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Baby names

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Original poster

Talk to me about... surname names

86 replies

BraveLilBear · 01/05/2013 14:59

Just that really... DP and I have finally managed something of a shortlist for our soon to be DC, and two of the names on there are surname names (ie taken from a renowned surname), and one is also an American place name.

I used to be quite 'anti' them, but really like at least one of these and think it would work well. But what's the consensus?

I'm thinking distinguished names along the lines of 'Newton' (from Isaac) rather than 'Smith'...

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CoolStoryBro · 02/05/2013 01:22

I live in the US and I love loads of the surname kind of names. I know a couple of Hunter's and both of them are awesome MEN. One of them is a CEO.

I think if you like a name, go for it. And don't worry that someone from MN thinks it sounds like it should be on Jeremy Kyle.

lisaro · 02/05/2013 01:14

Normally heard screeched acriss a supermarket or on Jeremy Kyle. Sorry but you asked.

NadiaWadia · 01/05/2013 18:39

A mainly American trend that is (unfortunately IMO) catching on over here. Sorry but I dont like it much.

Why do it when there are so many great actual names available? Why Harrison (for example) when you could just use Harry?

But if you must do it, then at least use a well known example, eg Elliot. And these kinds of names suit boys better than girls.

Kelly1992 · 01/05/2013 18:14

If it's family then it's ok. but names like Elliott, Jordan, Austin, Thomas, Oliver etc. are common boys names anyway.

Although i'm not a fan myself I love Huxley and Hywel (pronounced Howell)

Rhubarbgarden · 01/05/2013 18:09

I think if it's a family name, eg mother's maiden name, then it can be ok. I don't really get why you would pluck a surname name from the air without any connection to it. It also depends on the name; eg Lewis is ok but Hunter is awful imo. And I have yet to hear a surname name on a girl that sounds nice, somehow they just sound very masculine to me, even Piper and Madison etc.

Catlike · 01/05/2013 17:59

They're very fashionable at the mo. Not my cup of tea though.

usualsuspect · 01/05/2013 17:41

Lots of really popular names are surnames.

Oliver,Thomas.

I don't see the issue.

Bert2e · 01/05/2013 17:33

Sorry but I really don't like them.

soontobeslendergirl · 01/05/2013 17:28

Think they tend to work better for boys than girls but there are always exceptions.

I know a couple of Pipers - one boy one girl.

soontobeslendergirl · 01/05/2013 17:27

Some names definitely work better than others. Some surnames were surely first names in the past but evolved as surnames to differentiate people with the same first name anyway. Other obv come from trades or place names or nick names etc.

So,

some names that I think work well:

Austin
Elliott
Greig
Miles
Steven
etc etc

Then you have the occupation ones:

i.e. Carter or Miller sound ok, Turner not so good.

We had Walker on our list as it's a family name

What names is it you are considering?

OkayHazel · 01/05/2013 15:05

Depends on the name.