This is cruel right?

[sparkleshine]

A neighbour told me today that her son and daughter in law are thinking of calling their soon to be born baby boy William, but their surname is Billington.
Surely this child is gonna get Billy Billington for short at some point. Another option apparantly was Benjamin ( just as bad I think)

It's not right is it? It's as bad as being called Robert Robertson or something similar.

[LilRedWG]

Hmmm - DH works with a Christian Hayter.

[scurryfunge]

It would sound like quite a strong name and one to remember. Either way, it's their choice.

[ReneRusso]

I don't think it's so bad.

[5DollarShake]

I wouldn't say it's cruel - at least not as cruel as some of the ludicrous unique spellings you sometimes see on here.

I knew a Gregor McGregor.

[AmazingBouncingFerret]

I knew a Jennifer Jennings. I wouldnt say it was very cruel.

[owlets]

It's not too bad.
I knew a Ben Ken Bennett.
Christian Hayter is hillarious.

[BlauerEngel]

My dad worked with a Bill (ie William) Williams - not that uncommon for older men in Wales. Billy Billington is a tad worse, though.

[MumInBeds]

There are an amazing number of men called David Davies around.

[CaveMum]

My uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather were all called William Williams!

It's not ideal, but in the grand scheme of things it is not cruel.

[comtessa]

I honestly went to school with a girl called Jenna Taylor. (say it quickly). And a boy called Ashley Ashley-Smith. And a Robbie Robins. Do parents not say the names out loud?!

[MrsMargate]

I knew someone who wanted to call his dd Brooke Brook.

Thank Christ he had boys.

[conkertree]

Fantastic - this thread has made me laugh for the first time today

[Sithmummy]

I went to school with Sophie Cushion. I always wondered if her parents did it on purpose.

[BessieBoots]

I think Bill Billington is a very cool name.

[eatyourveg]

I have loads of relatives on my family tree from Wales who had the same forenames as surnames. Eg Evan Evans, Lewis Lewis, Morris Morris and William Williams. It was considered an honour! Nothing wrong with a Bill Billington in my book

[chipmonkey]

I have known more than one Brian O'Brien and a Martin Martin.

[Rubena]

I knew of someone called Richard Head...

[pippylongstockings]

Friens of ours - Mr and Mrs Spooner were going to call their daughter Megan.... honestly.

[SparklyJules]

I knew a Gregor Rae (sounds like Gregory) once and DH once went on a stag do with a bloke called Alexander Alexander, who lived in Alexandria. His parents must have had NO imagination whatsoever.

[sedgiebaby]

love it! especially owlets comments

[PiratePrincess]

LOL at Jenna Taylor!

I went to school with Richard Head, Rubena, do you come from Devon?!

[angelene]

My driving instructor was called Bill Hollocks.

[alexisfaith]

The difference is that names like Gregor MacGregor are culturally accurate. 'Mac' means son of therefore MacGregor means son of Gregor. It's not unusual for a child to be named after his father, right? Meeting a Gregor MacGregor is a daily occurance up here in the far north. My childhood sweetheart was called Donald MacDonald. I think the difference is that this is a naming pattern rooted in specific histories and culture. Billy Billington is just unnecessarily cruel!

[pulpfiction]

Don't think it's that bad.

[DastardlyandSmugly]

What about Lee Ryan from Blue - he called his son Rayn Ryan!