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Baby names

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

Original poster

Invented names?

42 replies

southlondonbaby · 24/02/2015 16:29

We're thinking about giving dc1 an invented name if it's a boy. It sounds like vernon and us the combination of two words that have a strong meaning for us.

Just curious how people feel about invented names or any advice about dealing with people's reactions.

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reuset · 28/02/2015 23:20

Names weren't just plucked from the air in the olden days, or by using scrabble pieces Wink They would originally have had some meaning or symbolism behind them. Look it up

wildpoppy · 28/02/2015 23:10

I know a Brennan (which sounds nice) and a Beren (weird I think)

MaudeTheMopLady · 28/02/2015 11:31

I really like it. Sounds perfect choice for you both

badtime · 27/02/2015 20:36

A quick google will tell you that Bernan actually is a name (albeit an uncommon one) - usually a surname, but then it's hardly unheard of for people to have surnames as given names.

EhricLovesTheBhrothers · 27/02/2015 18:48

Bernan? No it doesn't look like a name. It looks made up, and made up names are stupid.
What words is it made from anyway?

hawkmcqueen · 26/02/2015 14:26

He'll get called Bernie so as long as you don't mind that...

canweseethebunnies · 26/02/2015 11:59

I think Bernan sounds good. It sounds like a name anyway. There are plenty of 'real' names that sound far more ridiculous.

mathanxiety · 25/02/2015 21:16

It's a bit like house names formed from the names of the residents.

Gary and Colette - 'Colgar', Sometreename Lane, Somewhere, Someshire
William and Mary -'Wilmar', next door to Colette and Gary...

florascotia · 25/02/2015 19:56

IF IF IF it matters, Bernan is a real-life US publishing company (specialising in statistics and government info) and Bernan Doll is an American fashion designer.

Yika · 25/02/2015 19:52

I actually like it. It sounds like it should be a name. It sounds manly. It's easy to pronounce and spell. It's unique. It's meaningful to you. What's not to like?

Wotsitsareafterme · 25/02/2015 19:51

I like it and it doesn't even sound made up Grin

Gileswithachainsaw · 25/02/2015 19:48

I wouldn't use it.

sounds like burning
or bar man

barman bernan's burning toast

sorry op

AndWhenYouGetThere · 25/02/2015 19:42

I like Bernan. I would expect it to be a 'real' name, just not one I'd heard of. it doesn't sound made up to me.

I'd go for it.

BackforGood · 25/02/2015 17:18

I would echo what DPotter said in the 3rd reply.

There are hundreds of perfectly good names out there - I can't understand why you'd want to inflict a name on your child theat they have to spell out, and then explain where it's come from every time they give their name.

mathanxiety · 25/02/2015 17:08

I would give him a traditional first name and then use the two other names as Middle names. Henry Vernon Bernard for instance. When you clap two names together you lose both and the end result isn't worth it.

poppydaisy · 25/02/2015 14:08

As others said, all names were once made up. As long as the name is straightforward to spell and pronounce and isn't teaseworthy, I don't see a problem.

Bernan seems fine imo, I would get used to it if I met someone with this name and I think most kids are pretty accepting of their friends' names.

TywysogesGymraeg · 25/02/2015 12:51

What's the point of making up a name when there are hundreds of perfectly good names to choose from?

If you were in Czech Republic, or probably one of many other countries, you wouldn't be allowed to make names up - you have to chose from the approved list. I think that's very sensible but I am old and traditionalist.

rachel234 · 25/02/2015 12:43

Every single name was once made up and new names evolve. I think Bernan is easy to say & spell so wouldn't expect any problems. Agree that in an ever global world, I often see new names - generally no problem!

Lots of more common names have spelling uncertainties e.g. Catherine, Katharine, Cathryn, Kathryn etc.

BalloonSlayer · 25/02/2015 07:06

He will get called Bernard.

AntiquityIsOld · 25/02/2015 07:01

Before you have the baby everyone will tell you the name is horrible. Afterwards most will merely say that's unusual or where is that from.

Mumsnet will think you're a "chav" or "from Jeremy Kyle".

Call your child a name you love. And as for spelling, my incredibly common normal name for the era I was born in has a number of spellings & so I have to spell it out constantly even now.

Elllimam · 25/02/2015 06:59

I was all ready to say invented names ack but Bernan isn't actually that bad :) I quite like it.

ScaryChicken · 25/02/2015 06:50

I don't like it, sorry.

Much prefer

Bertram
Bernard
Bentley
Bevan

Threeorangewhips · 24/02/2015 22:27

No not overly keen. Tbh , my initial thought was someone Berrnan up.....as in having a fever. Depends on the regional accent but It could be thought of that way.

Good luck- choosing a name is a task and a half :)

21pc · 24/02/2015 22:25

I think in today's multicultural society there are such a mix of names that I think a made up name is fine. I meet lots of children whose names I've never encountered before

rockinrobintweet · 24/02/2015 22:20

i wouldn't have known it was made up so I think you'd be okay!

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