Thoughts on Ludovic, Octavian, Julius and Lucian for a baby?

[LimeslemonsPomegranates]

I am contemplating these for my short list.

Ludovic (Ludo):
Name of a family friend. It is a very ordinary name in France and Canada, it has the neutrality of a name like Michael, but is the French equivalent of Gary in terms of Gen X baby name popularity and is now almost completely unused for babies in France. Most people have probably heard of it as it has been used in low numbers in the UK for centuries and also via Ben Fogle's son. Is it still useable here for this generation? Alternative French form of Ludwig/Louis. Really the full name is just a way to shortcut to the cute Ludo (I quite like Labyrinth).

Octavian? I assume some sort of eighth association is needed to use this, 8th day of the month or 8th child, is it useable outside of that context?

Julius: I knew an intelligent and thoughtful Julius so generally positive associations for me, but that was a much older generation and names change in how they are used and perceived. Any positive or negative associations?

Lucian: Will it be Lucy?

Also if you had to choose between Ranulph and Edmund, which would you choose?

Thank you

Same. It’s a child you’re naming here.

🤣🤣🤣 dying here.

All are wanky

Are they black labradors?

These made me smile but I think there are a lot of class associations with boys’ names.
I had the most wonderful colleague named Ludo so I would definitely go for that, assuming you don’t think people will think he is Russian?
I also like Julius but would assume he was Austrian/German.

Octavius sounds eccentric aristocratic, depends on the circles you move in…

What I find funny here is I see Lucian as a very common (in the old-fashioned sense) name, so it doesn’t fit with the others. The Lucians I know have friends called things like Tyler and Riley…

Definitely as a group a bit on the pompous side! Assuming you are based in the UK, my gut takes are:

1. Ludovic / Ludo - my favourite, would probably assume some form of Russian heritage from the 'vic' ending but I have heard of it for various very posh/upper middle class English boys too. Slight association with the game Ludo but not particularly negative.
2. Octavian - 100% roman emperor vibes. A very grand name for a little boy and a tough one to pull off as an adult too I'd say unless you are an actual emperor. Not many nickname opportunities either, Octy maybe but that definitely gives Octonaut or Octopus vibes. Not a great fan.
3. Julius - again I'm afraid this is another Roman Emperor name. A little bit less grand than Octavian but in the UK anyway he will get mistaken for a Julian a lot, which is a more normal name albeit again quite posh. I know a few littles Jules' (short for Julian) around the place though so maybe it's gaining in popularity. If you're worried about him being given a girly nickname/ teased Julie is an unfortunate possibility which as well as a female nickname is very mumsy (granny-ish by the time he's in school) too, more so than Lucy.
4. Lucian - like it although again very classical/Roman vibe, and there's the association with Lucian Freud which you may or may not like? Lucy a nickname possibly but I wouldn't say a definite.

Of your other too I prefer Edmund but they do have a different vibe to the others, both still are quite middle class/ posh boy names but Edmund is by far the most adaptable/least class coded, he can always go by Ed as well which is as close to classless as it gets. Ranulph is Ok but people may not know how to say/spell it, again a strong association with the most famous one (Finnes of course) which could bite you especially as he's still alive, what if there's a horrible scandal?

They sound a bit Roman Empire ... but different!

Julius- ok.
The rest - no.

They sound better not all together as a list but Octavian I think no. It’s a bit much and the nicknames won’t be great.

I find myself cheekily wanting to suggest you call him Steve. Or Dave.

My thoughts also

Just go for Edmund works with posh and non posh people - the others are so pompous, naming your kid after a Roman Emperor.

While Ludo might be very cute and great on a dog Ludovic is pretentious and awful IMO.

Ludovic - Don't mind it, and love Ludo. But for a dog. Or a big red cuddly monster. Maybe not a child.

Octavian - Um, no. Maybe a horse. If it was a really grand horse. With a penchant for murder and cultural manipulation.

Julius - Just think Caesar. Prefer Caesar. Or Gaius. Also associated with quite a lot of murder though.

Lucien - It's ok.

Ranulph - It's ok.

Edmund - Blackadder. But that's ok, definitely my favourite. By far.

Julius and Ranulph, though I like Edmund too.

Is that you Jacob Rees Mogg ?

Please don’t let him procreate again. 🤣

Ludovic is great and I think will be fine in the classroom. Ludo I lovely and reminds me of Juno which is getting popular for girls.

Edmund will be Ed probably.

I looooove Ludovic!

All unbelievably 'try hard' and pompous. It's like you've had a competition to think of the most ridiculous names you could and this is your shortlist.
In real life, I don't know anyone who would go anywhere near these names.

I quite like Anselm! (Though maybe only as a middle name)

I like Ludo and Edmund from your list.

Names with similar vibes -
Magnus
Conrad
Otto
Florin
Lawrence

I like Julius the best followed by Edmund.

All a bit serious, heavy and self-important sounding.

I know two Ludos - they are both dogs.

Honestly? They’re all quite wanky.

Although I do know a Working Cocker named Ludo and it very much suits him.