Mumsnet Talk

... what do you think? One friend commented it sounded "too Russian" (nothing wrong with that of course, if we actually were Russian) but I've come across 2 British Ivans so don't particularly think it's associated with another nationality.

Also toying with the Welsh version "Ifan" but don't know if it would be confusing?

I like it. Prefer Ivan to Ifan.

I know 2, both British, both 40ish.

I thought I knew one.

Turns out my dd couldnt get her tongue around Irish brogue: the boy was called ethan (facepalm)

Tee hee

Like it but it has sad associations with David & Samantha Cameron's late son

I have one aged 2. I also recently discovered one age 5.
I had some reservations about it, not because it sounded Russion but just because it was so unpopular. I didn't want popular but I did want recognisably, which I think Ivan is. I think, if I remember from the Census list, there were only 37 or so in the UK in 2010.
It must be huge in Croatia if you look at the names on the Croatian national football team....
Now, I absolutely love it. He has lots of friends with similarish names, but more common, eg. Aran, Adam, Ethan. But I think Ivan is nicer than all those (I am biased, of course!)
I'd hate to see it getting too popular.

I like it. I'd have considered it for a boy if I'd had a son. I know of an Ivan who is 9.

We need more Ivans in the world, it's so striking and if you both love it, why not.

Really like it. Ivo and Ivor also

I really like it, don't consider it to be 'too Russian' at all. Do think Ifan is too Welsh though, unless you are Welsh in which case it's fine.

Thanks for the feedback. All pretty positive. I also thought of poor Ivan Cameron but doubt that would be a strong association for the baby's contemporaries. And although I'm Welsh I live in London so probably the Ivan spelling would work best.

Love it - it's on our list for soon-to-arrive DS2 (DS1 is a Noah).

My dad immediately said 'Ivan the Terrible', but he does that to all suggestions .