Name bullying

I was one of those kids, and had a hard time before I worked out why. I was teased about my name (which could be shortened to the name of a well-known fashion doll - people used to sing the advertising slogans at me).
I agree that it is nothing to do with the name. If kids want to make fun of someone, they will find something.

I know where you are coming from Cheerful. There are life's natural vicitms, and those who just rise above it.

Disclaimer - That does not make any bullying right.

I'm sorry for how that came across. What I meant was, in my years of working with children, there are occasionally those who seem to be a target for bullies for no reason that I or any other adults can see...other than that maybe the kid is a bit shy and the bullies are horrid and mean. Of course it's not the child's fault!

And I have also, over the years, seen kids who will not be picked on no matter what, who could wear or say or be named anything and still not be picked on for anything. They have a natural (or maybe it's taught, I don't know) self confidence.

Thi is just something I've witnessed many times. It doesn't mean I think it's right and it doesn't mean that I would ever allow a child to be bullied.

"If the kid is one of those scapegoat kids"

This is really nasty TBH.

No, kids normally accept most names. Unless the name is Poopoohead or Willy, most kids will just accept a name as a name and they couldn't care less whether their mates are called Trevor, Tristan, Timmy or or Tarquin.

I've heard mumsnetters warn that children with certain names "cannot possibly go to a state school but will only survive in private school" and in my experience that is completely unfounded - most kids seem to be far more open minded than their parents!

Wha!? So if the kid "asks for it" they'll get bullied????

Depends.

If the kid is one of those scapegoat kids who will be picked on no matter what, the name will come into play no matter what it is.

If the child is one of those who gives off the "I don't give a toss" vibe and is "cool", he/she could be named almost anything and not be teased for it.

I just think, as long as you are naming a person, who will grow up, and not trying to make a statement about yourself, then you'll be fine.

One of the worst names I can think of, that I have heard was Maverick. On the face of it, fairly "cool", but really saying a lot about the parents' values.

What if Maverick decided to become an accountant?

I think there's always the potential for some kids minded to pick on names to do so notwithstanding that the name might be the most innocuous name going. A friend of mine has a son named Peter. Nowt wrong with that you might think. The kids at primary school call him Pizza!

I don't think 'bullying' happens over a name (that's much more complex) but I don't understand why you would want to give a boy what is commonly perceived to be a girl's name, for example, or initials that form a word you wouldn't want to be called, etc. It's just putting a open invitation for teasing on a plate.

It's certainly less prevalent. I've noticed a bit of teasing (not bullying) over unisex names where boys have been told they have a girl's name, especially when a boy and girl with the same name have been in the same class. The only other example I can think of is where parents gave their dd a name that can be used in a pejorative way (G-y-p-s-e-y) and she's grown into a hard little girl, out of necessity sadly, far too early ime.

Good point about forenames vs surnames. My maiden name looked Asian too (although it's quite an old English name)

here

and in Canada!

I think that if you named your child something stupid like Dick Head for example, they would get bullied or at least teased mercilessly. Unusual name...? Probably not unless it was really daft.

yes. I'll try and find the link

Not enough challenge, there, tether ....

I once knew a Rubab

and an R'Marni

I've taught in inner London for ten years and have never come across a child being bullied for their name.

Not even little Zulfucker (I kid you not).

"Children with more unusual names tend to have something interesting about there character. "

I very much doubt it, but I suspect their parents like to think so

I don't ever remember anyone be bullied because of their name, my sister has a Mel name so very much open to Smelly Melly but I dont ever remember her being teased about it

I should add my daughter has a 'different' name and I expect the next will too. Not worried about bullying for it. I am more worried about Facebook and forum bullying (forgot to add that earlier)!!!

IME, primary school age children totally take unusual names in their stride. Parents' ideas of a rhyme that children might make up are very out-of-date

No! I work as a therapist in schools and children with the most 'normal' names get bullied. Children with more unusual names tend to have something interesting about there character. This can often attract positive attention from peers. The bullying tends to be more about academic achievement and social class. Sometimes it's hard to know why a child has been victimised. I do think adults bully about names though "oh that poor child" !