To ask what the hell is up with people judging children's names?!

[WonderingWillow]

Just that, really. When my DS was born, we gave him a classic first name and a middle name we really loved but was a little more unusual.

My parents came to meet DS, and when they asked his name, my mum sniggered and barely covered her laugh, and said "well, we like the FIRST name, but NOT the middle name!!" And my dad just sat there sneering.
When we saw them just before Christmas, my mum said over a cup of tea "so is his middle name still X? God, did you actually put it on the birth certificate?!" He is 4 now!

Also, I've a friend whose second daughter has a really lovely, but unusual name. It sounds gorgeous, but she had family actually say to her "please don't call your DD that name" when she was PREGNANT.

what the hell? I would never have the bare faced cheek to say that to anyone, and would expect to be given a damn good ignoring for a while!

What gives people the right? Why are people so rude? AIBU to think that if you don't like a baby's name when the parent tells you, you nod and smile and compliment the new parent on their choice anyway and then keep your opinions to yourself?

[Fabulous46]

No I couldn't smile, especially when it was Pocahontas as a first name. I could barely open my mouth to speak, let alone smile. Some names are just ludicrous.

[Alisvolatpropiis]

People have never kept their opinions on baby names to themselves. Ever. My step dad's grandparents were horrified at the name he was given and made that known...in the 1950's.

It isn't a new thing. I think everyone is just a little bit more precious about it now. I'm currently pregnant, using people as sounding boards is something I find helpful. Not least when it was pointed out that a name I liked sounded like Ready Brek with my surname

[SauvignonBlanche]

You could also ask 'what the hell is up with people giving their children made-up, ridiculous names'?

[GlitzAndGigglesx]

I would only be like at some of the utterly ridiculous names where you know the child will be tortured for it their whole life

[Tinkerball]

I would try my best to keep my thoughts to myself but some just want to make you burst out laughing! I stay away from the baby name threads here because of all the "unusual" names that get suggested. I really think some people forget they are naming a human being for life.

[WonderingWillow]

So? Not your business. Or your place to say. My DS' and my friend's DD's names aren't made up, or cartoon characters, or named after anyone, either. Just not used often.

[GlitzAndGigglesx]

I went to school with a boy called Midnight and his surname which is rather pretty made him sound like a stripper or nail polish. Some parents just don't think ahead

[BMO]

Ludicrous name before the child is born, I might say something. Once the child is born and named all anyway should say to the parents is "oh how lovely/unusual/interesting".

[usualsuspect333]

Because some people are twats.

[MrsTerryPratchett]

Find something nice to say. I meet a lot of people in Canada with really old-school British names like Nigel and Gavin or who call their children the same. I say 'oh, that's very British' or something. Only once someone said, "yeah, I know Nigel is considered a joke there".

[LoisWilkerson15]

Oh come on some names are funny! I agree it is rude to comment or judge though.

[Alisvolatpropiis]

People don't like the names you gave your children. And?

Why does it bother you so, if you like the names so much and perceive them to be good choices?

Although so far my name tastes have been unaffected I must say that pregnancy is not the state in which I find myself all the best judgement calls.

Plenty of women laugh about the names they considered when pregnant after the baby is born and named something else. I would imagine that a great many have had someone say something negative about the name they now laugh about.

[MrsTerryPratchett]

I also know a Zeus 5-year old. He rocks it. I did once ask his DM about it. She said, "we were in two minds so we asked our friend Thor and he said to go for it".

[SacredHeart]

I would never say something to a persons face but inwardly there is always something that raises your eyebrow.

My SIL for example (changed names for anonymity) named her DC George Richard and Richard George.........I mean come on!

[Alisvolatpropiis]

*making all the best...

[SnowWhiteAteTheApple]

Some names are truly awful though, if you can't be honest with family who can you be honest with?

Lately I've seen names spelt incorrectly either because they can't spell or think they are unique. Never mind the poor child has to live with that name and use it when old enough to have a career.

I can acknowledge daft names but wouldn't compliment them.

I always think when hearing a new name what it would look like on a business card or email.

[hazeyjane]

Because some people are arseholes, who need to learn some manners.

[msgrinch]

because some people call their kids Apple/North/ various celeb monstrosities

[SaucyJack]

I judge boring names.

So ner.

[Fabulous46]

So? Not your business. Or your place to say. My DS' and my friend's DD's names aren't made up, or cartoon characters, or named after anyone, either. Just not used often.

You posted in AIBU and you asked for opinions. People are giving their opinions. However, now you are saying it's none of anyone's business. Why ask for opinions then?

[FightOrFlight]

Fab Do the parents watch Hollyoaks (thinking of 'Myra Pocahontas' here)

Loletta Coco Chanel never found her name a hindrance (though if their surname is 'Pops' I might raise an eyebrow)

DS 1 has a 'solid' biblical name, DS2 a more unusual biblical name. Luckily nobody ever saw fit to judge me about it to my face

[Alisvolatpropiis]

Should say - commenting when baby has arrived is rude. But I think acceptable when someone is pregnant.

One of my friends really hates my favourite girls name but will no doubt never mention that fact again if this baby is a girl and I use that name.

I am intrigued as to what your son's middle name is op, for your mum to have brought it up again 4 years later! That seems a little extreme.