All right, give it to me straight...

[CheerfulYank]

is Rex now and forever a dog's name?

I have never ever known a single dog called this; all the dogs I know are Jack, Molly, Max, etc.

The reason is: I absolutely adored my late grandfather. His name was Frederick and I would like to use it in some form for our (as yet unconceived) DC2, if said DC is a boy. However I think Frederick is a bit much to call a little one day to day, and I'm not hugely keen on Fred or Freddie. (Not really used at all for little ones here in the States)

I read a list of nicknames for Frederick which included Red and Rex. I actually really like Rex; I like short snappy boy's names. (DS is Sam) I'd like to use Frederick as a first name with Rex as a nickname, possibly. Middle name would probably be Alexander, it's DH's favorite.

I like everything about it but for the nagging worry that people would say it was a dog's name.

Would you?

Oh and yes of course I am mad to even be thinking about this so far in advance, but if it's absolutely a no-go I don't want to waste time hashing it out with DH :o

[tummytickler]

I like it, and would not consider it a dogs name any more than than anything else. All the dogs round here are called things like Lily, Ella, Max and Edie.

[bruxeur]

Up there with Spot, Scooby and Lassie tbh.

[deemented]

Yes, we had a dog called Rex, or Sexy Rexy.

Sorry.


Though i do like Red.

[EdithWeston]

It wouldn't be a name I'd choose, but I don't see why it shouldn't be used. Then again, I know someone with this name in RL and also associate it with Rex Harrison.

(I know oodles of canines called Max, though).

[celebmum]

Aww! I love it! I think it's cool and stylish and certainly different!

Use it!

[SleepyFergus]

I like it too, and for me it doesn't say 'dog' in the slightest

My only concern is if people shorted his middle name so it would be Rex Alex which sounds a bit messy but that's high unlikely and conversely, Rex Alexander sounds great!

[Catsu]

It sounds great!
Lovely name all round, Frederick Alexander is a good full name and Rex much nicer nn than freddie!

[CheerfulYank]

I thought that too, Sleepy . But whenever I yell for DS it's always both names full on, so in this case it would probably be, "Rex, stop that please. Rex...Rex...FREDERICK ALEXANDER I MEAN IT!" :o

[CheerfulYank]

Thanks deemented . Red is okay but our last name is a noun and renders its use impossible. :)

[TimeWasting]

I'd be thinking Rex Manning from Empire Records tbh, which isn't much better than a dog.

I don't think it's possible associations is a problem though, and if you like it, then go for it. Everyone will just think of your son when they hear it after a while anyway.

[CheerfulYank]

"Not today... not on Rex Manning Day!" :o

[InstantAtom]

I like Rex and don't think "dog's name". Personally I can't see any connection to Frederick though. I like Frederick and Alex and would use Freddie/Alex as nicknames.

[InstantAtom]

Alexander

[tiredteddy]

I have a cousin called Rex who is now an adult. My ds is max and the other ds is Toby both if those I have been told are dog names but I don't mind. Use Rex it's really cute cool and it will grow with him.

[LemonSlice]

I love Rex - and it doesn't make me think of dogs.
I once met a Buster (not a nn) and that did remind me of a dog.

[Bubbaluv]

In Australia Rex would be associated with knickers and an echidna beacuse of a rather raunchy underwear ad from the 80s.

Girl reclines in underwear as ants climb up her leg and over her knickers. She then says "Sick 'em Rex" and an echidna appears to eat the ants. Girl squeals.

Was a great ad. Rex is a great name IMO. Cool but not try-hard. Manly but also cute for a child.

[TillyIpswitch]

Rex is a great name. Possibly a bit tenuous in connection with Frederick, but then again, many nicknames bare little relation to the original name, so why not?

I have a great uncle Reginald (died well before I was born) who was known as Rex.

Very regal.

[yousankmybattleship]

I really like it!

[DinahRod]

TRex, SexyRexy, dog connotations...but it's also distinctive & goes well with Sam. Plenty of time to decide if you conceive a boy. Out of interest do you have a girl's name in mind?

[CheerfulYank]

Yes Dinah . :) Eleanora Josephine. Eleanora was DH's grandmother and Josephine is after my mom, who is Jody.

[TimeWasting]

I really like both your girl names, Eleanor is on my list, but Josephine is the feminine of DS name, so can't use it.

I like Rex more now after this thread. See, it'll be fine.

[SaffronCake]

"Up there with Spot, Scooby and Lassie tbh."

I tend to agree.

Although, you're in another country so unless you were planning on living in the UK later does it desperately matter?

[SayItLoud]

I've never come come across a dog called Rex, even here in sheepdog country. It's a great boys name!

[Crosshair]

I also like rex, doesnt make me think dog.