I know there is symbolism in his last name (Finch) because of the whole bird thing. (Oddly enough, so does Tim ROBINson. I thought that was interesting. I read somewhere that the name Atticus is derived from "Attica," a district of ancient Greece. Athens was located in Attica, so maybe there's some symbolism with the fact that he's a lawyer. I know modern law originates from Rome, but I think it had some basis in Greece too, so, maybe that's it. Of course, he philisophic attitude also connects to the immense philosophy in Athens. I don't know if it's that important, or if Harper Lee just liked the name Atticus, but I thought I'd just tell you what I'd read some places.