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

Paul?

70 replies

Babyblues14 · 21/04/2017 20:05

We have chosen amelia-rose for a girl.
We were struggling for a boys name. I was considering Dylan.
Our close friend recently had a seizure and alnost died and my dh would like to name baby after him if we have a boy.
What do you think of Paul?
I like it for a teen/adult name but not sure for a baby Smile
I dont think there is any name that suits all stages of life

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
Dontrocktheboat · 21/04/2017 22:16

It is the most common name among men I work with (large public sector organisation) ranging from thirties to fifties! Not keen personally, though a family friend on France just had a baby Paul so maybe more cool on the continent...?

Saul is much better!

DramaAlpaca · 21/04/2017 22:13

Not ready for a revival just yet, I don't think, although it would be just about OK as a middle name. I like your reason for considering it though.

NameChange30 · 21/04/2017 22:13

I agree. Paul is much nicer than Gary, Wayne, Geoff etc. Paul's a classic, it's in the Bible (not that I'm religious but I think Biblical names are pretty classic).

dementedma · 21/04/2017 22:12

Of all of my male acquaintances, Paul is the most common name, along with David's. I am in my 50s though and thinking is time for a revival. DH is Paul, as is my best friend.

MiddlingMum · 21/04/2017 22:09

Paul is much nicer than Gary or Wayne, and I much prefer it to Dylan. There are lots of Dylans around at the moment, but I don't think I've met a little one for years.

I had a "boyfriend" called Paul when I was about five, I wonder what happened to him. Really common surname so no chance of googling or stalking on fb Grin

ItsOut · 21/04/2017 22:03

I love the name Paul.

pilates · 21/04/2017 21:55

Just no

buttercup54321 · 21/04/2017 21:54

I love Paul.xx

Madeyemoodysmum · 21/04/2017 21:36

I like it too. I suspect name like Paul Jason and mark are going to make a massive comeback soon.

MitzyLeFrouf · 21/04/2017 21:36

It's a bit weird to name a baby after someone who nearly died, but I suppose babies get named after people who have actually died all the time. So at least your reasoning is cheerier!

Personally I think there are too many Pauls as it is. They're everywhere! If a bloke isn't called Paul his brother is or his best friend is. Or both.

emilybrontescorset · 21/04/2017 21:35

I was at school with Paul's. It goes with Darren, David, Ian , Dean etc.
It's not old enough or, modern enough for me.
Sounds like you have been named after your dad.

ArriettyClock1 · 21/04/2017 21:28

God no. It's beyond dreadful.

It was naff in the 70s and 80s and does not deserve even an ironic revival.

It's not classic, unless you think Gary, Barry and Wayne are classics too.

Alyx80 · 21/04/2017 21:27

I think it's awful sorry.

NameChange30 · 21/04/2017 21:25

I'm not being defensive, no one's attacking me! Just giving my opinion.

Original poster
Babyblues14 · 21/04/2017 21:24

Why are you so defensive name change??
I want to see how people react to the name. If you like I can get my dh to ask the same question. I really don't see why it matters

OP posts:
xrayyankeezulu · 21/04/2017 21:20

I know loads of Pauls!! I know what mean though you do associate it more with a teenager or adult than a child but all the millions of Pauls walking around out there were a baby at some point. I never understand Gary, there's so many of them but I can't imagine a baby being Gary Confused

SarahS2404 · 21/04/2017 21:20

I like it. It's different. If my baby turns out to be a boy he will be Maurice Billy which everyone has pulled their faces at (named after daddy and grandad first name wise)

Old names are coming back into fashion :)

Sugarpiehoneyeye · 21/04/2017 21:20

I like Paul.

GuinessPunch · 21/04/2017 21:18

It's crap sorry. Like Wayne or Geoff.

NameChange30 · 21/04/2017 21:18

But if he's picking it why are you even asking us? Surely your opinion isn't relevant and ours even less so?

Original poster
Babyblues14 · 21/04/2017 21:16

It really doesn't bother me about not picking the name, I'm happy for him to do it. And we are planning on having more kids. I have no problem with it. I just wanted to see the reactions it gets as a baby's name

OP posts:
NameChange30 · 21/04/2017 21:14

Why don't you choose the name together?
I never understand it when one parent makes a unilateral decision.
The child is both of yours, 50/50 genes, and you should choose a name together that you both like.
It's not up to you to compensate for the failures of his past relationship Hmm
I bet the child will have his surname too

Isitjustmeorisiteveryoneelse · 21/04/2017 21:13

Wow that it retro and, frankly, genius! Love it.

Wallywobbles · 21/04/2017 21:10

I had a traumatic experience with a Paul so not one for me.

ninjapants · 21/04/2017 21:01

There's a Paul at DS's nursery. I like the name, it's simple, well known but not overused and it's easy for young kids to say. Plus you know he will never be mocked for his name or have people struggling to pronounce or spell it