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Baby names

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

So what do we all think of the name Raoul?

42 replies

sexybrunettemotherof5 · 05/09/2010 23:32

I quite like it, but feel it might be a bit poncey, he might grow up to be a ballet dancer or somesuch. What do you think?

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mathanxiety · 23/09/2010 19:06

Lounge lizard with medallion if older, or cabana boy if a teen, and just like the hilarious Irn Bru ad.

kat2504 · 23/09/2010 17:56

Are you spanish/spanish speaking with a spanish surname?
Yes - go for it
No- would say no.

Would not be influenced by Raoul Moat, it is a common enough name in Spanish speaking countries, would be like saying don't call your baby Ian because of Ian Huntley. There are plenty of little Freddies around in spite of Fred West. But I agree with whoever posted that it would sound odd with an English name.

thesecondcoming · 23/09/2010 16:48

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

thumbwitch · 23/09/2010 15:32

Makes me think of Raoul Julia and therefore Gomez Addams.

RamblingRosa · 23/09/2010 15:31

Didn't actually make me think of Moat. Made me think of Raul Castro. Anyway, FWIW, I'm not sure that I like the sound of it, regardless of the connotations. It's quite a harsh vowel sound IMO.

SixtyFootDoll · 23/09/2010 15:29

What aboout Roald?

seenyertoeslately · 23/09/2010 15:27

Very nice name.

Would you regard it as a problem if your son were a ballet dancer?

minipie · 23/09/2010 15:18

I wouldn't use it unless you're Mediterranean.

Kathleen123 · 23/09/2010 15:16

Moat immediately comes to mind.

saucetastic · 23/09/2010 15:13

Love your spelling. First thought of Raul Julia. Great actor, great name.

coraltoes · 23/09/2010 15:09

Raoul is very common in italy/spain/portugal/france, and a lovely name. I think with a very anglicised surname it might sound odd

ie: Raoul Smith

but if your name has a bit of flair go for it.

I dont associate names with serial killers, and find it incredibly insensitive to raise the moat link in such a jokey manner on here... Actually Raoul makes me think of a bar I used to frequent in Oxford!

BuntyPenfold · 23/09/2010 14:58

Yuk Custardo

Tortington · 23/09/2010 14:54

Roul is 19, i know i shouldn't but he looked at me with his deep brown eyes and i couldn't resist his strong hands lifting my skirt

EndangeredSpecies · 23/09/2010 14:51

Raoul is also Italy's sexiest actor. www.raoulbova.it

ladyharriet · 06/09/2010 18:25

Oh God yes, he definitely has a moustache.

GladioliBuckets · 06/09/2010 18:15

Raoul has a moustache.

Grandhighpoohba · 06/09/2010 17:27
ZZZenAgain · 06/09/2010 11:39

I don't see Raoul as a ballet dancer, more a mechanic

ilovesprouts · 06/09/2010 11:38

makes me think of moat too sorry !

anamaria22 · 06/09/2010 11:33

I like Raoul. Classic, simple name. Not overused. Great. Smile.

No-one will think of Raoul Moat when they hear Raoul in a year's time.

I don't get the ballet dancer comment, actually. Are you saying you think your ds is likely to become a ballet dancer and you're not sure if Raoul is a suitable name? Or are you saying the name Raoul will make him become one Hmm?

gagamama · 06/09/2010 11:01

When the Moat thing was happening, every time I heard the name on the news I thought "what a great name". But too much has been and gone since then, it wouldn't be right for a couple of years now at least. I don't think murderer names are necessarily a no-go, but when it's an unusual name which a lot of people will only associate with the killer, I think you have to avoid. It will look like you've named the baby after him.

suwoo · 06/09/2010 10:49

It only makes me think of Moat. Sorry.

SirBoobAlot · 06/09/2010 10:34

The Phannnnnnnnnnnnnnntom of the Opera is here...

Depends when you're due. If its this year, I wouldn't, as everyone will think if Moat. Next year - see how the publicity is at the time.

Aside from Moat, I think its a lovely name. Though the Raoul in Phantom is a fop.

Peaceflower · 06/09/2010 08:56

My ex boss was called Raoul and he was a lovely and extremely capable man.

However whenever I thought of his name, it brought to mind the sound of a dog howling - Ra-oouuuuulll Grin.

ShadeofViolet · 06/09/2010 08:53

What Mummylovessadie said.

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