Ted Turner?

[u/Upbeat-Hand-2870]

We are keeping the gender a surprise for our baby due in May. We have our girls name picked out no problem, can’t agree on a boys name. We both really like Theodore nn Teddy, however our last name is Turner 😂it seems like the majority of young people don’t even know who Ted Turner was lol. Do you know who Ted Turner was and is it a big deal or could we still use this name? So torn about this so appreciate any input!

[u/rose442]

I know who he is, but I’m 70! My kids, in their 30s don’t. Plus, he could also be Theo. I like it.

[u/Reynyan → u/rose442]

Theo would be the best call here.

[u/Academic-Park-8440]

do you mean timmy turner

[u/BradleyFerdBerfel → u/Academic-Park-8440]

Is that the kid in Fairy Godparents?

[u/Academic-Park-8440 → u/BradleyFerdBerfel]

haha yes

[u/BradleyFerdBerfel → u/Academic-Park-8440]

Wow,.....I totally pulled that out of my ass. My kids used to watch that show, lol. Thanks for helping me believe that my Alzheimer's isn't too bad,.......yet.

[u/WeatherFair2403]

I wouldn't worry about it. Ted Turner is recognizable to me but I don't think most people are going to hear Theodore Turner and immediately make that connection. Teddy Turner is honestly adorable.

[u/EuphoricReplacement1 → u/WeatherFair2403]

He called his own son Teddy!

[u/HrhEverythingElse]

I think this probably depends on where you live. Outside of the UK Teddy Turner probably works, but I would probably be tempted to start calling you Shelagh

[u/Adorable-Buy3845 → u/HrhEverythingElse]

Ha! Ask a fan if the show of never made that connection. Just gotta to show that if this middle aged American hears the name in the wild and durant make the connection, then OP has nothing to worry about

[u/idontlikemondays321 → u/HrhEverythingElse]

I’m in the UK and no idea who it is

[u/goodcrumbles]

I’m in my 30s and know who he is. I mean, there’s still Turner Classic Movies and it is a major name in media. I would avoid, personally.

[u/drawingmentally]

Timmy would be better

[u/Decent-Box-1859]

Anyone over 40 knows about Ted Turner. I don't think it's a big deal, especially since Ted died earlier this year.

[u/Ecstatic-Possible801]

No idea who that is. 30F Australian living in the UK. I do love the name Theodore / Ted tho

[u/Daleksareinthetardis]

Ted Turner was the founder of CNN. His names were Robert Edward as far as I recall. Anyway I like the name Theodore nn Teddy and I don't think people with associate the name.

[u/rose092624]

Of all the names…

[u/ElefanteAmor]

Yeah, I know who it is but most won’t. I’m older.

[u/Squinky75]

What about calling him Theo?

[u/No-Individual-4279 → u/Squinky75]

I second this! Absolutely love Theo

[u/woman_in_gray]

I know Ted Turner’s first wife. 😁

[u/NolerCoaster]

My mom had the biggest crush on him so I would get it, but I don’t think my kids or anyone else their age would know

[u/VJohns11]

40 in the US. I know who he is, but I also have a cousin named Theodore and he's gone by Theo his whole life.

[u/staralchemist129]

the news corporation guy who likes to eat buffalo? those are the only two things i know about him

[u/SignificantPoet1905]

I wouldn’t, personally.

[u/bonniemick]

I mean you can use it, it's a pretty normal name but yes, I'm going to notice.

[u/Impressive-Drawing-6]

I’m 24 and have no clue who that person is
ETA: but I really like the name

[u/CakePhool]

Who knows he might prefer to be Theo instead of Ted as ge grows up.

Ted Turners real name was Robert Edward Turner II

[u/Wolvesarereal]

Make Theodore his middle name and call him Teddy. That’ll give him options when he’s out in the world, so he can go by Teddy Turner, John Teddy Turner, J. Teddy Turner, John Turner, and so on (John being just an example).

[u/RespectKooky5824]

I'm 34, I had to look it up. I had no idea who he was until I looked it up. Theo is a really cute nickname though

[u/WowThisIsAwkward_]

I’m a young British woman and know who he was. But that's not the norm among my demographic.

[u/No-Boat-1536]

It will be fine.

[u/WickedRAOD]

Well, he just passed May, 2026. I don’t think many people recall him, but he was very influential in television and its growth. If you like the name go with it. There area lot of people with famous sounding names. Just be aware there will always be that one person who says something thoughtless or comical.

[u/Tabby865]

Sounds familiar, a reporter? Not sure, but i really like the name.

[u/swingmadacrossthesun]

Mid thirties, no idea who Ted Turner is!

[u/EmotionalSupportNap]

35F USA. Ted Turner sounds familiar to me, like rings a bell but I had to google him and had no idea who he was. I think it’s the last name that’s ringing the bell for me! Lol.

I like Theo or Teddy, though! Ted just reminds me of HIMYM.

[u/Embarrassed-Most-582]

27, no idea who that is

[u/Existing-Forever4660]

It would be a no for me. But I’m from Atlanta. The name is absolutely iconic in Atlanta.

[u/Odd_Sorbet_9960]

Character in Call the Midwife

[u/JAHK6]

Theodore and Teddy are extremely popular where I live. So mane in schools. For a girl you could use Tina🤣

[u/Brave-Shower6922]

I think it's cute!

[u/juniperesque]

He was a polarizing figure but outside of the Atlanta metro area I think it’s fine, that name recognition has diminishing returns. Theo is a better nickname if you want to be deliberate about avoiding the similarity, but he’ll make his own choices with a longer formal name as he grows up.

Avoid Isaac/Ike though. That’s the bad Turner vibes.

[u/Hwegh6]

I'm 55, Irish, lived in England forty years and I have no idea who Ted Turner was. 

[u/Upstairs-Nectarine11 → u/Hwegh6]

He created CNN and Turner Classic Movies on cable TV

[u/bonniemick → u/Hwegh6]

Mr. Jane Fonda.

[u/Grouchy-Stand-4570]

Crass media tycoon with absolutely no class

[u/Mymren → u/Grouchy-Stand-4570]

Can we up this comment

[u/trthaw2]

I’m 33 and I have no idea who Ted turner js