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Baby names

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

Original poster

Alternatives to Rex

136 replies

Wheresthattoo · 15/01/2016 15:06

So, I have an issue! We have a while to go, but Dsis has just had a Rex and that was the only boys name we'd agreed on and now it's completely out. Luckily we hadn't discussed names (agreed not too just in case of this scenario), but I'm now in a bit of a panic.

Current alternatives are:
Arlo (my second favourite, DH hates)
Leo (DH's favourite, I like, but sounds stupid with our surname)
Theo (I like, DH thinks it's too posh)

Can you lovely ladies please suggest something that we might be able to agree on, please?

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Original poster
Wheresthattoo · 16/01/2016 18:17

I know lots of people will see Rex as a dogs name, but I think names are crossing over a lot-like Felix. When I was a kid a lot of fictional (& real) cows were called daisy, but I know a few little Daisy's now, but none my age. I think it is a bit of a fashion thing - not much different from the 'old man' names that are back in.

And I agree that DH & I have very different perceptions of posh, but it's probably due to people we've met, books we've read or films we've seen. I'm not expecting everyone to love all the names we've considered because the world would be a very boring & confusing place if we all shared the same 2 or 3 names, but I am surprised by the reactions to Rhett! Rhett is not a real person............genuinely surprised by that but I guess it's good to know. I wouldn't want to pick a name that would affect a child negatively so I'm pleased with everyone's honesty. It's hard to get perspective when you're scrabbling around looking for anything you agree on Grin

OP posts:
CrystalMcPistol · 16/01/2016 17:19

Yes, you're right there!

YouGottaKeepEmSeparated · 16/01/2016 17:17

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CrystalMcPistol · 16/01/2016 17:15

There have been one or two non canine Rexes through the years also.

YouGottaKeepEmSeparated · 16/01/2016 17:07

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CrystalMcPistol · 16/01/2016 16:42

But likewise just because a couple of posh London kids are called Rafferty doesn't mean it is posh. 99% of people with Rafferty in their name have it as a surname. Was it even used as a first name before Jude Law and Sadie Frost gave it to their son?

Besides, google tells me that Martine McCutcheon has a Rafferty. Can't be too posh now!

jezzathebezza · 16/01/2016 16:31

Lucy the OP wasn't asking for your opinion on Rex, she has already stated she loves it bit sadly can't use it.
Rex is a H-U-M-A-N name. Its just a few small minded weird people cant shake the face the last 3 letters of AndREX contain Rex so childishly label it as a dogs name. Its a pretty classic name actually, just a bit too cool and individual for people like you, thats all Grin

Also, while you might not see Rafferty as being posh sounding, it doesn't mean it isn't, I'm in London and know of 2 who are rather spiffingly posh, hence why to me (and clearly others) the sound of it and people called it, are rather posh.

Themodernuriahheep · 16/01/2016 01:45

Bowie..

LucyBabs · 16/01/2016 01:25

Your dh needs to update his "posh names" list as a PP said Rafferty is an Irish surname. As is flynn..

I'm sorry but Rex is and always will be a dogs name. Would you call your child Rover? Grin

LeaLeander · 16/01/2016 00:56

Travis
Gunner
Cody
Bragg
Trapp

Soooosie · 16/01/2016 00:28

Gus short for Angus or similar

KoalaDownUnder · 15/01/2016 23:35

Clem
Ari
Lars
Abel
Will
Ezra

Vixxfacee · 15/01/2016 23:19

Tate?

CrystalMcPistol · 15/01/2016 23:18

'And certainly not as posh as IGNATIUS!'

Peoples' perceptions of posh are so interesting. I'd never think of Ignatius as being posh. It just sounds very Catholic to me.

CrystalMcPistol · 15/01/2016 23:15

'I love Rafferty, but that also comes under the 'posh bracket' so it's out.'

Rafferty isn't posh! It's an Irish surname so the same as calling your kid Murphy or Flynn or something.

CrystalMcPistol · 15/01/2016 23:12

I really love the name Rex. A lot of people have a dog association but that wouldn't bother me.

Hate the name Rocco. It's a bit Footballers Wives.

I've never met a Rhett but I kind of like it. I'd worry though that people would think I was a Gone With the Wind superfan whereas actually I find it a bit of a snooze.

NameChange30 · 15/01/2016 23:07

I vote Zac(k) or Finn

Out2pasture · 15/01/2016 22:51

Has anyone suggested Reg/Reggi/ short form of Reginald?

KoalaDownUnder · 15/01/2016 22:49

I grew up with heaps of Rhetts (Australia, 1980s). Confused Not uncommon around here, at all. Surfer-type name.

Not that I like it, mind you.

RabbitSaysWoof · 15/01/2016 22:49

Jed

YouGottaKeepEmSeparated · 15/01/2016 22:46

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Original poster
Wheresthattoo · 15/01/2016 22:42

I used to work with a Rhett. He was a real person, he was Jamaican - I have no idea if it's common in Jamaica or if his parents just liked it.

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YouGottaKeepEmSeparated · 15/01/2016 22:40

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IoraRua · 15/01/2016 22:39

Another one here in the Rocco = porn star and Rex = dog camp. It's not being dull, I just hate the names.

Rhett as in Gone With The Wind would be my first thought. I hated him so I wouldn't, personally, but I think it's much better than the two I mentioned above.

Lucas or Luca maybe?

YouGottaKeepEmSeparated · 15/01/2016 22:38

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