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Baby names

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

Original poster

Leo and Rafael - will people think 'ninja turtles'?

31 replies

Fermin · 19/08/2014 16:07

Title says it all really. We have 2yo DS called Leo which suits him perfectly and today we've discovered that DC2 is another boy. Really struggling with names as surname is very common so would like slightly more unusual first name. The one we both really love is Rafael nn Raffy or Rafa. What do you think? Will people just think we've named Leo and Rafael after the turtles - or is it just me?

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CruCru · 19/08/2014 16:10

Haha, I see your point. I would - but most wouldn't. I used to have a random crush on Rafael from the TMNT when I was twelve (I was a weird kid).

AChocoLipsNow · 19/08/2014 16:14

Yep turtles.
How about Rafferty, I'm sure I've seen that name mentioned here a few times.

CecyHall · 19/08/2014 16:15

Yeah, I've got to admit I think that I would, shame as I like both names but they are very turtley together

BravePotato · 19/08/2014 16:15

Rafa is a nice name, so is Leo.

People don't comment that much on kids' names IME, they soon get used to kids' names whatever they are.

Gileswithachainsaw · 19/08/2014 16:15

Turtles. Sorry. :)

halfdoneharris · 19/08/2014 16:21

I think turtles - but they are both great names. Once the boys are at school they will have different friends so it will be less obvious as the names won't be said together as much... and when they are older and at work etc, no one will know that Raphael has a TMNT brother....

YWurri · 19/08/2014 16:27

Turtles. Sorry!

PotteringAlong · 19/08/2014 16:37

Yes, they will. Sorry.

katiegee · 19/08/2014 16:51

I probably wouldn't have made the turtles link initially, but when you pointed it out I did. Both are nice names, I've liked Leo for a long time and Raphael is good too.

My friend has two boys named Noel and Liam, people don't often make the oasis link and if they do, it's only briefly. If you like the names, go for it :)

curiousgeorgie · 19/08/2014 16:51

Yes... Turtles.

Rafferty as suggested above is a fantastic name!

BabsUnited · 19/08/2014 16:59

But in the Turtles weren't they both known by their full names? You have said Leo... presumably you won't be shouting "Leonardo and Raphael come here" very often. I say go for it. They are small children for a tiny portion of their lives and if you like the names independently, I don't think the association is enough to put you off. Well, it wouldn't put me off.

PandaNot · 19/08/2014 17:00

Yes they will, sorry!

TheFillyjonk · 19/08/2014 17:07

What beautiful names! I'm of the prime Turtles generation (desperately wanted to be April O'Neill - I yearned for that yellow jumpsuit) but I wouldn't have made the link with your two names.

I wouldn't have a Michael Angelo as your third, though. Wink

Shallan · 19/08/2014 17:11

So long as you don't have two dogs called michaelangelo and Donatello I think it's ok.

Leo and Rafael are both good names, and I wouldn't immediately think of the turtles (especially as it would be Leo and rafa/raffy).

spookyskeleton · 19/08/2014 17:16

AW love those names - go for it. If you are using Leo and a shortened version of Raphael then it will be less obvious.

My friend has a girl and a boy whose names together are the name of a famous shop - I don't think many people made the link apart from me and I never mentioned it to her, just used to giggle in my head Wink

TNMT will be old news again soon anyway so don't worry.

Original poster
Fermin · 19/08/2014 17:31

Thanks everyone, that's really helpful! So consensus is that yes, it is an obvious connection but that it doesn't really matter too much. I do really love the name and I was struggling as I had hundreds of girls names I adored but as he will only have Raphael/Rafael (still undecided on spelling) on his birth certificate and will most likely be known by Rafa/Raffy, we should just about get away with it.

OP posts:
Cheeky76890 · 19/08/2014 23:26

It doesn't matter. Stunning names

Pebbles0934 · 20/08/2014 03:03

I'd wait and see if the new film creates a turtle mania...my daughter just bought Mikey from build a bear and I hate to tell you they are all by nick names now so it is Leo and Raff......!

Pebbles0934 · 20/08/2014 03:03

I'd wait and see if the new film creates a turtle mania...my daughter just bought Mikey from build a bear and I hate to tell you they are all by nick names now so it is Leo and Raff......!

Original poster
Fermin · 20/08/2014 09:15

Thanks, Pebbles. I know it is Leo and Raph - not Raffy/Rafa on the Nickelodeon cartoon. Hopefully they'll be using full names on the inevitable box office smash film...

OP posts:
MrsPretoria · 20/08/2014 09:29

I wouldn't have thought of it until it was mentioned tbh.

I wouldn't worry about it either though. People just take a name and accept it for what it is in my experience. My DS has the same name as my well-known and deceased, old horse! We didn't name him after the horse, we just liked the name which is also a family name on both sides. The horse had the name when it came.

A grand total of 2 people raised brows/asked the question and have never mentioned it again. Many more people than that knew the horse and it has either not occurred them to ask or they've kept it to themselves. Which is what I predict would be the case with Leo & Raf Smile

birdofthenorth · 20/08/2014 11:56

I might, sorry. Leo and Rafferty is a good idea.

Montsti · 20/08/2014 16:29

Ha ha - DS is mad about TMNT, but as long as you don't have another boy and call him Michelangelo or Donatello then I think you're fine ??

Seriously though Leo and Rafael are ok (Leonardo on the other hand..) and they're not twins so it's not like they'll always be said together...

Go for it!

Umbrellasandladders · 20/08/2014 19:55

Wouldn't occur to me at all

Capitola · 20/08/2014 19:58

Haha, yes, sorry but it would.

Rafferty would be a good compromise.

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