Active discussions

Help protect children from gaming harms.

Take our survey

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Baby names

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

Original poster

River for a baby boy

29 replies

user1480198351 · 26/11/2016 22:15

Hi ladies,

My husband and I love the name River for a boy but we are aware that it is a bit out there. What do you think of the name? Have you ever met anyone called River? Realistically, if he went to a nice school, do you think he would get teased.

Would love to hear from anyone with thoughts or comments on this!

Thanks

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
lilyborderterrier · 30/11/2016 08:15

Love it

TheMortificadosDragon · 30/11/2016 08:13

I think it's become widely known as a female name because of River Song.

And there's also River Tam, though little kids prob wont know that one.

Imo if you want a 'nature' name, its a decent neutral choice.

YvaineStormhold · 30/11/2016 08:07

Can I just say, I was a teacher for years and I don't recall any kid being picked on for their first name. If they had a very unfortunate surname, there might be a bit of teasing, but never the first name.

I didn't work in particularly 'naice' schools either.

They'd pick on anything else, but names these days just seem to be accepted, and 'out there' names are seen by kids as quite cool.

Oh, and I used to like River, until I taught one, who has now tainted it somewhat Wink

MiniMaxi · 30/11/2016 08:02

My first thought is "Phoenix" but his peers won't know who that is. I think it's a lovely name and I don't think he get teased.

cheekyfunkymonkey · 29/11/2016 22:12

It's a lovely name

JudgeJudySheidlin · 29/11/2016 22:05

River is a great name & there is such diversity in name choices nowadays that I don't think it has much teasing potential. Kids will find something to tease each other about anyway.

AnnieAnoniMouse · 29/11/2016 00:16

I don't like it. I don't like any of the Skye, Autumn, Willow, Ivy type names.

But it's YOUR baby and if you like it, then use it. Kids tease & are teased, it's part of growing up, might as well be his name as anything else However, these days I think it'll barely rate a mention to be honest.

Pluto30 · 28/11/2016 23:52

River Phoenix.

The only River who'll ever be able to pull off the name, IMO.

enchantmentandlove · 26/11/2016 23:16

I really like River. Dh would never agree to a name like that as it's a little 'out there' but I think it's lovely

SquirmOfEels · 26/11/2016 23:15

Whether a child is bullied because if their name depends more on the community than the name IYSWIM.

I'm in London, and there is such a diversity of names that unless it's a homophobe or near homophones for something sweary or plain risible, it doesn't seem to feature as a cause (though if a child is being picked on, everything about them with be panned as wrong)

Original poster
user1480198351 · 26/11/2016 23:11

I was just asking about school because if I thought the child would get bullied or teased because of the name, I wouldn't go with it.

OP posts:
AlanThicke · 26/11/2016 23:00

What is a "nice" school and what does that have to do with anything?

whattheheck1 · 26/11/2016 22:58

My dog is called River. From people's reactions, I'd say the majority don't like the name.

The most common assumption is that it's after River Phoenix.

Not trying to put you off! I love it and was most put out when Jamie Oliver "copied" me, ha ha!

OSETmum · 26/11/2016 22:56

I really like it.

TVandwine · 26/11/2016 22:35

I know three Rivers and they are all girls. I always thought it was more of a boys name though.

GlacindaTheTroll · 26/11/2016 22:30

It is now!

River Song is an awesome character

BobbieDog · 26/11/2016 22:29

Is it unisex?

lozengeoflove · 26/11/2016 22:26

It's gorgeous. Go for it.

cheweduprope · 26/11/2016 22:26

I think it's cool. Definitely a boys name.

AuntieStella · 26/11/2016 22:24

I think it's become widely known as a female name because of River Song.

And there are a heck of a lot of Whovians out there.

Tardis
MouldyPeach · 26/11/2016 22:23

I love it

LovingLola · 26/11/2016 22:22

River Rocket Oliver?

Deadsouls · 26/11/2016 22:21

I don't think it's out there. This name is gaining in popularity. Always been fond of it.

Shemozzle · 26/11/2016 22:21

I love it, but I honestly think it's about to BOOM. I've seen it mentioned on Facebook parenting groups on name posts more and more over the last few years and the Oliver's have just called their baby that too. I remember Poppy was a bit out there when they had her so River will probably go the same way.

MakeLemonade · 26/11/2016 22:20

I know two little boys called River, a one year old and a three year old. I think it's on the way to being more popular, Jamie Oliver recently named his son River too.

I like it.

Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.

Join Mumsnet Log In

This thread is closed and is no longer accepting replies. Click here to start a new thread.

Swipe left for the next trending thread