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Baby names

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Benedict William and unfortunate nicknames?

35 replies

Peregrin · 14/09/2013 21:21

Baby boy is due any time soon and DH is having second thoughts on the name. We'd kind of agreed on Benedict, as one of the few names neither of us objected to (though not keen on shortening to Ben or Ned), it sort of works in the various languages in the family, and we like its meaning.

However, there is a campaign underway now in favour of William. We actually both really like the English version of the name, and both his parents and mine love it much more than Benedict. Problem is: 1) I dislike the equivalent name in my mother tongue, 2) William sounds more English than Benedict and since neither of us were born English, I fear we would look like we are trying too hard.

I could propose William as the middle name and let everyone pick their favourite of the two when addressing the child, but I can't banish "Bendy Willy" from my mind! I don't want people snickering behind his back throughout his life (though we do live abroad for now and the locals would probably not think of these nicks).

Thoughts?

OP posts:
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JasmineIndigo · 11/09/2022 07:26

I have a brother called Benedict, he's always been Ben and has never been called Bendydick. Maybe it's a regional thing to make that connection?

Algor1thm · 10/09/2022 22:46

Yeah... there was a Benedict in my year at school. Obviously he was Bendy Dick to everyone for 5 years. Pair that with William and that's a tough name to handle.

autumnboys · 10/09/2022 09:14

I have a lovely BIL called Benedict, the children call him Uncle Eggs. He goes by Ben though mostly.

I would advise against letting people address your child with whichever name they prefer though. Choose a name and be united on it.

Ducksurprise · 10/09/2022 09:08

So what did BenedictHater11 post to revive the thread, and what happened to haters 1-10?

KentuckyDerbyandJoan · 10/09/2022 09:02

Umm the Ops Bendy Willy will now be nearly 9, very old thread.

carefullycourageous · 10/09/2022 08:55

ofwarren · 10/09/2022 08:34

This post is 9 years old!

Grin
ofwarren · 10/09/2022 08:34

This post is 9 years old!

RicottaCheesePie · 10/09/2022 08:27

I love the name Benedict. Classy and underused.
William is a bit boring imo.

Gonnagetacatwhenimovein · 10/09/2022 08:25

Never knew a Benedict who wasn’t known as Ben once they started school

J0y · 10/09/2022 08:18

I prefer Benedict to Benjamin.

What about Benedict Liam. Sounds less English, although it doesn't sound not English either, ykwim. Benedict Liam removes the possibility of Bendy Willy as a nn.

Although, I don't think boys end up with a nn based on their middle name!

PileofLogs · 10/09/2022 08:15

I wouldn't put them together if you're worried about this, or else add another name in between (not Richard, Jock, Percy or Peter). I know Benedicts and Williams and am not aware of any Bendy Dick/Willy stuff but then maybe I wouldn't be. But if it's on your mind it will stay on your mind.

Lilacsunflowers · 10/09/2022 08:10

Im actually wondering whether the op is a wind up..?!

carefullycourageous · 10/09/2022 08:10

TheRobberBride · 14/09/2013 21:40

I thought 'Bendy Willy' when I saw the title of this thread. But most people are probably more mature.

I don't think they are. I'm not anyway Grin

Lilacsunflowers · 10/09/2022 08:08

All Benedicts I've known got called Bendy Dick at some point

And Williams Willy.

So not, really not a good combination!

jrt2022 · 09/09/2022 17:39

TheRobberBride · 14/09/2013 21:40

I thought 'Bendy Willy' when I saw the title of this thread. But most people are probably more mature.

Same, if I'm honest.

Keep Benedict and lose William!

ChnandlerBong · 09/09/2022 17:24

Really think that your opinions are the only ones that matter - if you're not sure about William then don't be swayed by the grandparents opinions?

I like the name but it will get shortened to Ben so if you don't like that then think again? Agree with the poster saying wait until he's born - a whole new name might spring to mind!

MarmiteCoriander · 09/09/2022 16:41

I had never thought of Bendy Dick before, but I now always will 😆
Any other names you like?
I certainly don't think having William as a 1st name is too 'English' either.

YourUserNameMustBeAtLeast3Characters · 09/09/2022 16:40

I think it’s not the best combination. A filler middle name between the two might work.

Bennett William?

Luredbyapomegranate · 09/09/2022 16:36

evamummy · 16/09/2013 13:49

Individually, both names are unfortunately quite teasable
Benedict = Bendy Dick
William = Willy
So I really wouldn't put them together!

They are both really common names and will end up as Ben and Will, they won’t get teased. (I must know a dozen Benedict’s, and have never heard Bendy dick in my life.)

If you are worried about the combo just stick something else between them.

But the main thing OP is it’s for you and your partner to name this baby. And no you cannot allow people to pick either name - the poor baby will be completely confused!

Decide what first name the two of you want and stick with it. Add middle names to manage family politics if you want.

BenedictHater11 · 09/09/2022 14:12

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

Littlecherublegs · 03/10/2013 19:48

I like the name Benedict - have never thought / heard of it being referred to as Bendy Dick though can definitely see it now and it does put me off!

When I saw the title of your thread I did think Bendy Willy though (strange!)

bananamummy · 03/10/2013 18:45

Ha, ha, Bendy Dick - now will always think of this when I hear Benedict.

Willy is, probably, an inevitable nickname for William at some point on the school playground.

LittlePandaBear · 03/10/2013 17:23

Could you add in another middle name perhaps before William to make the association less obvious? Not Richard :)

carrie105 · 03/10/2013 16:01

I have a friend Benedict, mid 30s. He is known as Ben, in fact a lot of people that have known him for years don't even know his full name is Benedict (always assume Benjamin). I have known him for over 10 years, I only found out his name was Benedict 7 or 8 years ago, and liked the name when I found out, it suits him a lot more than Benjamin would considering his age. I must admit Bendy Dick has never occurred to me, but now you mention it, he may get his leg pulled a little at the next pub quiz!

Frikadellen · 16/09/2013 18:15

I know 2 Benedicts they are both called Benedict no Ben Ned or Bendy Dick's