A boy called Baxter?

[stilllonely3yearson]

My SIL is due her first baby later this year. They just had the 20 w scan and found out they're expecting a boy. They've told close family the gender, and the name they have in mind - Baxter. I've never heard this before. I tried to give a neutral response when she asked if I like it, I said it was unusual but easy to spell (??) But honestly I dislike it. It just reminds me of a dog's name. Anyone else know or having a baby Baxter? Is it just me, or is it not such a great name?

[CarrotVan]

Maybe she really likes soup

[stilllonely3yearson]

:) Carrot! I thought of Audrey Baxter when she told me too.

[dementedpixie]

I don't know any children with that name but so know a dog with it!

[OrionsAccessory]

It makes me think of the dog from Anchorman but it isn't an awful name and once baby is here it will just become his name. You'll get used to it!

[Freezoo]

I know someone with a son named Baxter. All children grow into their names.

[SoupDragon]

To me, Baxter is a dog. Something big and chunky.

[LeChien]

Not your baby, it doesn't matter a jot if you don't like the name.

[FatherHenderson]

It's a fine name. Ok, a bit unusual, but not everyone should be called Oliver or Thomas

[didwedotherightthing]

Le Chien are you new to MN?!!

[chocolatechip123]

Oh no, Stanley Baxter!

[TheCowThatLaughs]

It's not a very nice name at all imo. Reminds me of Adrian mole and soup.

[SoupDragon]

Not your baby, it doesn't matter a jot if you don't like the name.

No shit, Sherlock.

[CasualJersey]

I like it.
It's quite American (think Hunter )
But it's different but not weird.

[Sophronia]

Baxter means "female Baker" (just like Webster is a "female weaver")

[ArseForElbow]

Reminds me of a dog.

[squoosh]

Very American preppy. I wouldn't be crazy about it but I wouldn't be horrified by it either. In fact I think I'd even grow to like it after a while......assuming the child wasn't a little horror.

Surnames as first names are here to stay.

[squoosh]

A damn sight better than Cedric or Herbert or some of the other names mentioned here recently!

[LeChien]

"Le Chien are you new to MN?!!"

No, are you?

I usually manage to stay away from the baby names section, I'm not sure why I strayed in this afternoon.
I just find it very odd that a post is started slating a name, an identifying, unusual name, when it's not even the op using it.

[didwedotherightthing]

I wouldn't choose that name as it sounds a bit canine. I also dislike very common and very uncommon names in equal measure!

LeChien, do people ever post here slating their own name choices? And are we only meant to post on MN to seek opinions on things that directly and personally affect us?

[Fishwives]

I agree with Squoosh - US surname-as-name preppy, like Hunter/Cooper. Seems to be starting something of a trend over here. Not wild about it personally, but aren't you afraid your SIL will read this? Pretty identifying with an unusual name, and you identifying yourself...?

[LeChien]

Yes I know didwe, but as far as I'm aware I'm also allowed to post what I did .
It just comes a cross as very mean, that's my opinion.

[ATravellingCircusCame]

I know a Baxter, with a similarly American surnamey named brother. I think it's awful, but as with all names you eventually get used to it and just come to accept it as that child.

(Except the child in DD's class called Maud, which I've yet to come to terms with, despite them being in year 6).

[Strokethefurrywall]

I like it, wouldn't even raise an eyebrow over here.

And definitely better than the old man names being done to death. But then I like surnames for first names so I'm biased.

[Shadow1986]

I know two baxters - both dogs.

Having said that I don't think it's horrendous, there are much worse names. I would just smile and say 'ah that's nice' as if it's the name they have chosen why spoil it for them.

[Glindathegoodwitch]

Dog - and a horrible little yappy terrier thing at that too (coming from a dog lover)