Do you think Gabriel sounds ok with this surname?

[Ondine]

Surname is Darling. I'm slightly concerned the combination might sound a bit flowery?

But I can't find anything I like as much as Gabriel.

Also middle name would begin with O so intials would be GOD. Is it all a bit too OTT?

[pranma]

Yes-afraid it is a bit-he'd find it very hard at school I think-can't you change the middle name to one beginning with a consonant and then give your O name as a third.

[TheFallenMadonna]

Oh gawd. I would normally advocate going for what you love, but GOD? That is a bit...

And Gabriel Darling...

Sounds like a mother calling down a Waitrose aisle. A bit...

Sorry.

[said]

GOD is a great set of initials. Love it. But you're always going to find a name with Darling quite trickyish

[themachinist]

I actually like the name Gabriel, but not with that surname, and the GOD acronym is hideous.

Going to be tricky with the surname (sorry).
I wonder if a one syllable christian name would sound stronger with Darling, Darling?

[ZZZenAgain]

maybe you need something more austere to combat the effect of Darling.

Not that I particularly like this name but for instance Frederick Darling has a very different feel to it. Maybe Jonathan or a name like that might work.

[Amapoleon]

I don't think it goes but anything is going to be tricky.

[pofacedandproud]

It is brilliant. You must do it. Bit I'd also suggest getting this thread deleted as it reveals your surname.

[said]

Butch Darling?

[Rindercella]

I adore the name Gabriel (am seriously considering it if DC2 turns out to be a boy), but not with the surname Darling I'm afraid. I agree that you need something quite austere to counter the Darling effect. Probably not Alistair though

[Ondine]

Do you really think it's brilliant pofaced, would you honestly go for it?

That?s a good idea pranma, just add another name before the O name. DH thinks GOD is a really funny in a good way intial, so I just wasn?t sure if it was good or megalomaniacal .

Gabriel is harder to let go of. Everything sounds silly anyway. I agree, logically a short, austere name might be best but can't find any I like.

[busybutterfly]

You're not serious...surely?! He will have to go out into the big wide world and that is NOT a good name for a wee boy... FGOD'SS heh heh

[PavlovtheForgetfulCat]

Gabriel, AND the initials GOD, probably a bit ott. Does the middle name have to be 'O'?

I think its not toooo bad, if the initials were not GOD.

[pofacedandproud]

I think it is fine. No one is actually going to think you are claiming your child is God, are they? It is just a funny coincidence. and I like the name Gabriel. Look, Orlando Bloom did well, didn't he? It is a great actor's name. Darling is a very unusual surname and will bring attention even if you call him Bob. So have the first name you really want.

[pippapenguin]

My DD's initials are STD and NO-ONE in 25 years has ever mentioned it. Gabriel is my favourite boys name ever and I think you should go for what you love, not for everyone else thinks.

[Ondine]

The middle name we're thinking of is Oran (family in Ireland so need one Irish name).

I may put Sebastian in to break the GOD initials but like you say pippa maybe it will never come up, I don't remember using mine at school?

Thanks for everyone replies. I will give it a bit more thought

[tearinghairout]

You should deffo have the nameyou love, or you'll regret it for ever. DH talked me out of mine in a weak moment (just after giving birth)
Gabe Darling sounds a bit more butch - will you use Gabe d'you think?

[Ondine]

you didn't get the name you wanted tearinghairout.

I do love the name and you're right Gabe is more masculine and the one syllable works better.

I should probably just go for it, I'm just really paranoid about giving someone a name that they won't like as i've never liked my own name.

[Bondwife]

I love Gabe and GOD is just so funny! How much fun is that when he is older and girls say to him 'who do you think you are GOD?' he can actually say yes!!!

The Darling family were in Peter Pan - the boys were Michael and John and the father was George. How about a character name from the book? Hook was James (just like James Matthew Barrie the author) and some of the lost boys were, Curly, Marmaduke and Binky.

[tearinghairout]

Can we link Binky to the thread about country clothing? Binky Darling sounds soooo mustard cords!

[aLittlePatience]

Please forgive me if I'm not meant to link to other sites, as I'm new at this.
May I suggest looking at
www.babynamesofireland.com/as this site has the baby names read out by Frank McCourt in a genuine Irish accent.
Very useful for those Irish names that you may not know how to pronounce.

I agree that something 'harsher' may need to be placed before Darling. Maybe Victor, or John? Good luck.

[doubleexpresso]

Agree with aLittlePatience. A really strong sounding name is needed to go with your surname. What about Matthew, Tom ? Can't think of anymore ...

[belgo]

I think Raphael goes better with Darling.

[diddl]

I think it´s the surname & "GOD" that will get the teasing, tbh.