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Original poster

Is Billy a 'chav' name?

40 replies

RedSky16 · 01/09/2016 16:07

I hate the word 'chav', but I'm not sure how to ask...

I love the name Billy (William) but I've heard bad things about it Sad I don't want him to be judged...

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squoosh · 03/09/2016 18:57

The Billy I know is the son of two academics.

All this had wringing over what's 'chav' and what's 'posh' is so bloody boring though.

isitseptemberyet · 03/09/2016 13:45

Yes, IMO , sorry. but i dnt think it wud b if u called him william , and then billy as a nn

strawberrypenguin · 02/09/2016 13:44

I've got a William who always goes by Billy. Never had any problems with it (and I obviously think it's a great name Smile)

ChocolateWombat · 02/09/2016 13:36

I would agree that when an abbreviated version of a name is given as a child's official and unshortened name and appears on the birth certificate as such, it is a bit downmarket.

If you think about lots of very upmarket people, they often have shortened names that they go by - sometimes quite daft ones......but if you ask their proper name, it will never be a shortened name.

So I'd say, give the full, formal name. The child then has a choice of using that or often one of many shortened versions. A William can become Billy or Will or whatever suits him given time. A Billy has fewer choices and as an adult in a professional job may find putting 'Billy' on his cv is less professional sounding.

albertcampionscat · 02/09/2016 13:29

Billy is nice. Bill I love.

ThroughThickAndThin01 · 02/09/2016 08:47

I don't like Billy. Much prefer Will.

It isn't chavvy though.

KingJoffreyLikesJaffaCakes · 02/09/2016 08:38

Only Billy I know of is the zombie from Hocus Pocus.

He was a nice bloke. Not at all chavvy.

Sugarpiehoneyeye · 02/09/2016 08:36

I don't think it's a chav name, but, I definitely prefer Will.

MarriedinMaui · 01/09/2016 23:20

I know a few quite posh Bills. Have never met a Billy though. I can't imagine it as a name for anyone older than about 5

DramaAlpaca · 01/09/2016 23:16

It's fine as a nickname for William.

sixinabed · 01/09/2016 22:33

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
RedSky16 · 01/09/2016 22:32

Because he'll be Billy, I'll introduce him as Billy, William will only be on his birth certificate for his benefit for if he decides he really doesn't like Billy.

OP posts:
Dontrocktheboat · 01/09/2016 22:17

I only know one Billy and his parents are middle class professionals.

I don't think it is 'chavvy' it is in the same vein as other urchin type names like Alfie and Archie. But would put William on bc.

WindInThePussyWillows · 01/09/2016 22:08

Why not go with William for the birth certificate and then see what NN suits or falls into place?

villainousbroodmare · 01/09/2016 22:04

And don't forget Liam which I think is also a great name.

villainousbroodmare · 01/09/2016 22:03

To me, and I emphasise to me, William is lovely, has only good associations, multiple abbreviations and is the best for the birth certificate. Will is pleasant and on the posh side. Willy / Willie is silly. Bill is nice. Billy is skangery and has a sectarian association in Ireland.

Nonameyet1 · 01/09/2016 21:15

I don't think it is. I like it.

DaisyFranceLynch · 01/09/2016 21:03

William is a really classic name and doesn't have any class associations for me. I know a few babies/toddlers called Billy (short for William) and their parents are very middle class. I'm in London if that's relevant.

I'd probably go for William on the birth certificate - which it sounds as if you're going to do anyway - since it would give him more flexibility as he grows up. Billy is cute for a little boy but he might want to be Will or Bill (or William) when he's older.

BestIsWest · 01/09/2016 20:45

I find it difficult to imagine a fifty year old Billy. And I actually know one.

LoraLoves · 01/09/2016 19:52

I do know a very lively farmer boy called William who is known as Billy. He has a little brother, Daniel known as Dan and a sister whose name I can't remember.

DixieNormas · 01/09/2016 19:50

This reply has been deleted

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eightbluebirds · 01/09/2016 19:44

Where I live - yes! Just a little bit. I wouldn't let that put you off though

SteviebunsBottrittrundle · 01/09/2016 19:38

Was just about to say the same as mrsgsnow. In parts of Ireland the King Billy connection might be problematic. It would put me off a bit.

MrsGsnow18 · 01/09/2016 19:31

I'm not sure about the rest of the U.K but it's not a name I'd use in Ireland. It would have certain preconceived ideas attached to it ( King Billy) in some areas. Not in any way 'class' related though.
Bill is awesome though.

Bluesand1 · 01/09/2016 18:30

William is used by all classes including working class imo

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