Both granny's don't like the names we have chosen

This is why DH & I didn't share our name for DS until he was already born.

Seriously though, ignore them. This is obviously a sweeping generalisation, there'll be exeptions to this, but in my experience, older people, like grandparents, aren't usually familiar with what names are popular or sound good to most people having babies now.

For instance, my PIL's think that Isabella / Isabelle / Isobel etc is a hopelessly old-fashioned name that would be cruel to inflict on a child. No amount of me saying "But it's a lovely name that's been in the top 20 for years " will convince them otherwise.

My aunty told me recently that a friend of hers had a new grandson with a really unusual name. The grandson is called Jack.

Grandparent's name opinions are not to be trusted.

Never tell people (especially family) your chosen names - ever. Well, you can when the baby is born.

Herbert is a splendid name. Some friends if my sister have a little boy called Herbie. I love it!

I really like Bertie. I think it has a lot of style and would suit boys who are reserved and quiet as well as extroverts.

We kept our name choice a secret until after DD born. People (MIL) were still twats about it.

If you love the name, ignore everyone else. But if it is making you second guess your choice, maybe you are not as confident in it as you thought.

Personally, I think Bertie is a good name.

I made the mistake of sharing my girl and boy name choices with colleagues back in 1989 when pg with DD1 and to a woman they all piped up with more modern girl names instead of the old fashioned name I had chosen. Two of them suggested Brittany . My mum and dad argued back and forth between Suzanne and Susannah for me and ended up deadlocked so scrapped it completely. Mum wanted modern Suzanne, dad favoured the 'old fashioned' Susannah. If he had got his way I would be right on trend now.

Maybe the ladies you have told are just a bit out of fashion and think of Berties their own age or older?

I don't like Herbert either, but if you do, it's none of the GPs business - they got their chance to choose names a generation ago!
Ro(bert)?

Herbert does mean 'a bit daft' rather like Wally.
Bertie is lovely and you could have Albert or Bertrand [not Cuthbert!!] for the long name :)

IrnBru

Looks like you've got yourself unnecessarily stressed out by reading this topic if this kind of thing annoys you so much!

Argh these type of threads I do not get!! Why would you talk about your name choices with relatives before your baby is born?? Surely it would make sense to keep the names you like to yourself and announce the baby's name after he is born? Being pregnant is stressful as it is at times without the added pressure of relatives quizzing you about your name choices..

It never occurred to me to talk about the names DH and myself liked each time. We kept the names to ourselves and announced them after the birth.

When DS3 was born DH phoned the older DC and said you have a baby brother he's called S and DD sent me a text straight away saying call him Isaac, then my sister text me and said "I can't believe you actually meant you like S"
They soon get used to it.

They will get used to it so quickly. Stanley was an issue here.

Agree that you have now learned not to share your names beforehand.

My MILs MIL told her that the name she had picked for dh was a dogs name and she ended up changing it after closing her eyes and picking in a baby book. This was after he was born!

However that was a different generation, although I still don't believe she should have done it.

Name your baby whatever you like.

Well maybe it will bring them together

Maybe you should come up with a truly dreadful name. Dunno what but something really objectionable. And say that you have changed to that. Then they will be relieved and embrace Herbert.

Herb is a cool nickname

woofers my ds is called Herbie. We didn't like Herbert but loved Herbie so that's what we chose.

It does take time for people to get used to a name but honestly if you like it then go for it.

I've only ever heard nice things about my ds' name. Everyone seems to love it and says what a cute/great name.

It took me a while to get used to it but seriously I couldn't imagine my ds being called anything else. Don't let them put you off your chosen name.

We haven't told anyone our names for this reason! I'm too easily influenced by people's opinions and know we'd never end up agreeing on a name as it would be impossible to think of one EVERYONE loves!

My poor Nanna is in for a shock if it's a boy as it will be the same name as her budgie!

People get used to it, I really would just stick with your choice and don't worry!

For exactly this reason we didn't share pre the baby being born with anyone. As people love babies whatever especially gp. Just take it as a warning sign about what to expect once baby is here- my parents have never been so annoying and I know they would have had a pov and I may not have liked it.

Summer is a while away just keep thinking and mull it over you may change your mind by then. But it's your choice- they are not going to love their gc any less.

Laquila - cynical old me saw it as a passive aggressive way to try and get their way on the name. It was a lovely poem and we're now all able to joke that Wilf will ask in years to come "who's Freddie?" Ha ha

Just thinking that its none of my business and do you really mind what I say?No then don't mind what they say.xx

And the moral of the story is? Never tell anyone your baby names until AFTER the birth. Don't even mention ideas in passing - not a word! Most people will express an opinion pre-birth but rarely afterwards. Unless they are very rude and then their opinions don't matter!

^^

Actually it always surprises that people who choose such Marmite names are then surprised when they get a negative reaction. Isn't that the whole point of choosing such a name in the first place?

They're not my choices ... but why are you even discussing your chosen names with people? This is what happens when you do that!

They've got a point......

That said, they've had their turn at naming their children, so now it's your turn.
However, I can't understand why you would tell people your intentions before the baby is born, if you don't want opinions on it ?

You are entitled to choose a name, they are entitled to dislike it. That's their honest reaction (it would be mine actually and I'm sure others will share their opinion) if it bothers you then find another name. Otherwise as others have said I'm sure it will grow on them in time if little Herbert is a little sweetie.