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Baby names

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

Original poster

Unsure about boy's name

38 replies

kara1987 · 10/05/2017 15:12

Hi,

My partner and I are nearing 30 and first time parents. We don't know anyone with children, so when we looked at baby names we only had our own preconceptions to go by.

We both really liked the name Cody, as it's an Irish name (OH is half Irish) and we didn't know anyone with that name.

However since choosing it, I'm now starting to hear negative connotations and I'm worried it's a naughty child name/ has a lot of preconceptions around it. Particularly (without trying to be too judgmental) around certain types of families.

Is this the case? Am I better avoiding it all together?

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ILookedintheWater · 10/05/2017 18:39

It's used as a boys' name in America: Disney's 'The Suite Life of Zack and Cody' for example.
I have never heard of a British or Irish one.

Lemondrop09 · 10/05/2017 18:29

I think of it as being a very American name. I really like it though

DramaInPyjamas · 10/05/2017 18:23

I only know one and he's a little shite, so I do associate it with naughty.

29Palms · 10/05/2017 18:16

Boys, naughty or not Grin grow up to be men, so I would think carefully about giving him a "cute" name.

flibberdy · 10/05/2017 18:03

It's cute and I wouldn't associate it with a naughty boy. That's more Tyler/Bailey Blush sorry mums with those DSs!

Choosing a boys name is so so hard compared to girls imo so if you've found one you both like, go for it!

29Palms · 10/05/2017 17:39

It's a surname, as in Buffalo Bill Cody.

Personally I dislike surnames being used as forenames - it is a very American thing - but the lines can become blurred over time as many common surnames have long been in use as forenames, or even started out as such. James, Thomas etc. Cody isn't one of those.

CricketRuntAndRashers · 10/05/2017 16:12

I've honestly never met an Irish (or English) Cody...

I agree, it does sound very American to me personally. But there's obviously nothing wrong with American sounding names! :)

BertrandRussell · 10/05/2017 15:36

You do need to be a bit careful about baby name websites that tell you names are Irish. A lot of Gaelic names are a bit alphabet soupish to non Gaelic speakers, so lots of names are sort of anagrammed out of the letters and labeled Irish names.............

Original poster
kara1987 · 10/05/2017 15:31

It's an Irish Gaelic name (though I assume that's from the surname 'Cody').

It's probable that it's become more Americanised as a first name (though again, don't know of anyone called Cody that I think of).

OP posts:
BertrandRussell · 10/05/2017 15:25

I don't think it's a particularly Irish name, is it?

Rockaby · 10/05/2017 15:24

I'm American born, but spent most of my childhood and adolescence in Ireland. I would also say it's more American sounding than Irish.

There are some beautiful Irish boy names which I prefer to Cody. That said, I don't have any negative associations with Cody. It isn't to my taste, but there's nothing wrong with it. Go with what you love! If that's Cody, then go for it.

lorelairoryemily · 10/05/2017 15:18

I'm Irish too and I can't think of a single person I know called Cody, as crispy said above it so I ds more American to me and I dont like it either...

CrispyBathTowel · 10/05/2017 15:15

I'm Irish and I'd say that it's not that popular or overused here as I haven't come across any. Whilst it is an Irish name it sounds more American to me for some reason.

I don't really like it tbh Blush