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Baby names

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Original poster

Dexter??

54 replies

Issie339 · 14/11/2015 19:44

Hi everyone

Me and OH are both keen on Dexter for our baby boy due early next year, but recently I've been seeing online lots of comments about it being a 'chavvy' (not my word choice, hate it!) name and very try-hard and too modern/made up. Until this I'd really thought it was quite a classic and traditional boys name so I'm a bit upset and Confused now. I don't mind if it's a popular, top 50 type name but don't want a name that everyone thinks is a bit stupid and tacky!!

Could you please give honest opinions on this name? I'd really appreciate it.

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toffeeboffin · 15/11/2015 23:47

For me Dexter is only the serial killer. I really don't like it because of that.

Original poster
Issie339 · 15/11/2015 19:05

Thanks flora that's really great info.

Thanks damsel it seems quite a few people make that connection.

OP posts:
Damselindestress · 15/11/2015 17:23

I don't think it's "chavvy" but personally, I hadn't heard of the name until the TV show about the serial killer so I would instantly make that association. Sorry.

florascotianew · 15/11/2015 17:15

If you love a name, use it!

Dexter is traditionally a surname not a first name - for example, there was very famous English cricketer, Ted Dexter. It's one of those occupation surnames such as Taylor or Cooper or Carter; originally it meant 'man who dyes cloth'. Its use as a first name is modern and transatlantic and currently rather fashionable. As other posters have said, there are quite a few little Dexters around.

This may or may not be relevant, but as a word rather than a name, dexter means 'right' or 'right hand' (as opposed to 'sinister' ='left' or 'left hand'). And 'dexterous' = 'nimble-fingered'. Originally from Latin.

Original poster
Issie339 · 15/11/2015 16:33

crazybaglady your little Dexter sounds lovely and very cute.

So no one really thinks it's 'chavvy' then just modern, American and a bit surnamey?

OP posts:
Oysterbabe · 15/11/2015 16:04

I like it and know a baby Dexter.

Knitella · 15/11/2015 15:29

I like it. DH suggested it last time I was pregnant and I laughed but over the last two years it has grown on me and I now really like it. Personally, I'd expect it to be used more on the arty/hipster end of the spectrum and certainly don't view it as "chavvy" (hate that term too). Does sound a bit American.

Crazybaglady · 15/11/2015 15:07

Fucking keybored!!!

Crazybaglady · 15/11/2015 15:07

It also has to be said that my sons personality fits the 'Dexters lab' image rather than the seriel kikler one... Little geek that he is!

Fallstar · 15/11/2015 11:31

I love it and the little Dexter I know is sweet, gentle and cool.

Whatever you call your baby, everyone will get used to it and quickly come to associate it with your lovely boy, rather than a TV programme or whatever.

Original poster
Issie339 · 15/11/2015 11:17

Thank you everyone for the comments, it's so good to get honest opinions.

OP posts:
MitzyLeFrouf · 15/11/2015 04:20

Nothing classic or traditional about Dexter. Very modern and surnamey.

bugoven · 15/11/2015 04:08

I have a Dexter. I had loved the name for well over a decade and had only heard of one quite randomly. He was a sweet boy who helped pick my friend's little girl up when she fell over at the park. I wasn't put off by the series as I'd never seen it myself (plus I had also heard he was a good serial killer =P). I have now met a few but I'm still happy with our choice. If you love the name, go for it.

Wolfiefan · 15/11/2015 00:21

Serial killer. (But then I love the series!)

DramaAlpaca · 15/11/2015 00:16

To me it's surnamey, very American, and definitely not a classic.

As you might have guessed it's not to my taste, but what's important is that you & your DP love it. Nobody else's opinion matters.

IHaveBrilloHair · 15/11/2015 00:10

I think it will date very badly.

lexigrey · 14/11/2015 23:45

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

DiscoMoo · 14/11/2015 23:40

Sorry should have added, I think it needs a strong surname to go with it (Fletcher-yes, Jones-no).

DiscoMoo · 14/11/2015 23:40

My dog was called Dexter (after Dexter Fletcher, always liked him since I saw him in Press Gang) and I know 3 other dogs with the name.

Sophronia · 14/11/2015 23:33

I'm not keen, and definitely wouldn't consider it classic.

Original poster
Issie339 · 14/11/2015 22:23

bond how rude of people to make comments like that to you about your son's name! I bet it's a lovely, classic name.

xantheticus sexy dexy, haha, oh dear! Although I suppose it's not the worst nickname boys come up with!!

Thanks everyone for the opinions, still very mixed reviews.

OP posts:
Xantheticus · 14/11/2015 22:09

Don't do it - I know someone whose son is called Dexter. His nickname all through school was Sexy Dexy. He's now 20 and he's still being called that.

DickDewy · 14/11/2015 21:53

I like it. I know 3 small Dexters and no dogs.

thunderbird69 · 14/11/2015 21:50

Does sound like a dog or the cartoon character

PrimalLass · 14/11/2015 21:45

I know a little Dexter (age 4) and he is very cute. Go for it.

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