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Baby names

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Original poster

The name Jock?

39 replies

lill72 · 17/09/2014 08:52

Hi,
I am from Oz, but having a baby in the UK. This means a name has to work in both cultures, which sounds simple, but I have found that sometimes names have different connotations.

I was vaguely toying with the name Jock. In OZ, it is seen as a strong country boys name. It is not common, yet thought well of I would have thought.

The UK seems to be different? Thoughts please.....

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2kidsintow · 22/09/2014 23:48

I have an uncle called Jock.

Lally112 · 22/09/2014 23:30

Jock is actually Scottish nickname for john, not james - see jock stein etc
a bit like shug is for hugh really. English and americans cant pronounce it properly either .

catsofa · 22/09/2014 23:25

No I didn't think it was derogatory either. But it does mean Scottish, and that's an odd thing to call a child in the UK whether or not they are Scottish, isn't it?

Alisvolatpropiis · 22/09/2014 23:20

I've wondered what Tam was short for ever since getting into Ian Rankins Rebus series as a teen. Now I know!

florascotia · 22/09/2014 22:54

Agree with poster above that Jock is a PERFECTLY NORMAL Scottish nn for John.
No more unusual than 'Tam' for Thomas or 'Rab' for Robert. If others choose to think that it's derogatory, then that's their problem.

Am not a member of the SNP but am rather amazed at some English attitudes towards Scotland that have emerged in the days surrounding the Referendum. Most are simply thoughtless or lacking detailed knowledge rather than intentionally hostile, but even so ...

VeraGrant · 22/09/2014 18:51

Is there much of a difference between Australian names and ours?

There are obviously a few names more popular/ usual over there but would have thought pretty much every name could translate pretty well!

moxon · 22/09/2014 12:25

So what if Jock makes some people think of jockstrap. It's not the worst nn to be teased with. People continue calling their kids Richard after all! And jock has got such an adventure-y feel to it! :) But if it bothers you, go for Jack. Classic, simple, fun. And pretty close to Jock!

spannamc74 · 22/09/2014 12:17

Ps t
My family is full of Scottish names and my daughter is Isobel (Scottish version if Isabel). If you love a name go for it! How boring would the world be if we all had the same taste in names or all called out children Bob, Dave etc. Go with your heart and you will know you are doing the right thing!

spannamc74 · 22/09/2014 11:21

LOVE the name Jock! The people that don't like it don't understand it's heritage. My maiden name in McGregor and Jock is Scottish version of John. Strong masculine - what's not to love?! With the names getting around these days I can't believe people don't like Jock. Better than made up names like Paxton & Tayla thanks very much!! Not pretentious - original. Go for it. My 7 week old is called Jock & he is Devine. Vote one Jock!

murphys · 18/09/2014 16:17

First thought is Jock of the bushveld, the dog. We also get dogfood called Jock as a result.

And then, its a slang word for mens underwear too.

DuchessofKirkcaldy · 18/09/2014 16:04

Aww. My gf was Jock. Real name John.

TheFroglet · 18/09/2014 10:51

I like it! The head of the british army is called Sir Jock Stirrup...awesome name x

Iliveinalighthousewiththeghost · 17/09/2014 22:10

Awful sorry.

flossieflower · 17/09/2014 19:18

The jock I know is actually a nickname- short for jockey as he's short!

Original poster
lill72 · 17/09/2014 19:16

Sophronia - not mad on Theodore

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Original poster
lill72 · 17/09/2014 18:57

Onelastfling - I have no idea of the connotations here - ie derogatory to a Scot. Hence my question!!
I do see the irony though!

OP posts:
sallievp · 17/09/2014 15:54

My lovely granddad name...well not his real name but what he has been known as since moving to England 75 years ago!

Sophronia · 17/09/2014 15:10

Ted can also be a nickname for Theodore, do you like that?

Original poster
lill72 · 17/09/2014 14:09

DD best friend is Edward so it may seem a bit like we are copying his name. DH and I also don't know good Edwards so would not like this name. Not sure what other name to use with Ted.

OP posts:
ConfusedAboutStatements · 17/09/2014 14:00

I have a Samuel/Sam, great name!

MehsMum · 17/09/2014 13:57

...of the Bushveld.
A dog.

SunshineOutdoors · 17/09/2014 13:55

Love Ted, or Ned. Would you have Edward on bc, or just Ted?

Original poster
lill72 · 17/09/2014 13:53

Hmmm - seems to be as I thought. Not good in the UK! Ah, this naming a boy/girl to suit the UK and Oz is harder than you think!!

I know about the US term 'Jock' but people don't really think of it like that in OZ.

How about Ted or Sam? Sam doesn't seem as common in the UK as OZ. Only problem in 2 good mates have sons called Sam. Ahhh

OP posts:
cookielove · 17/09/2014 10:54

I love it but then I have personal connections to the name, had a lovely uncle Jock :)

machair · 17/09/2014 10:52

tends to be a name given to scotty dogs (and collies)