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Baby names

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

Original poster

Naming our baby after a natural disaster?

32 replies

bellowbullow · 08/12/2015 11:43

I am pregnant - don't know the sex. My DH and I have long been settled on the name of Eden for our first born daughter. We both love the name, as well as the nn Edie.

In addition, my DH grew up in the Eden Valley, in Cumbria, and we feel that the name is a nod to a beautiful part of the world, which means a lot to both of us. We don't live in the area, but have close family and friends that do.

You've probably seen that, over the past few days, the River Eden has massively flooded and devastated thousands of homes in the Eden Valley (Carlisle, Appleby etc.). Those closest to us have not been flooded, but we have many acquaintances who have been deeply affected and whose lives have been shattered as a result.

I suppose my question is, would you continue to use the name? Baby is not due for a few months, so a little way off, but from past experience, we know that many people will still not be back in their homes by then. Would it be bad taste/bad luck?

To be honest, I am reluctant to look for another name. The flooding does not detract from our affection for the Eden Valley, and in many ways reinforces the wild, natural beauty of the area.

What do you think?

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WowOoo · 08/12/2015 12:09

Matilda, you saying Desmond has made me laugh so much. If it is a boy, you always have that as an option.

Go for it. Edie is a lovely nickname, I agree moogalicious

juneau · 08/12/2015 11:52

Yes, you're over-thinking it and no one will make that connection.

FWIW I have a friend who got pregnant in the aftermath of a hurricane that hit the small island where she and her DH were living. The baby's middle name is the name of that hurricane, because without that natural disaster hitting them she says they wouldn't have been so lax about contraception!

moogalicious · 08/12/2015 11:50

Just use Edie

squoosh · 08/12/2015 11:49

But Eden isn't the name of a natural disaster is it? 'Flood' is.

You're really overthinking this.

Matildatoldsuchdreadfullies · 08/12/2015 11:49

I thought you were going for 'Desmond'.

I wouldn't have even seen a flood link to Eden (actually my first thought with Eden was the Eden Project in Cornwall).

Honestly, no one will ever make the link. And it's a nice name.

ThornyBird · 08/12/2015 11:47

You are over thinking it Smile.

It's a lovely name and while it has relevance to what is going on in Cumbria now, I suspect the vast majority would never make the link, especially in a few months time.

BitchPeas · 08/12/2015 11:45

I think it will be fine! Eden is a lovely name.