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

Ian

64 replies

MrsSaraceni · 14/01/2017 22:50

Opinions on Ian? We are Chinese. Thank you!

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
SugarMiceInTheRain · 17/01/2017 14:08

I quite like it, but then I know a really sweet little 4 year old with the name so have grown to like it.

perpetuallybewildered · 17/01/2017 14:06

Iain is a lovely strong name.

Turneeps · 17/01/2017 14:00

Great traditional name. Solid and not common.

MitzyLeFrouf · 16/01/2017 10:53

’ There are approximately 30 babies named Ian or Iain per year in Scotland so definitely not an "old-fashioned" name here.’

30 isn’t exactly a lot! I live in Scotland and I’d be surprised to meet a baby Ian. Just as I was surprised to meet a baby Colin a while ago (poor baby Colin). Can’t say I like the name Ian a whole lot, it’s up there with Nigel in terms of appeal.

’I find it quite funny people saying it's old fashioned when the popular 'modern' names are mostly vintage and Victorian now a days Tabitha, Olivia, Emily, Benjamin, Otis etc etc are all very old names.’

Yeah but the difference is that those names disappeared for a generation or three and as a result sounded fresh to modern ears. The world is still far too full of middle aged Ians for it to make a comeback just yet.

NormaSmuff · 16/01/2017 10:31

~What about Ewan
or Hugh?

Bubbinsmakesthree · 16/01/2017 10:26

I find it quite funny people saying it's old fashioned when the popular 'modern' names are mostly vintage and Victorian now a days Tabitha, Olivia, Emily, Benjamin, Otis etc etc are all very old names

I think most popular names take 2-3 generations to cycle round again. Names that were popular in the 70s/80s feel dated but names from further back either seem more classic or have shaken off any connotations. I'm sure names like Ian will be popular again eventually.

SunnyDayDreaming101 · 16/01/2017 08:44

Iain is a great name but being Scottish we would spell it with the extra I for sure! I have a few friends called iain and they always clarify by answering what's your name to 'iain - spelled properly' :)

I find it quite funny people saying it's old fashioned when the popular 'modern' names are mostly vintage and Victorian now a days Tabitha, Olivia, Emily, Benjamin, Otis etc etc are all very old names.

The problem with asking opinions on such a big forum is you don't know the people responding, their lifestyle, what's normal in their area etc plus you will never find a name that everyone agrees is nice.

Go with what you like asking as your ads won't get bullied for it later in life (I went to school with an Anna-Claire poor girl always being asked if she had any etc etc)

MangosteenSoda · 16/01/2017 00:52

I think it's alright. I'm in Hong Kong and have met a fair few young Ians. Older style names are not unusual here and I think Ian works with Chinese surnames.

There's a Sheila, a Beverly and an Algernon at my son's kindergarten, in comparison Ian sounds young, vibrant and fresh Grin

And at least it's a proper name. I know a 20 year old female called Wanko Shock

RockyBird · 16/01/2017 00:24

My brother's name is Ian, he's 23. He's a lovely person.

pieceofpurplesky · 16/01/2017 00:21

I teach a 15 year old Ian. Does not sound outdated in the classroom. Most names that seem odd, though, are not really - kids grow in to them. In the last 10 years I have taught a couple of Ian's, a Kenneth, a Roger, a few Martins and Daves and Steves - all very 80s but never really an issue.

ummlilia · 16/01/2017 00:19

sorry, not keen (it's the name of my 61 year old ex)

Deadsouls · 16/01/2017 00:17

No I don't like it

Buntysoven · 16/01/2017 00:13

It sounds whiney to me sorry.

buttercup54321 · 15/01/2017 20:01

Ian is very nice x

hollyisalovelyname · 15/01/2017 18:05

I just think of Ian Paisley. A bigot.

Rinmybell · 15/01/2017 18:03

I laughed out loud when someone suggested Ian too me recently.
There's an awful character called Ian Beale and I can't get that image out of my head Grin

HoratioNightboy · 15/01/2017 17:19

There are approximately 30 babies named Ian or Iain per year in Scotland so definitely not an "old-fashioned" name here.

I suppose it depends where you stay, OP, but no-one would bat an eyelid up here.

chatnanny · 15/01/2017 16:21

I would assume Scottish heritage. Wouldn't it be lovely to choose something which reflected your own heritage? I know some Ian's between 20s-60s but none younger.

PurpleAlerts · 15/01/2017 09:56

Bit old fashioned for me- what about Ewan Or Iwan?

hollyisalovelyname · 15/01/2017 09:54

Ian - No
Kian is Irish.

dementedma · 15/01/2017 09:36

Ian is a nice name. It's time some of the "older" names came back to replace the Kyle's et all. Ian is way nicer than Keir!

Scattymere · 15/01/2017 09:33

To me it sounds cheap, sour and bitter-like vinegar.

BikeRunSki · 15/01/2017 09:17

How is "Ian" like an alcoholic drink??

Dolwar · 15/01/2017 09:04

Hmm err....
Like the alcoholic drink?!

n0ne · 15/01/2017 09:04

If you'd asked me 5 years ago I would have been Hmm but I really like it now. It's muxh nicer than a lot of modern names and is a classic so will stand the test of time. I particularly like it combined with a
Chinese surname :)

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.