Is this name crazy?

[Avocadosmoothie]

Honest opinions please, what do you think to River for a boy? My husband and I absolutely love it. My concerns are that I can't imagine the name River on a man and that it's so 'out there' he could hate it. What do you think? Thanks for the help!!!

[Ditsy1980]

I love it. But then I was in love with River Phoenix in the 90s. still am tbh
Is there a name you like for a middle name if he hates it that he could use when older?

[Sophronia]

I love it!

[HailLapin]

It is rather "out there" and made me think of River Phoenix too but if you love it then you should use it.

[Littlepond]

Love it

[SequinsOnEverything]

I love it. Would never convince dh to use it though!

[ILostItInTheEarlyNineties]

Jamie Oliver called his new son River so it will become more popular.
I think the full name is River Rocket , I guess in tribute to Jamie's favourite lettuce.

[Avocadosmoothie]

We love it but I'm worried we're being selfish as I'm sure it's a name some could have strong feelings about and I'd hate to have given him a name he hates (even if he has a sensible middle name he could change too). Plus I struggle to see it on a man, what would you think if you were introduced to a middle aged man called River, would you think it a silly name?

[Viviennemary]

No. It's just too way out unless you're a pop or film star. But there's nothing actually wrong with it. But tbh I wouldn't.

[villainousbroodmare]

I would giggle internally tbh.

[Awwlookatmybabyspider]

Don't think its crazy. I think any name goes now.
I don't like it on a personal level, though.

[17caterpillars1mouse]

I quite like it. I actually can picture it on a man and thinks it works. He would have to be the confident type though

[Avocadosmoothie]

Vivienne - that's exactly what I keep thinking! Imagine if he has a really serious or professional job when he's older. I can't imagine an accountant or teacher or lawyer called River!

[Needalifeoverhaul]

I like it. I think it's got a quirky charm to it. Even on a middle aged man!

[Viviennemary]

Or a Prime Minister. Don't think we'll have a Prince River any time soon If in doubt don't would be my advice re baby names.

[TatianaLarina]

I think if you're a hippy milieu - Glastonbury, Totnes, Camden it's fine.

[MrsPringles]

I don't like it, sorry

[geneveve]

Love it.

[ILostItInTheEarlyNineties]

It probably will gain popularity and when he's older River will be the new Kevin.

I agree with a pp though. If in doubt, use it as a middle name and pick a more traditional first name.

[IceBearRocks]

I love it!!'nn

[daisypond]

I do think River Phoenix. I think it could be hard to pull off as a grown man - it depends on his personality. I imagine someone who has to excuse his hippie parents with an eye roll every time he introduces himself- if he hasn't changed his name by that point. Could you maybe find the name of a river and use that instead? Hudson? Rio?

[UnbornMortificado]

I know one of about the age two, the parents are into all that new age stuff. I'm in a poor area we get some original names.

I also know a Mercedes and an Angel-Mae.

[Ecureuil]

I know a 7 year old and a 2 year old River so it doesn't seem that 'out there' to me. They're completely 'normal', non hippy families.
I don't actually like the name though.

[Waytoogo]

No, just no

[Mrsknackered]

I know a little boy River, a teenage River and a girl called River. So not particularly out there.

I like it, and much more so for a boy.

[grasspigeons]

I really like it, but I do think it's a name you need to hear with the surname to know if it works. Just make sure it doesn't sound like a plausible river.