Something I've Been Thinking About

I'm not very far in The God Delusion, but so far it's pretty enjoyable. But, it's reignited a debate I've been having withing myself, and I figure here's a good of a place as any to bring it to others.

The question is of specificity. Specifically, the word "atheist." I wonder if those who are actually atheists don't want a different word?

The word itself is centered around "theist," obviously, but it seems strange to me to be labeled so explicitly by what you are not. Would "humanist" not be better? It's the way I feel like I'm leaning, but I feel like my reasoning for it is less of a "not theist" position and more of a "pro people" ideal.

Words are what English majors think about.