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Baby names

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

Wanko - wwyd?

29 replies

MangosteenSoda · 10/09/2016 07:20

Not actually a baby (thankfully)!

I work in higher education in Asia and it's typical for students to choose an 'English name' to go by. Sometimes their parents give them one when they are little, but it's more usual for them to choose their own name later on. Many keep the name to use in their professional lives.

I say 'English name' because the names are often not English and/or actual names, but are always referred to as English names eg. Cantona, Makino, Wire, Hamster, Yo, McWing.

I've heard so many that I don't really notice how strange they sound any more and I always take the position that it's just a bit of fun and the student can always change the name or just use their real name in the future.

I had previously thought that I'd only tactfully say something if the name was offensive and I have never come across that before, until I met Wanko. Now, tbf, there is a well known high street shop here called Wanko, so I know where she got it from and it's not as bizarre a pick as it may seem. I asked if she really loved the shop, but the answer was that it's just the most beautiful sounding word she had ever heard. I left it at that.

After mentioning this to DH, he thinks I have an obligation to discreetly let the girl know that it's not a good choice. I think it's none of my business and that it probably won't hold her back at all here so I'm not going to say anything that might embarrass her. If it wasn't the name of a famous shop, I'd probably say something.

I'm not having a big dilemma or anything, but thought I'd canvass for wwyd opinions because I've seen a lot of strong opinions (both ways) recently about names which really don't work in English. I'm interested to know what people think about this.

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KoalaDownUnder · 10/09/2016 07:38

I had a student in Indonesia introduce herself as 'Titty'. It was on her name badge and everything.

I feel your pain.

Devon2000 · 10/09/2016 07:37

I know your predicament. I taught in China and had a 'Pavement' and a girl called Isaac. It's awkward when they ask the meaning of the name. Luckily my students often wanted me to give them an English name so that helped. You could say to her that this name doesn't have a lucky meaning in English & find something to suggest to her instead? Then you might be able to avoid having to get into awkward details.

seven201 · 10/09/2016 07:28

I think I'd tell her to keep using it but if she ever went to England that she maybe she should change it and explain why.

OSETmum · 10/09/2016 07:24

Yes I'd tell her incase she ever wants to travel to the uk ( not sure if the word has the same meaning in the USA or Australia etc?)