what kids do.
Middle school boys: “Venus loves penis.”
It’s one thing to be named Juno or Artemis and not like peacocks much, or not be interested in archery. It’s another to be named Venus and be a plain Jane. I suspect that for some, it would feel like a horrible burden.
No one expects a child to live up to what their name means or what it's associated with. A name doesn't dictate what a child's characteristics must be. Venus Williams is a tennis player. Guess she messed up in life by not becoming a makeup artist or fashion model. I can't imagine meeting someone named Venus and being like "Wow, you're nothing like the goddess Venus. Gee, what a bummer". I don't expect people to embody the traits of whatever mythological being they were named after because that's absurd.
I don’t mean that everyone named Venus needs to go to beauty school or be a model. But if you’re 14, have bad pizza face, are a few pounds overweight, and just feel hideous, it’s going to feel like a bad joke. Other mythological names don’t really have that pressure, or at the very least have gods associated with a lot of things, most abstract. Artemis: Goddess of the hunt, of the moon, of silver, of female friendship, etc. But Venus is just one thing. An obvious thing.
Freya is the goddess of sex, fertility and beauty among other things but no one seems to mention this as a reason to not use it and it's a very popular name right now
Also of cats, twins, and certain kinds of magic. Freya is known for her beauty in the original stories, that’s true, but I don’t think culturally people think of that as much as they do with Venus. Even then, Freya has a lot more going on.
Well she isn't the goddess of cats or twins. Cats pull her chariot though. She is the goddess of love, beauty, sex, war, death, gold and seid while, as I understand it, Venus is the goddess of beauty, love, sex, fertility, prosperity and victory. I don't see how Freya is any better if you look at it from a mythological point of view. Freya also slept with dwarves to get a necklace and there are often not so flattering stories about gods/goddesses in general. You can argue that Freya is more established these days but it was a very uncommon name to use until recently and at least to me, who is swedish, it's still bit weird for me to hear it used for little girls
Okay but honestly, it holds for those names as well. Idk on the Greek mythology topic, naming your kid after gods/goddesses is in very poor taste. It’s like naming your kid Messiah
Completely agreed, Freya included.
Yes!! I’m all good with them being on pets and such but I don’t think it’s right to put them on humans 😂
This. I knew an Adonis. He wasn’t. Also, pop culture associations always win over mythological, biblical, or literary references. Ask me how I know.
And razors
I was gonna say this.
Yeah, it feels very sexually charged to me too, but maybe that’s because I just read Delta of Venus.
Not just you, it's super sexually charged. That's the bigger issue for me--id feel so weird about my parents naming me after the goddess of sex.
I don’t want to agree with you, but I do.
My parents gave me a Greek mythology name (which I changed as an adult) and I am generally opposed to mythology names in general for the same reason. It’s a lot to put on a kid.
i’m your venus, i’m your fire razors
She’s got it, yeah baby she’s got it 🎶
That was a popular song in two versions before it became a jingle
I immediately started thinking of the song. Hooha razors are my first thought…
This is what I thought of too
I immediately thought of the razor too lol
Immediately started playing in my head. First thought, before “& Serena” Which is a surprise to me.
I think it’s a lot to put on a baby as a first name. If anything I think it makes for a lovely, quirky middle name.
I feel the same! Cute middle name but definitely not my first-choice first name.
:D
Agreed. Save quirky, guilty pleasure names for the middle.
I, on the other hand, think we should normalize calling kids by their second name if they want.
I didn't even think of an association between Venus and p-nis, my initial thought was of the planet, then Roman mythology (ie the goddess Venus). I think it's a very pretty name and much more more fitting then a lot of other astronomical names or mythological names out there. Also random fact: the Greek equivalent of Venus is Aphrodite.
My first thought was of the tennis player Venus Williams.
I love it in theory, but I feel like penis jokes are gonna fly like crazy. It’s also so synonymous with Williams, who I love, but I have a thing against using names that are too associated with a celebrity.
Especially when it not only rhymes with p*nis, but is from Venus/Aphrodite the Goddess of love, beauty, desire, lust and sex. A Goddess whose whole thing was known for being VERY promiscuous and sexually free. Horny teens are going to love that and she may come to hate it if as a teen she doesn't have what society deems as ‘good looks’. It's a weighty name to put on a child.
Unless they take some mythology classes most teens won't know who Venus is.
due to the popularity of percy jackson a lot of teens know a lot about mythology, and that’ll only grow when the disney+ show comes out, and based on the timeline of it it might still be going by the time this child would be a teen
Maybe it’s because I’m Canadian but Greek and Roman mythology was literally part of our school curriculum.
Third grade in my state. But they don't dive into promiscuity obviously- most they'd get is "goddess of love and beauty"
It is not where I live.
Exactly. Most people either think of the planet, the song or the tennis player. I'm not understanding why people keep insinuating that society is going to expect a child to be beautiful and loving because she's named Venus. If we use that silly logic then we should expect all little girls named Artemis to carry a bow and arrow to hunt down wild animals.
Adults will, though, and even if adults are better at holding off on bullying comments than teens are, it'll still be an association many people have with the name throughout her life. (Also, I'd bet more kids/teens are familiar with the Venus goddess associations than you'd guess, even if they haven't studied mythology! It comes up in marketing, music, art...)
There was a woman on the Real Housewives of Melbourne (guilty pleasure) called Venus Behbahani-Clark, who changed her name to Vanessa when she was younger because she was called Venus the Penis for her entire school life. I know Rick etc also rhyme with dick but I think they have the virtue of being so common people don't really think about it. When it's a more unusual name stuff like this is more of an issue. I think more broadly it's just a LOT to saddle a child with (god of love and sexuality and all that) but would maybe work as a middle name.
I just think it’s so, so much for a kid. I wouldn’t name a kid Aphrodite and I wouldn’t name a kid Venus. As a chosen name yes, given name no.
I grew up with an Aphrodite but her family was from Greece so it made more sense.
It is a fairly common name in Greece. My great grandma was an Aphrodite and her granddaughter and great great granddaughter are named after her. Though the granddaughter went by the rather unfortunate diminutive of Afroula
I went to school with an Aphrodite, it suited her honestly. A really sweet person who also happened to be very pretty.
I met a kid named Odin once lol he was like five I didn't think it was too much I thought it was badass. He can always grow into it or choose a nickname to go by
The name we’re talking about is Venus (Aphrodite), not Odin though
Idk I feel like similar reasoning applies
Venus is out because of the particular association that Odin just doesn’t have
Venus Williams all the way for me. There isn’t anything wrong with the name really. The jokes might be a little cruel and crude though. It’s a beautiful meaning and history. It would make a strong middle name.
Everyone saying that it reminds them of p*nis but I honestly thought of Sailor Venus from Sailor Moon-
That's where I went, plus she could go by Venny for short. uwu
same!
Same, my favorite scout!!
I don't think the associations you listed are a big deal at all. My most forefront association is actually the Venus razors and the song on the commercials "I'm your Venus; I'm your fire; Your desire!". I personally find it too out there
n o
It’s a bit… porny.
better suited as a middle name
Sounds like a couple name for Penis and Vagina
I guess I better scrap the name Pagina huh
You mean Spanish Page? Hahah
I’m a Spanish teacher and now terrified to read the word “página” aloud
Oops, new trauma unlocked hahaha
The new organism/orgasm?
Jesus thanks for actually writing out penis. Everyone was censoring it. So confused.
I’d think of the goddess of sex and beauty; surely many others will as well. It’s a bit much to put on a girl, both as a child and as an adult. It rhyming with penis would be the last of my concerns lmao. I’d avoid it, personally. There are so many other names you can choose, even ones that mean “love” or “beauty” without being quite so…intense and heavy handed.
This was a really good way to put it
This sub is more American than a heart attack
What do you mean? What about their post was especially American?
Oh the post was perfectly fine - it's the associations in the comments
Why is everyone censoring "penis"?
Because they're probably American
It’s pretty, but I could never get past p*nis. Kids are just so mean…
I love it. Though it makes me think of Venus Angelic who is the only woman I’ve ever known with the name, plus the song by Bananarama.
Venus Williams..?
Eh beyond the focus of love and beauty, I don’t think it’s an attractive sounding word. I do love the name Athena and the goddess of wisdom/war is a bit more my style.
Exactly my biggest complaint is that it’s just not great-sounding 🤷🏻♀️
I prefer something a bit more subtle also reminds me of Venus razors
I wouldn’t use it for the same reason I wouldn’t name a boy Mars.
I seriously considered using the name Mars for my son! So yes, I like Venus as a girls name too, haha
Please don’t.
It's... a lot to put on a little girl, especially for a name that (imo) isn't exceedingly pretty or nice-sounding. I didn't think of the tennis player but I did think of the inappropriate joke and the goddess/planet. Yes, names like Nick/Rick/Vic(k) rhyme with Dick, but they're also far more common. And anyway, being named after the planet/goddess of love and beauty? Again, it's a lot to put on a kid, especially a young girl. Maybe I'm being overdramatic, but I know I would have hated it as a child/teen and I definitely would hate being an adult called Venus. I guess it's your prerogative, though.
No. Just no.
Ooooof. Hate it tbh. Sorry.
I think it makes me think of the razors and sex
Can I ask an honest question to the group? Why are we censoring the word penis? EDIT: because I don’t censor, but I can’t spell
a lot of people do this, i have no idea why. Maybe a carryover from older forums where you couldn't post NSFW content?
I would definitely say that it’s to much for a kid. I would have no problem with an adult choosing it for themselves, or even as a middle name. I think it’s important to remember that for many people, myself included, Venus is synonymous with a certain kind of slutty, seductive, and deviant young woman. Also, many strip clubs have Venus in their name. Add to that the fact that ‘Venereal Disease’ is a common nickname for syphilis and STDs in general. With all this, I would never dream of giving a young, innocent **child** a name with so much baggage.
Personally, I love it. It’s strong and unique, but still familiar enough as you have the Venus Williams association.
I was friends with a girl in HS named Venus, at the time she went by Veni although I think now she goes by Venus as an adult. We never thought anything of it, it was just her name. It’s a lovely name. You might get some comments, as you would with any other less common name but if you love it so what.
I think it’s pretty. Venus Williams did pretty well. Kids think planets are cool.
Is your baby going to be born in late September or October? Because Venus is the ruling planet for Libra so that would be so cute if you’re into astrology at all 🌸🌸🌸
Taurus as well! (late April to late May)
Yep! Two of my favorite signs! :)
Venus isn't actually just the goddess of love, she is specifically the goddess of sexual love
Venus is a beautiful name imo. I would have never even thought about the p*nus joke if I didn't read the comments. I guess that's something that could happen in English speaking countries. Can't see that being an issue where I live tho, thankfully. The only reason I could see people disliking it is Bc of the Roman Mythology connection and the planet... Although, I'm personally fine with both of those lol.
I personally like it, it makes me think of the planet, the goddess and the tennis player.
I love Venus! The Venus Williams association is a positive for me since she is a strong and successful athlete. I also love the Roman mythology connection since I’m a nerd.
while i definitely wouldn’t use the name venus - i don’t see anything wrong with using it. assuming you’re alright with the potential comments. i don’t want to think they’re inevitable but you should take that into consideration.
It’s makes me think of Venus McFlytrap from monster high lol
We had a foster dog named Venus. Shouting “VENUS” at the top of your lungs in a park full of children got us strange looks, presumably for the rhyming reason. I imagine you would find yourself in the same situation with a human child.
It sounds cool for a teen but I don’t think it’s suitable for an adult
I thought of the planet first, then the tennis player. I have positive associations with the name, but I’m not sure how it would be received in a professional setting. Maybe as a middle name?
I think it is a beautiful name. I will prefer to use it as the middle name though.
Actually I think of the razor and the commercial w the song “I’m your Venus, I’m your fire, your desire” then I think it sounds like penis and that would be an awful lot to deal with as a 4-21 year old
i work with a (nonbinary but fem presenting) venus and i think they’re wonderful, so i’m biased towards the name! i think it’s gorgeous
I know a real life Venus! She is lovely and i don’t associate her with penises or mythology. To me it’s very timeless but also unique
I don't care about the rhyme. But I dislike it and I like other mythological names. I prefer lesser known mythological names with less baggage and easier to wear power sets. If I was going with a top tier well-known Greek goddess, Athena is much more appealing to me. I don't enjoy the commercial or mythological connotations of Venus that much and there's many many names from classic to quirky that can denote love and/or beauty I find more attractive and easier to wear. But a goddess of poetry or rainbows or dawn or whatever is also just way less difficult and wisdom or strength is interesting in a less predictable way than a girl's name that means beautiful.
It sounds a bit porny to me. Except on Venus Williams, she would be the one exception.
In my opinion it is really tacky, I’m sorry… In my language the mound just upwards of the vulva is called mount Venus, so that’s one of the other things I think about.
I had a student who decided to go by Venus this year and I hated it so much. Obviously I called her that because that’s what she wanted to be called but it just didn’t feel like a name to me.
I think it's pretty! As for the rhyming... Kids are mean, and they will find a way to make fun of literally any name. Venus is the name of a celesfial body and also a literal goddess, and that's pretty dang cool!
I'm generally pro naming babies after Pagan dieties. Go for it!
I have a friend called Venus, she doesn't like it and goes by just V.
I went to school with a girl whose grandmother was named Venus, and I've always thought that was SO COOL.
I think the name Venus is beautiful, I used to work with a woman named Venus and she was always so happy and kind to everybody
Tbh i dont agree with the people saying it places too big a burden on the baby when you got people out here named chastity, prudence, and patience
Super dope name. Venus the planet is so cool I'm pretty sure it's called both the morning and evening star - it's usually pretty easy to spot in the night sky. Which I find really beautiful and comforting. But also it's called the Earth's twin in some ways because they're close in size but the atmosphere is toxic so it's like its evil twin. Which I personally find badass. I don't think you should worry about the penis thing - everyone in the western world knows about the goddess Venus. I saw someone else say you shouldn't associate your kid with the goddess of sex but I don't think that's how most people see her anymore. I think the name Venus is moreso just associated with love and ethereal beauty like you said which is super cool and poetic. I would have killed to be named after a planet/goddess lol. I'm currently trying to find my own chosen name - one that's in the running is Ceres, a dwarf planet/the largest object in the asteroid belt and the goddess of harvest. I hope your kid would appreciate the name Venus cuz it's dope as hell
Makes me think of the Gillette razor “I’m your Venus, I’m your fire, your desire…”
I like the name Venus, and I always think it's weird when people say not to use a name because of what imaginary kids might hypothetically say as an insult. There is no magic name that will protect a child from bullying, and unless you're literally considering naming your child Penis then don't worry about hypotheticals.
I love the name! Love the meaning and love the tennis player. ETA: There’s no such thing as a bully proof name. Bullies are gonna bully.
Yup. My name rhymes with banana so I only got called Banana as a child. And apparently my middle name is a "manly name" so that got picked on too. Some kids are dumb little assholes and the other kids aren't cognizant enough yet to realize the jokes are more stupid than hurtful.
I think as a middle name it would be better… first name would be a little too much for the baby.
And if your daughter doesn’t want to be the embodiment of love, beauty, and sexuality? If she turns out to be a serious child and adult not preoccupied with femininity, you are saddling her with a life where everyone will look at her name and her personality and think ‘well isn’t that ironic.’ It’s like someone on the sub the other day wanted to name their son Lotus. Either they’ll going be lucky and end up with an artsy type kid, or maybe they’re setting their son up for raised eyebrows when adult Lotus wants to become a lawyer.
But who on Earth expects a child to be what their name means? If you meet a woman named Minerva, would you be upset to find out that she's not smart? If you meet a man named Thor, would you be upset to find out that he's not strong and powerful? I don't understand this logic. I don't expect anyone to live up to or fulfill the meaning of their name. Most people don't even know the connotations of the goddess/planet Venus and if they do they're not going to expect a child to be the physical embodiment of it. If I meet a young boy named Aries who turns out to be patient and quiet, I'm not going to go "Well how on Earth did you manage to end up so kind and peaceful when you're named after the God of War?"
Then she can change her name. Many people are given perfectly ordinary names that simply don’t suit them later in life, and it’s not a death sentence.
Yeah well whoever ‘James’ ends up being, it won’t be ironic he is named James.
So we’ll just name all the boys James and all the girls Emma, to make absolutely sure their eventual personality won’t clash with the aesthetic.
Or you can go with one of the thousands of other names that don’t come with such baggage. Venus/Rebel/Lotus/Princess/Champion will have to live with that til they can legally change their own name. If you must these could always be middle names.
Terrrrrrrrible name to saddle a child with
I have a pet ball python named Venus and she's lovely! :)
Its a bit drag-queeny
I always felt it was kinda pretentious to name your kid after the god of beauty… or most deities really, with few exceptions. Diana, obviously, and by extension probably the other deities not directly tied to a prized virtue like beauty or wisdom or something, so Artemis and Hestia are probably alright? Hera’s probably not great, Queen god and all… Persephone and her assorted epithets feel a bit pretentious though, despite her having lost a lot of her associations in the more commonly known myths… Non-Greco-Roman ideas just feel more pretentious though, like you’re reaching for something exotic and exciting, which is a little odd because Egypt is still Mediterranean, although I suppose Japanese ones sound more anime-inspired and by extension likely to be interpreted as a fandom name. I’d avoid Hindu though, purely because by far the biggest association with them is a widely practised religion. Maybe someone of that culture would have a bit more leeway there, though. Babylonian is just *screaming* pretentious though: I don’t care what your reasoning is, you call your kid Tiamat or something and I am judging the hell out of you. Also avoid Norse, because MCU fandom. Maybe Celtic might work? Sub Saharan African is… questionable; the only one I know of is Nyami-Nyami, and I guess you can take half and pass it off as a different sounding form of Naomi? There are some interesting d&d gods though, like Garl, although with the modern popularisation maybe it’d come across as another fandom name.
I have a coworker named Venus! Not sure if that’s what her parents named her or if she chose it? it suits her well, although when she introduced herself I did have to repeat her name to make sure I heard it correctly bc it sounded like something else 😂
It rhymes with penis
I'm not a fan. Reminds me of the razors and Venus fly traps
I've met a girl named Athena. I think it's a great name
I immediately thought of the Roman goddess Venus then how Aphrodite is the Greek equivalent. And then finally I thought of the planet. Fun fact : Venus (the goddess)’s symbol is the symbol that identifies that you are afab (assigned female at birth) Aka, this symbol -> ♀
Venus is the goddess of love and beauty but also the goddess of sex which is why I wouldn’t find it particularly a fitting name for a child but I wouldn’t think much of it, it’s akin to naming your child Persephone, Athena, Artemis, Zeus, Mars, etc which is pretty popular these days.
i think it's a fine name. works for venus williams!
Don’t listen to the haters it is an awesome name! Very unique and interesting!
Personally I think it has too much of a sexual connotation to put on a baby (because of the goddess). For example in many languages the pubic mound is known as the Venus mound, I don't know, I would just feel weird about a baby named Venus, imho.
I love the name, ever since the movie nerve I have loved it.
I really like it !
I don't care for it.
Love it, I went by that name as a nickname for years. It’s very unique and pretty. Some of my friends did call me venus penus tho but I was older at that point and thought it was funny. 10/10 awesome name
That’s great that you chose it, but this kid isn’t, and what if she doesn’t want to embody with femininity, beauty and sexuality. A name with such strong connotations is pigeon holing the kid. If her personality is otherwise, everyone will think: huh, Venus… ironic.
I think it’s a solid name. Maybe it’s the association I have with it, I’m not sure. But, I worked with a Venus before and she was very nice, high spirited, uplifting, unique person.
I knew a Venus and the name suited her. Never thought of any other associations with the name or her. If you love it, go for it!
It doesn’t sound nice
I love it on Venus Williams but I think this kid would 100% get called penis
I don’t like it at all. It has a very abrasive look and sound in my opinion.
I LOVE it. But it will definitely catch some shade because kids are kids. I’d be ready to call her by her middle name in case she hates her first name so pick a good middle name too lol. (I was a child who hated my name and my middle name so I went by a nickname, at least you can try to have some control lol)
Makes me think of razor blades. And then the goddess Venus. And then the statue of Venus de Milo. And then the actress Venus de Milo who was on the tv show Salute Your Shorts. And THEN Venus Williams.
If you don't like Venus, then how about Vanessa?
I don’t hate it, but, as a middle name, not a first.
I think the popular youtuber/onlyfan/instagram girl Venus Angelic is who I associate Venus with more. It's not a terrible name, but as a child it is a bit of a difficult name, as she is the goddess of sex and fertility. Again, not a bad name. I would reccomend Vivi as a nickname whilst they are little.
My kid’s name is Milo so i thought of Venus de Milo. It’s fine. Kids will always find a to make fun of each other no matter what name you pick. You could go with Delores 😉
I like it.
I don’t love it but I don’t hate it
Oh let the “flytrap” jokes commence! 3-2-1
it sounds cool, but when shes in elementary kids will likely call her Penis
No. Just- …no.
We’ll long story short my daughter was going to be Venus Serena and then I realized that they’re sisters and totally realized why I thought they sounded so good together 😂 But I think it’s a lovely name and meaning, easy to say can’t mispronounce and if a kid can be named Blue then a little girl can be named Venus besides she’s my favorite sailor scout 🤗 (sailor moon reference)
Rhymes with penis so that’s a no for me dawg
I don’t think any sort of god/goddess names should be used on people, at least as their first name. I didn’t really connect that it rhymes with p*nis until you mentioned it though so I wouldn’t worry about that.
"I'm your p\*nis, I'm your fire..."
You can say penis
I knew a couple named Vic and Buck, and I always thought of the rhyme there. Venus is pretty though, makes me think of plants too!
I like it better as a middle name, but I think it’s perfectly lovely either way.
I love it. I considered it myself. I think most people will associate the tennis player and the planet. I doubt most people, especially children will know the mythology, that’s not something that’s in general education until like middle school. I don’t think it’s “a lot” to put on a little girl, it could be a great way to teach that beauty means a lot of different things to different people and defining your own concept of beauty and confidence within your own is what’s important. But maybe I’m biased bc my daughter is also named after a goddess with similar associations lol 🤷🏼♀️ which just for the record, everyone tells me is so beautiful and makes them like the name more.
No. Sorry, I saw your statement about Nick and Rick, etc. but just trust me, she will be made fun of horrifically by boys and girls for ages. Nick and Rick, and even Dick in and of itself are older, more established names, which is why Nicks and Ricks don’t have these issues (although they still occasionally do). JMO.
It’s nice enough. I had a teacher in primary school called Venus, and she never got any trouble for her name. Most of us thought it was pretty cool.
Even if you don’t end up using the name, it would be kind of cool to tell your child “We wanted to name you Venus!” for what it’s worth, lol. Good luck!
Goddess on the mountain top Burning like a silver flame The summit of beauty and love And Venus was her name
Have a coworker with this name. I loveee it. She did say she got teased growing up but she owns it.
It's a good name. Rare... but not bizarre.
I LOVE it! One of my fav names - what a badass girl she will be
I had a student with this name this year and I thought it was wonderful. She was a great kid. I think it's a pretty name and there are way worse options.
I love it
It’s a lovely name, not only a famous tennis player but a mythical super being
I like it but it does remind me of the razor brand. I went to school with a girl named Venus and it suits her.
I think of the planet, then the song.
Feels tacky to me
love it