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Baby names

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

Original poster

Ethan - common or suitably middle class?

89 replies

nnaturegirl · 20/11/2014 20:05

My dh and I love the name Ethan, particularly because we thought it was really unusual, but when we consulted the top baby name lists it appears to have been Top 20 for years (neither of us have ever met an Ethan though). Are we going to find that naming him Ethan means he is one of many of the same name when he gets to school?

Also, being middle class parents, we do not wish to unwittingly bestow a chavvy name on our pfb, but we have no point of reference for Ethan. Is it suitably middle class or does it belong with Kai and Jayden?

Thank you!

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nectarini1983 · 24/03/2016 19:33

I like it...Nothing wrong with Ethan in my book.

MamaMotherMummy · 24/03/2016 17:44

Sorry but it just makes me think of Ethanol

Pipilangstrumpf · 22/03/2016 15:55

I don't like the look or sound of Ethan. I wouldn't choose it myself.

But why do we need to label names as chavvy or middle class...?! Why can't we just dislike a name.

LightTurquoise · 20/03/2016 16:36

I really like Ethan...

TinklyLittleLaugh · 19/03/2016 15:39

Ethan aligns with Jayden in our area. As does Noah, Reuben, Finn and lots of other perfectly nice names.

PacificDogwod · 19/03/2016 15:33

The Op's child is now almost 2 1/2 so hopefully has a name by now Grin

VelvetCushion · 19/03/2016 15:30

Squoosh
The OP said she did not wish to bestow a chavvy name on her child. She must of thought it to say it. Its no big deal. All the Ethans in my ds school are pretty grim behaviour wise.

Narp · 19/03/2016 15:30

I see it as a little bit trendy, and little bit traditional. It's a safe choice, IMO

Narp · 19/03/2016 15:28

It's pretty common popular.

I think if you chose Joby we'd know where we stood

squoosh · 19/03/2016 12:04

Plenty of 'naughty boys' with posh names at Eton and Harrow I presume.

Ethan is fine. Anyone who tells you it's 'chavvy' is a twat.

TattieHowkerz · 19/03/2016 07:37

It's a nice name, but maybe Peregrine, Ptolomey or Jolyon would be more up your street?

Bluesand1 · 19/03/2016 03:34

That went too soon. It's a good thing opinions are different though! An old testament biblical name considered 'chav' by a few surprises me but it clearly depends on personal experience or your own thinking. Saying that I've read Noah Jacob etc are chav on here...

Bluesand1 · 19/03/2016 03:28

Crazy how different people's opinions can be....

VelvetCushion · 19/03/2016 00:30

OP you dont have to apologise.
I personally dont like the name. I would agree and think it does sound chavvy. Its deffo not middle class.

PinguForPresident · 19/03/2016 00:14

In my experience Ethan lines up more wiith Jaiden or Connor than it does with Tristan or Quentin. It's in the "naughty boy" pile

Olbersparadox · 16/03/2016 18:06

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

Floggingmolly · 16/03/2016 17:58

Where does she claim to be American? No self respecting American would refer to themselves as middle class anyway, they don't do the whole class system in the same way, and they wouldn't give a toss what class British people would consider their kids names.

Olbersparadox · 16/03/2016 17:06

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

LaurieLemons · 16/03/2016 16:41

Ethan is hardly a Vicky Pollard type name ffs. Ethan and Kai are normal names IMO. Although it's true what pp said that most kids will say ee-fan, so unless you have plans for a 'suitably middle class' private school steer clear Grin

Floggingmolly · 16/03/2016 16:22

Op isn't from around here?? Where, Mumsnet? Confused

Belikethat · 16/03/2016 16:12

It's a naughty boy name in my school.

alibubbles · 16/03/2016 16:09

The problem with Ethan is most children say 'eef-fam', there are 4 in DS's year, and yes, a Jayden and a Kai too.

KathrynL · 16/03/2016 15:58

Seriously, who refers to themselves as middle class, do people actually say that sort of thing now days?

Olbersparadox · 16/03/2016 15:56

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

Mousefinkle · 14/03/2016 20:41

My DS has a friend called Ethan. I never went to school with any but I gather over recent years it's picked up some popularity. I think it's (as someone up thread said) along the same lines as Joshua or Samuel. Kind of average, middle of the road? Doesn't scream out 'chav' nor middle class to me.

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