Opinions on a name, please?

[Skywalker]

I am a so-far-unpublished writer, but my agent is very positive about the novel I just finished. The only thing she does not like, is the name of the hero in my book - Edward. She says the hero cannot be named Edward because it is "too soft" and "a little nerdy"! I hope this does not offend anyone, this is HER opinion, obviously not mine. So, I'm wondering if I could do a little of my own research to see what is the popular opinion on this name. This character is the main character in a romantic story, and to me it would be very hard to change the name since it is his name to me! It is possibly even in the title.

So tell me, is Edward nerdy?

Thanks to anyone who will contribute an opinion.

 

[mommytotwo]

I don't think so, but I guess you would have to read the story to put the name and story line togther. How about the name Ted, or Alexender?

 

[Jolie C]

I rather like the name Edward. I don't think it's nerdy.

 

[cynsaun]

I like Edward, too. It works because this is a romantic name!

 

[meandtheguys2]

Not nerdy....but then I like older names! Good luck on your novel, BTW!

 

[binny]

you know, names are a funny thing. Its very personal. When you say a name a person will automatically associate it with someone they knew by that name ( if any of course) My best friend in HS's dad was named Edward so I see an ex-navy man who is a good father and a lot of fun.
I dont mind the name at all.

I dont think you'll ever find a name that someone somwehere doesnt associate with a wimpy guy or something lol.

Good luck!

 

[AspiringCindy]

I think it is a powerful name! after all, Edward Quatermaine on general Hospital is a corporate powerhouse!

 

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

I don't think it's nerdy, either.

Out of curiosity, I looked up the meaning of Edward, and it means "rich guard." Could certainly fit for a romantic hero.

As for what binny said about associating a name with a person -- first person I thought of for Edward was the designer on Trading Spaces, then a friend of mine named Ed, and then the various kings of England named Edward.

Maybe if you went with Eduardo? Give it a Latin flavor to spice it up?

 

[KristaTX]

How about Edmund? It's close, but less common and nerdy.

 

[Disney Ella]

I wouldn't say nerdy, but when I think Edward I think "boring", unless it's an historical book, in which case it's fine. (Apologies to any DISers who have DHs, DSs, dear anybodies named Edward.)

 

[Rajah]

Nope, no problem with Edward here.

 

[Jeanny]

Edward was my Father's name,,,, so no I don't think it's nerdy at all!!

 

[Bichon Barb]

While I don't think it's a nerdy name, it isn't the first name I'd think of being yelled out in a love scene in a romance novel. Before all the Ed's get mad at me, I'd like to add that Barb isn't on that list either.

How about Eduardo? Theodore?

 

[The Edge]

Edward is a fine name to me. What exactly is she looking for? Good luck with that novel!

 

[tidoublegger]

Honestly, I don't conjure up visions of a romantic, masculine guy with the name Edward. It makes me think of an old man. Eddie, possibly, but not Edward.

I like Josh, Jake, Jon, Kevin, Chris...

Good luck to you...let us know what you decide!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Skywalker]

It is really great to read people's opinions on this! I'm happy that most seem to agree with me, but those that don't are giving me food for thought here!

She has given some other suggestions, but they sound like "soap opera" names to me...not that there is anything wrong with that! It's just that they are too out there for me. Funny you should mention Jake, that was one of her suggestions (one of her better ones, not an outlandish one!)

Thank you for the good wishes, by the way! If it gets published I'll include a thank you to the DIS Boards.

If anyone has any other comments or suggestions I would appreciate hearing them because I will print this out and go over every post with her!!! I don't like to think his name would make or break the whole book but she seems to think so!

 

[Microcell]

Originally posted by KristaTX
How about Edmund? It's close, but less common and nerdy.

I like that too. I went to school with an Eddie and he was very nerdy.

I like Charles too!

 

[zagafi]

Well, since Howie Long has long been the object of my deepest lust (my dh understands), I don't think you can dismiss a guy just because of his name.

 

[kellyann]

Wasn't Edward the name of Richard Gere's character in "Pretty Woman"? That was definitely a romantic movie! And I usually don't like Richard Gere movies!

 

[snoopy]

I think the name Edward sounds very refined. I picture a classy English gentleman when I think of the name Edward.

Jake and Chase and Luke (my son's name! ) are popular names in a couple of chick lit books I've read lately. If you wanted to go that route, those type of one syllable names are very masculine.

Or does she want you to go with Fabio or something? LOL! How interesting that a publisher would ask you to change that simple detail -- I guess that is why they get paid to notice the little details!