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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Boys names, 'normal' please.

116 replies

DetectivePotato · 21/08/2010 10:36

I am pregnant with DC2. I have a DS and we have used our boys name. Really struggling with another.

I like Harry, DH isn't quite so sure but I may be able to persuade him.

There are names that are ok but I don't love them.

Can't have names in the family (according to DH) so out is Daniel, Callum, Matthew, Sam, James. All names that I like!

I like traditional 'normal' names. None of this Benedict/Cassius stuff (appologies to anyone who likes these or who has named their DS's these names but they are just not for me).

I also don't care how common it is. If I like it, I will use it (apart from Jack, far too many).

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littledawley · 23/08/2010 19:35

Just read last post - my Edward also has the middle name David, I think that they go really nicely together Smile

littledawley · 23/08/2010 19:34

Edward - it's the best boy's name ever. Lots of options - Ed, Eddy, Ned, Ted, Tedward, Edster! A real classic which IMHO will never date.

My Edward is six now and I have never once wished I called him anything else - my girls I have always wobbled about.

Original poster
DetectivePotato · 23/08/2010 19:27

My grandad said that, as its his name and his sons. Smile

OP posts:
mathanxiety · 23/08/2010 18:47

I think David is due a revival.

Original poster
DetectivePotato · 23/08/2010 18:41

Thanks. Yes there are all 'normal' names (what I would consider to be so anyway, obviously everyone is different).

I just find boys names so hard. Girls names are much nicer tbh. I have no problem finding girls names I love.

I think my 3 of Harry, Alexander and Benjamin are my shortlist. I haven't really found anything else to add.

I quite like Patrick now its been mentioned on here but my DH's step grandad is called that and he gives me the creeps.

OP posts:
sonniebonnie · 23/08/2010 18:12

Names like Cassius, Quentin, Benedict or Mungo seem perfectly normal in some places but they probably are still less widely used in other areas of the UK.

How about Steven, Michael or John as nice, solid normal names that aren't too common?

minipie · 23/08/2010 17:51

Agree that Cassius, while a perfectly nice name, would definitely be seen as weird in some areas.

How about:

Edward
Mark
Paul
Peter
Adam
Luke
Christopher (Chris)
Alexander (Alex)
David
Robert (Rob)
Fred
Andrew (Andy)
Jonathan (Jon)
Nicholas (Nick)
Martin
Simon

All very "normal". Some of them are more associated with the 1960s and 70s (i.e. people now in their 40s and 50s) and aren't so popular at the moment, but bet they will come right back.

Original poster
DetectivePotato · 23/08/2010 17:49

Didn't expect this to turn into some debate about open mindedness! Smile

Conrad. Apologies but this has always been one of the names I really loathe.

And Mungo reminds me of Mongo, the giant gingerbreadman in Shrek 2. Grin

OP posts:
mathanxiety · 23/08/2010 17:33

Names come with associations though. 'Freakonomics' has a chapter or so devoted to this topic.

bicep · 23/08/2010 07:56

Back to suggestions for Detective - Harry, Alexander, Benjamin all good. Another vote for Peter here. Lovely clean, straightforward name.

CharlieBoo · 23/08/2010 07:41

I totally agree you should be employed on your credentials and a name will not hold you back, it's just a name. My point was please can some of you guys speak up when on countless threads I see "that names too babyish/twee, how can you be PM or lawyer with that name'. Mainly on girls names threads. It's utter rubbish.My dd has a very girly name which I adore and I just can't see how it will stop her from being anything she wants. You would get teased being called mungo lionheart tho, let's be honest. :-)

thereisalightanditnevergoesout · 23/08/2010 00:48

It's funny the associations you have with names - I know a Conrad, early 40s now. Unpleasant kind of bloke - has ruined the name for me completely.

mathanxiety · 23/08/2010 00:17

Mango? Have none of you ever seen

I know a little Conrad, under a year old.

Imarriedafrog · 22/08/2010 22:29

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

SirBoobAlot · 22/08/2010 22:26

We can but hope, Imarried! Maybe I am overly sceptical :)

stleger · 22/08/2010 22:26

I have only ever met one Conrad, he was lovely.

A1980 · 22/08/2010 22:23

How about Conrad?

It's a good name and it means brave / bold ruler / counsel.

I think it's a normal name and it isn't widely used. it's very unlikely your boy will meet another child at school called Conrad.

Imarriedafrog · 22/08/2010 22:21

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Clary · 22/08/2010 22:16

I knew (of) a tree surgeon, boyfriend of a former colleague. Think his name was Derek.

That's no help is it?

Came across my first Hector this avvo, of course at a National Trust property!

OP how about names like Connor, Billy, Andrew?

SirBoobAlot · 22/08/2010 22:14

I was bullied for my name. Not crazily different, but stood out from the numerous calls of Emma, Jessica, Lily, Sam and Dan etc in the school ground. I was called "Erection" and asked if I wanted to have sex to cackles of laughter from the age of five.

So yes, it would be nice if everyone was more accepting of different names, but the fact is they're not. And before anyone asks, I live in a relatively nice area, in a supposedly open minded part of the country... But you have to be realistic.

And if you honestly think its okay to call your child "Lionheart" then you might as well stick a "Kick Me" sign on their back from the minute they are put in their first baby grow, tbh!

stleger · 22/08/2010 22:13

I am in Cork, which seems to have its own name laws. Under 18's I know include Roy (after Roy Keane, local hero and beloved of taxi drivers), two Erics, Ivan, Martin, Bernard, Leonard, Graham and Gregg. The most frequently used amongst acquaintances are Aidan, Daire, Evan, Michael and Eoin. Having said that, my ds who is 18 and wants to make a fortune in big business, wishes I had called him Wolf, which I mentioned I toyed with for 5 minutes. He reckons 'Wolf' and a firm handshake would help.

tammytoby · 22/08/2010 22:08

SirBoob, I'm sorry if I sound patronising, I do not mean to. I just honestly wished we were all a bit more open minded about different names, be they culturally different or just less common Smile.

sophiesmummie · 22/08/2010 22:03

Mungo sounds like Mango? And in your children's school that would lead to a "hell of a lot of teasing"?

I can think of much more teaseworthy names e.g. William (Willy) or Gabriel (Gayboy) etc which are much more likely to get teased by silly schoolchildren that I certainly wouldn't mind an association with a Mango!

SirBoobAlot · 22/08/2010 21:53

Have you finished patronising me, tammytoby? Hmm I'm perfectly entitled to my opinion. As will be my child(ren).

tammytoby · 22/08/2010 21:50

"I can't see a Mungo / Lionheart getting anywhere beyond the tills of McDonalds, tbh. Unless he changed his name"

I hope you don't pass these views on to your children. Let them judge others by who they are, not their name, please.