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Baby names

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

Would it be mean to call a child Paddy?

58 replies

hearthattack · 17/06/2015 08:55

My Grandad's name was Patrick. Everyone called him Paddy. It's also my Dad's middle name. We're living in Wales very close to my DPs Welsh family and I like the idea of keeping something of my Irish roots. To me it feels solid, not trendy, good for a wee one and a grown man. No one else seems crazy about it though. In fact there's a distinct tumble weed moment followed by other helpful suggestions whenever we mention the idea to friends or family.

Would it be mean to call a child Paddy? Do people still see it as an insult for Irish people, or another name for a tantrum? Don't want to tempt fate for having a stroppy baby!

Honest thoughts please Mnetters..?

OP posts:
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scarletforya · 17/06/2015 09:04

Of course not. Patrick, Patch as Nick name. Love Patch and Pasty.

MrsMcColl · 17/06/2015 09:04

Love both Patrick and Paddy - I'd go for it.

hearthattack · 17/06/2015 09:03

He would be Patrick. I'm not a fan of shortenings on birth certificates. Give the kid a choice eh?

OP posts:
WorldsBiggestGrotbag · 17/06/2015 09:01

I do actually really like Patrick but not sold on Paddy as a nickname (or any other nicknames for it to be honest!)

Dinosaursdontgrowontrees · 17/06/2015 09:01

Patrick is lovely, paddy as cute a nickname is fine. Paddy as a full name, not so much. (I definitely think tantrum when someone says paddy btw)

hearthattack · 17/06/2015 08:59

Patrick, Paddy for short. Haha, fair enough, that's why I asked!

I also really like Patch as a shortening for Patrick, but his surname would be Adams so apparently that's a no no thanks to some Robin Williams film I've never seen.

OP posts:
WorldsBiggestGrotbag · 17/06/2015 08:57

Ps I see it as another name for a tantrum, sorry!

WorldsBiggestGrotbag · 17/06/2015 08:56

Would you call him Patrick or just Paddy?