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Baby names

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Original poster

Why do people say "Ergh... that's a dog's name!"?

81 replies

NatureAbhorsAHoover · 05/02/2012 15:03

First it was Lily and Molly - people would say they knew a dog with that name, like that's a reason it should never be used on a human Hmm

Now I see the same for some boys names - Toby and Monty, I'm looking at you Smile

This makes no sense to me. Names take a few years to filter into the public consciousness. I always thought we 'try out' names on our dolls and our pets as children ... and then when we're grown up we get to use the ones we like the most on real live babies! Grin

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babyphat · 09/02/2012 20:57

i really want a cat so i can call it Pussy.

i just like the idea of yelling 'Pussy!' out the door at feeding time (immature).

that's definitely not a baby's name.

suburbophobe · 09/02/2012 20:36

children are now named after brands? I know a Diesel, an Armani and a Lexus!

I prefer the country names I've heard of - India, Kenya, Mali Grin

OTTMummA · 09/02/2012 20:29

I have choosen Rex as my 1st choice boy's name with William as a middle name.
I personally think it is a lovely name for a boy, i have never met or heard of a dog called rex, but have known a molly, mable, sally, bonnie, jack, alfie, poppy, max and a frank!

I have always called my pets something non real iykwim, like buster, boo, smudge, rusty etc, so rex doesn't make me think of a dog at all.

hubbahubster · 08/02/2012 08:47

Hmm, yes I have had a little girl with the same name as my dog come up to us in the park! I also know of a dog called Dave. That tickles me :)

PopcornBiscuit · 07/02/2012 16:00

I reckon short, snappy pets names are "done" now. Must be time for a new fashion. Here's to a new generation of dogs called Philomena, Esperanza, Dionysius and Vercingetorix :o

LiviaAugusta · 06/02/2012 21:58

I work with animals and unfortunately some names have become 'off limits' due to the number of times I see them associated with four legs rather than two. I suppose it's a bit like being a teacher, there are so many associations with certain names which are difficult to get away from. My family have always named their pets 'proper' names, which is all well and good until you're trying to think where you've heard a name before and realise it was a dog or cat! Naming our first was a nightmare, the two girl names I liked I'd already given to the dogs (I got them before I met DH when I was sure I'd never have children), and DH got stuck on Angus which I refused as I'd seen too many Westies and Scotties called Angus and Hamish Blush.

Having said that some names are brilliant with animals, I love dogs called Dave and I've met a couple of cats called Nigel. My next dog has to be a Boris!

MyBoysHaveDogsNames · 06/02/2012 21:00

I agree Usingapseudonym and I was expecting people to tell me I had two dogs' names, but people around here must be very polite as I haven't had too many comments!

Got a Rex and a Rufus. Not that obedient and can be smelly but very lovely.

Lonnie · 06/02/2012 20:46

My sister broke up with her boyfriend of many years and he after a while went to a party with some friends. On being introduced to a girl saying "this is Diana" he said "Oh I know someone who has a dog named that"
(my mother and stepdad) Didnt stop her marrying him laughs (later on giggles

phlossie · 06/02/2012 20:19

I was going to say hubbahubster - I have seen all those names on MN!

lockets · 06/02/2012 19:34

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hubbahubster · 06/02/2012 19:24

I call my pets preposterous names to avoid all this. I've had a Pandora, Tallulah and Bellatrix. Planning to call the next dog Heathcliff :)

lockets · 06/02/2012 17:49

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shockers · 06/02/2012 17:24

I know a Doberman called Norman. I don't think I'd use it for a child though Grin

phlossie · 06/02/2012 17:14

cecilyP - That is brilliant!

CecilyP · 06/02/2012 16:55

I once knew and Afghan hound called Samantha, which I think rather suited her.

lockets · 06/02/2012 14:27

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birdofthenorth · 06/02/2012 14:26

Apparently DD has a cow's name. Well, I'm unlike to have the opportunity to name any cows in my line of work, so forgive me if I use it for my daughter, no?!

Correctmeifiamwrong · 06/02/2012 14:07

I get more annoyed when people think it is hillarious to introduce their dog to your child because you child has their dogs name.

I am not talking Fido or Spot here - along the lines of James, David, Philip...

CharlieBoo · 06/02/2012 14:04

But Toby IS a dogs name? All of my friends dogs as kids were called Toby... Even dh's dog was called Toby... So for me, I couldn't possibly consider it for a baby.

phlossie · 06/02/2012 14:01

Just had to Google axoltl - amazing! Are they the only lizard that lives underwater? I think I saw one at a wildlife place. And they definitely suit the name Randall.

pranma · 06/02/2012 13:55

Our dogs were Maisie and Oscar-both lovely names for dc imho-dd considered maisie for her dc1 but he was a boy.

PopcornBiscuit · 05/02/2012 23:01

I definitely think of some names as "cat's names" whereas not so much with dogs (maybe because I like dogs but not cats!)

It's just the first association I make, not deliberately. I'd never announce it to someone who had just called their child that name but I do say so on here, if people are wanting honest opinions.

Could be because some names have usually been pets names in my lifetime until quite recently when they've come back into fashion as human names.

GrimmaTheNome · 05/02/2012 22:55

Kaekae - I've got a sausage dog, upon whom my dd bestows extra names. One is Humphrey Camel - because he walks like a camel but is hump-free.

lockets · 05/02/2012 22:49

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lockets · 05/02/2012 22:48

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