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Baby names

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Is there such a thing as a Chav name

119 replies

MarySA · 25/04/2012 20:30

I'm quite interested in those name theories. And how names go in and out of fashion. I've read on here about Chav names but is there such a thing. I see names that make me cringe but is it right to think of Chav names. And also upper class names. I must say I regard some names as a bit upper class like say Octavia and Benedict. I'd expect them to sail into Oxford University on their name alone. (Only joking) Anyone got any thoughts on this. And stereotyping by name.

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Jaffacakeeater · 25/04/2012 22:28

When I'd just given birth to DS2 (a very solid George) the (very young) girl next to me had a Henry. Lovely name and my own choice for my firstborn. Then she spelt it out to Bounty lady H-E-N-L-I.........Oh what difference a few letters make!

amothersplaceisinthewrong · 25/04/2012 22:27

There are loads of chav names,

Anything ending in double i for starters or

Any names which belong to alchoholic drinks...Chardonnay, Bailey,

Anything obviously made up.

Jajas · 25/04/2012 22:26

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Jajas · 25/04/2012 22:24

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usualsuspect · 25/04/2012 22:24

I'm outta this thread .

Will leave you to your piss taking.

Jajas · 25/04/2012 22:24

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usualsuspect · 25/04/2012 22:23

Ah , makes you feel superior to laugh at the chavs does it

FunnysInLaJardin · 25/04/2012 22:22

although my immediate reaction wasn't 'chavvy' but 'WTF have you done to that child!'

Jajas · 25/04/2012 22:22

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FunnysInLaJardin · 25/04/2012 22:21

when DS1 was born there was a baby on the ward called Twinkle. From the roughest family too. That is chavvy IMO, not to mention cruel

TheSecondComing · 25/04/2012 22:19

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tammytoby · 25/04/2012 22:18

"If that were not true, then Oxford University would be full of Jaydens, Chardonnays and Shandy-Mays. It's not, is it?"

But the reason for their absence at Oxford is not DUE to their name but rather due to their parenting/social background. If a very literary, University educated family named their child Jayden or Chardonnay, then these kids would very likely make it into Oxford.

In my experience it is a very British phenomenon. Just look at how succesful Condoleezza Rice or Barrack Obama have become - would they have had the same chances here in the UK?

usualsuspect · 25/04/2012 22:18

What does it symbolise then? people not like you?

Jajas · 25/04/2012 22:17

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lockets · 25/04/2012 22:16

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ToryLovell · 25/04/2012 22:16

I think that

  • made up names
  • alcohol related names (Chardonnay, Hennessey etc)
  • an excess of vowels used to change the spelling of a perfectly ordinary name

all have connotations about the owner of the name

lockets · 25/04/2012 22:15

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Jolyonsmummy · 25/04/2012 22:15

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shinyblackgrape · 25/04/2012 22:14

My aunt taught twins: Armani and Versace McClatchy. True story

usualsuspect · 25/04/2012 22:13

You really think chav is not a derogatory word?

Its a bloody awful word.

Doilooklikeatourist · 25/04/2012 22:11

It's when you spell Portia .... Porsche or Porsharr , I think that's when it turns chavvy

TheNewandImprovedMrsHollywood · 25/04/2012 22:11

Usual suspect - embrace the chavviness!! I don't mind a bit of chav in my life!

BellaOfTheBalls · 25/04/2012 22:11

DS2's name is on that list lockets Grin

KenDoddsDadsDog · 25/04/2012 22:10

I have an i ending name because it's Scandi. Everyone just assumes its a 70s spelling. The chavvy thing is a new one .

TheNewandImprovedMrsHollywood · 25/04/2012 22:09

Quite true, Lockets! Those are not chavvy names! Would it work as a definition if I said brand names which were brand names before they were people names, IYKWIM? Although, in the case of Mercedes, that's obviously a name first, then a brand name, then a much more popular name?! Mmm, back to the drawing board on that particular theory!!!