Active discussions

Help protect children from gaming harms.

Take our survey

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Baby names

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

Original poster

Harry... just too popular?

32 replies

nenehooo · 13/08/2012 14:59

Hi everyone, I'm having a massive dilemma with this...
I've wanted to use Harry for a boy for ages as it was my Grandad's name and for various reasons means alot. However both DH and I aren't too keen on having a name that's really popular - which Harry clearly is now!!!
And what's really killing it for me right now is that our neighbours have just bought a dog and named it Harry. DH also likes to point out that my Mum had a cat and called it Harry about 6 years ago although he died soon after she got him. Sad
My argument is the sentimentality of the name for me and also the fact that I'm a teacher in a London school and dont know of any boys called Harry - surely if it were that popular there'd be some around? However we've just moved to a rural area and DH says he's heard a few parents calling Harrys around here - so it's likely it's a more popular name in this area.
I guess what I'm asking is if anyone has used a really popular name and whether it's that much of a problem for you or the child? Any advice appreciated - I've got about 9 weeks to go!

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
Original poster
nenehooo · 13/08/2012 16:46

Thanks everyone - I think you're right Ruby, and that was my argument with DH when he was insisting that it was too popular around here - what it means far outweighs how many people have the same name and I guess that'll always be my argument. The thing that's bugging me most at the moment is the dog at the bottom of the garden - I just know I'm gonna hear ALOT of "HARRY NO/STOP IT/SHUT UP" coming from their direction... could get annoying!

OP posts:
LegoAcupuncture · 13/08/2012 16:46

What about using it as a middle name if your DH is against it?

I have a Harry who is 3 and yet to meet another the same age.

mumutd · 13/08/2012 16:40

I think go with your heart, the popularity of names changes all of the time. My friend was quite upset after choosing a non popular name for her daughter, when she started school there was another girl starting with the same name. Her main thought for choosing a name was that she didn't want her to be know as (for example) Anneka B (not real name Smile), which is exactly what she has been know as.

RubyFakeNails · 13/08/2012 15:35

I haven't ever used a common name but I know lots of people who have.

I don't think it's ever really been a 'problem' for the child at all. Quite often there are duplicated names at schools and I don't think the children really care. My name was implicated in one of my uni classes and somewhere I worked, really didn't bother me. Parents only see it as a problem if they're the sort to want a unique name and are really precious about that.

Harry has always been quite common, I've known a few, and have always lived in London, although do think it's less popular here than in more rural places. But for you it's the sentiment and I think that's what's important, why have a name that means nothing to you but nobody else has.

ColourMeWithChaos · 13/08/2012 15:28

My eldest (18) is a Harry (well a Henry but he never gets called that) and we haven't come across that many others.

We live in a rural village and I've got kids ranging from 18-8 months so know a lot of the children round here - I know three Harrys apart from mine - they are 10, 8 and 6.

StateofConfusion · 13/08/2012 15:15

missed a paragraph out somehow, basically every one told us he'd be one of ten in his class at school etc and it was 'common' but it doesnt appear to be!

StateofConfusion · 13/08/2012 15:12

i have a Jack, he is 5, been to preschool and completed his first year at school, we are yet to meet another Jack.

I'm pregnant now and want to call a girl Lily after my Grandma, i don't care how popular what it means to and dp is more important.