So, (D)M has just told me she hates our proposed name for DC2.

Once you have actually chosen a name you like discuss it with no-one!

This is the one loud and clear lesson of all baby name threads.

DS is Max (also a dog's name apparently!) DM very quietly before he was born said she wasn't sure about it, but we went with it regardless. It's now probably her favourite name ever, because of the person it's attached to. Otto is unusual but I rather like it.

I don't like it I'm afraid, but then it's not up to me! It's your choice entirely, of course.

I think you should stick with Otto as it's what you like. doesn't matter what anyone else thinks.

When I was pregnant with dd2, an aquantaince asked what we were going to call her. I said, "Mary Jane" (names changed to protect the innocent ). She said, "I prefer Jane to Mary.". I smiled and said, "I wasn't asking for your opinion."

But then I'm a bitch thick skinned.

chandon is right. Best approach is to call from the hospital and say "You have a little grandson. Otto Frederick"

Then all they can say is "Ooh lovely. We're thrilled."

I know my mum wasnt that enamoured with our name for DS but she never said it as we employed the above tactic, and once they meet them, it just becomes their name and no-one gives it another thought.

go for it, i love Otto. it was on our shortlist but we had a girl. we also liked
Conrad
Names come and go in germany as well by the way-my mum Anna was the only Anna in her class, now it is everywhere on both sides of the sea, so I say pick Otto before the vast multitudes copy you :D

I dont know. I dont dislike it but I'm not sure I like it either.

Fwiw - I know 2 couples in America with sons called Otto. Maybe it is starting to become popular?

I asked one of them if they have any German connections and they looked at me like I just fell out the sky.

If you like it, go for it. It's not as bad as Jack, Harry, Thomas etc imo

I don't like it, sorry. It sounds like it is a shortened version of something else. However if I did like it then I would use it, regardless of others opiions.

belgo, my bf's son is Eric. He is 11, so she was way ahead of the curve

As Kewcumber said, she chose her children's names, now you have the right to choose yours.

Haven't read the whole thread but would Jasper rather than Casper work better with your surname.

TBH I don't think Otto is that bad - I work with kids and we inevitably hear some corking names but once you get to know the child you just get used to them and they grow on you until you can't imagine them being anything else.

If you both love the name then use it - your parents have had their go at picking baby names!

I think Otto is nice. I don't think mil liked any of our names. Her taste is totally different. I ignored this

Gosh, I'm afraid I'm with your Mum on this one. But the key thing to remember, it's not my choice, it's not your Mum's choice. It's your choice.

Give him a good middle name because I think potentially he may want to use it when he's older. Especially as it is not a family name and you have no German heritage.

FWIW, I like your choice.

But the moral of the story is never, ever, ever, ever announce the name before the child is born. Then say, "This is Otto".

It can be hard enough choosing a name that both of you like, without trying to please everyone else in the whole, damn world.

If you want to be ahead of the curve, what about Eric?

I like otto, it's cute.

However, it's DEATH to mention a name to anyone before you have had the little mite. DH made this mistake last time and bloody MIL decided she didn't like it and would call DD something else It made DH doubt himself enough to decide against it. DD did end up with a different name, one that really suits her but MIL still refuses to use DDs self chosen nn and has come up with her own one which DD doesn't know is her.

FFS.

Hugo and Caspar are far nicer than Otto.

I think I"m with the OPs mother on this one. If there was german heritage then yes, it's OK (still don't like the name but [shrug])

Otto brings to mind a humourless and slightly sadistic German soldier.

"It is of Old German origin, and the meaning of Otto is "wealth". Common in English-speaking countries until Otto von Bismarck's German armies became threateningly powerful in the early 20th century."

Don't do it. Not for the reasons that your mum said, though.

I think it's lovely... And unusual in a nice way, not a wierd, teased for the rest of his life kind of way!

Personally I think it's really rude to be so vocal about names, unless they're going to scar a child for life. My DB and SIL have chosen a name that is very much not my cup of tea... But I just smile politely and say that although I wouldn't choose it, it's lovely.... What's the point of hurting their feelings over something so personal... Saying that, I'm 25w and have chosen a name for our boy... One of this list of overused and boring names that are getting a roasting on here and I couldn't care less what people say... It has a special meaning to DH and I and sod anyone else

Why do people do this?! Just keep the name to yourself and announce the name once your baby has arrived safe and healthy, IMO!! Saves a lot of heartache. My parents were not informed, it's a personal choice and I don't think it's anyone else's business what you think of calling your baby.

Otto is great and was my first choice for a while. It wasn't popular with my family though, for the reasons above. My step dad is Austrian and said Otto is an old man's name over there - so you are on trend with the current old people's names fashion here.

I went with another 'dog's name' in the end, only 62 others born in the same year in the UK.

A yes vote for Otto from me.

Personally I think it's awful. Sorry. And I do think it's odd to give your child a name which is very specific to a country when you have no connection to it. I have a French name, and the only connection is that my father lived there for 6 months once- I do explain it over and over and over.

I can understand why you discuss names with those closest to you when pg, btw- I really wanted to know what they thought and if there were problems DH and I hadn't thought of. There was one name I was put off that way, and I am very very glad that they did put me off because that name would have been a burden to my son.

It does not matter that you have no connection with the country of origon...my DD has a Spanich name...we have no connection and nobody has asked if we do...not once!

Families I know that sound like you in terms of your preferences have boys called Finn, Inigo, Xavier, Sebastian, Arlo, Louis and Caspar.

I like it, and think it's much better than Hugo or Caspar.