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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!

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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.

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