Willoughby - love it or hate it?

[katiemonkey]

We're really keen on calling our first DS Willoughby, but are having second thoughts as we've had quite a lot of negative reactions! What do you think of the name? If you don't like it, can you suggest any other three syllable alternatives?

[FriendofDorothy]

Sounds more like a girls name to me. Not keen.

Why does it need to be 3 syllables?

[FoofFighterYNWAJFT96]

It's nice but he'll get called Willoughbooby a lot

[Bandana]

I'm not fussy on it, but it's your choice, don't let other people sway you if it's a name that you love. It's your baby. :)

[squoosh]

It's a bit OTT. I'd assume you were a fan of Regency romances.

[strawberrypenguin]

Make me think of Holly, sorry. Um 3 syllable names, what about Benedict? Was on my list but didn't suit DS once he arrived, still love it though.

[strawberrypenguin]

If its the 'Will' bit you like what about William?

[Hassled]

Hate it. Also, he's the baddie in Sense and Sensibility. And he was a right bounder, too. Willoughby's aren't to be trusted.

[trikken]

Makes me think of sense and sensability but its ok. Bit long maybe.

[neverbugle]

i don't like it sorry.

solomon
frederick
barnaby
cameron
alistair
harrison
jonathan
torridon
ulysses
william
zachary

[SoFarWeAreEqual]

I actually really really like it, it is a bit Jane Austen but that is no bad thing. (I also like Fitzwilliam but that is going too far!).

If you love it, then go for it!

[Bandana]

Oh I like fitzwilliam :)

[IHeartKingThistle]

'Fitz-' was the prefix they used before the names of illegitimate children of kings, wasn't it? Not great!

I quite like Willoughby.

[Nobhead]

Don't like it sorry- Holly Willoughboobie.
Christopher
Anthony
Damien
Benjamin

[Petrean]

Sorry, really don't like it. I'm pretty sure you're DS will grow up not liking it too. He'll be Will very quickly and I imagine he'll be telling people it's short for William.

3 syllable alternatives eh? Ummm...
I'm going to have to think...

[lisaro]

Hate it - just sounds pretentious.

[WineOhWhy]

I once came across a little boy called Nickelby, known as Nick which seems similar to me (I imagine Willoughby would generally be known as Will). I think because he introduces himself as Nick, people assume he is Nicholas so it takes a bit of explaining, but I dont think anyone generally gives much thought to his longer name otherwise.

I have also come across a child called Wilkinson known as Wilkie (but could be Will), although think it is a family name in that case.

If you want a Will other than William, I do kind of like Wilbur.

[Petrean]

Your DS even... Not you're.

[Flowerface]

I love it. He call always call himself 'Will' later if he finds it too zany.

And hate the way that, if anyone even remotely famous has a name that sounds similar/is the same, it means that it is out of the question. Who the heck is going to know Holly Willoughby in 5 years? I barely know who she is now!

[AlexanderSkarsgardIWould]

I like it, it fits in with the surname-as-first-name trend without sounding too out there. Nobody'll remember who Holly Willoughby is in a few years' time. If you did want an alternative what about Barnaby?

[Catsmamma]

Willoughby sounds like a fat spaniel who pees up the curtains!

[Flowerface]

Barnaby is also excellent.

[MrsJohnDeere]

Hate it, sorry. Sounds like a girls name to me too.

Love Will, William, and all other Will sort of names though.

[FoofFighterYNWAJFT96]

Willberforce?

[DottieRose]

I love Willoughby...go for it! You only get the opportunity to name a child a few times in your life, its your decision dont let other put you off!

[gafhyb]

Eeek. Terrible. Sorry