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Original poster

Is this name crazy?

56 replies

Avocadosmoothie · 23/09/2017 19:05

Honest opinions please, what do you think to River for a boy? My husband and I absolutely love it. My concerns are that I can't imagine the name River on a man and that it's so 'out there' he could hate it. What do you think? Thanks for the help!!!

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Smoliver · 23/09/2017 21:27

I think River for a boy is a great name

eyebrowsonfleek · 23/09/2017 20:46

Considering how often we hear Bear recently, I think River won’t seem so strange to our children’s generation. They are at school with a MUCH wider variety of names than us. My kids are at school with children who have names like Zeus, Ocean and Meadow so unlike us adults, wouldn’t raise an eyebrow at River.

ThaliaLuxurySpa · 23/09/2017 20:45

Definitely avoid if your surname is Trent, Medway, Dee... Wink

Personally, I think it's one of the more unusual names which blends quite well with safer choices.
To me, it conjures up someone strong-minded and capable...Dr River J. Smith, for example, sounds fine.

ReviewTime · 23/09/2017 20:36

Love it.

MsPassepartout · 23/09/2017 20:31

When I was a teenager many many years ago, I planned naming my hypothetical future DS River after River Phoenix. My actual DS's have names which are far more traditional and well established.

So I do have a soft spot for River, but it is a bit far "out there". I'd agree with a pp that if you're in doubt, it's probably not the name for you.

furlinedsheepskinjacket · 23/09/2017 20:30

its getting quite popular - i like it :)

gets shortened to riv

grasspigeons · 23/09/2017 20:29

I really like it, but I do think it's a name you need to hear with the surname to know if it works. Just make sure it doesn't sound like a plausible river.

Mrsknackered · 23/09/2017 20:24

I know a little boy River, a teenage River and a girl called River. So not particularly out there.

I like it, and much more so for a boy.

Waytoogo · 23/09/2017 20:23

No, just no

Ecureuil · 23/09/2017 20:22

I know a 7 year old and a 2 year old River so it doesn't seem that 'out there' to me. They're completely 'normal', non hippy families.
I don't actually like the name though.

UnbornMortificado · 23/09/2017 20:15

I know one of about the age two, the parents are into all that new age stuff. I'm in a poor area we get some original names.

I also know a Mercedes and an Angel-Mae.

daisypond · 23/09/2017 20:04

I do think River Phoenix. I think it could be hard to pull off as a grown man - it depends on his personality. I imagine someone who has to excuse his hippie parents with an eye roll every time he introduces himself- if he hasn't changed his name by that point. Could you maybe find the name of a river and use that instead? Hudson? Rio?

IceBearRocks · 23/09/2017 19:39

I love it!!'nn

ILostItInTheEarlyNineties · 23/09/2017 19:39

It probably will gain popularity and when he's older River will be the new Kevin.

I agree with a pp though. If in doubt, use it as a middle name and pick a more traditional first name.

geneveve · 23/09/2017 19:36

Love it.

MrsPringles · 23/09/2017 19:36

I don't like it, sorry Blush

TatianaLarina · 23/09/2017 19:35

I think if you're a hippy milieu - Glastonbury, Totnes, Camden it's fine.

Viviennemary · 23/09/2017 19:29

Or a Prime Minister. Don't think we'll have a Prince River any time soon Grin If in doubt don't would be my advice re baby names.

Needalifeoverhaul · 23/09/2017 19:27

I like it. I think it's got a quirky charm to it. Even on a middle aged man!Smile

Original poster
Avocadosmoothie · 23/09/2017 19:26

Vivienne - that's exactly what I keep thinking! Imagine if he has a really serious or professional job when he's older. I can't imagine an accountant or teacher or lawyer called River!

OP posts:
17caterpillars1mouse · 23/09/2017 19:25

I quite like it. I actually can picture it on a man and thinks it works. He would have to be the confident type though

Awwlookatmybabyspider · 23/09/2017 19:22

Don't think its crazy. I think any name goes now.
I don't like it on a personal level, though.

villainousbroodmare · 23/09/2017 19:20

I would giggle internally tbh.

Viviennemary · 23/09/2017 19:19

No. It's just too way out unless you're a pop or film star. But there's nothing actually wrong with it. But tbh I wouldn't.

Original poster
Avocadosmoothie · 23/09/2017 19:19

We love it but I'm worried we're being selfish as I'm sure it's a name some could have strong feelings about and I'd hate to have given him a name he hates (even if he has a sensible middle name he could change too). Plus I struggle to see it on a man, what would you think if you were introduced to a middle aged man called River, would you think it a silly name?

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