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Baby names

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

Original poster

Is Lewis considered a downmarket name in SE England?

68 replies

CaptainChristmas · 17/12/2017 16:07

Just that really!

I didn’t think of Lewis as ‘downmarket’ at all, but I’ve seen a couple of threads on here lately where people have said things like; it’s downmarket / it’s one of those names teachers doesn’t like seeing on their class lists / “dated and chavvy” (not my words).

I am not from SE England, but live there now and am wondering how it’s perceived in the area. I know it shouldn’t matter, and nor would it if we were totally set on it, but as we’re umming and ah-ing anyway, I just thought I’d ask.

TIA

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ArcheryAnnie · 18/12/2017 09:28

Peter's a lovely name, too.

RaindropsAndSparkles · 18/12/2017 08:46

OP our d's is almost 23. Names on our list were: James, Edward, Vincent, Arthur, Louis (rather than Lewis). I think you have exquisite taste and I don't think Lewis is at all chavvy.

If I were naming now I think I'd have Merlin and Gawain on the list Smile

ferrier · 18/12/2017 08:37

Funny isn't it. Louis is more chavvy than Lewis here!

holidayparkquestion · 18/12/2017 08:37

If = I'd

holidayparkquestion · 18/12/2017 08:36

I like it but if associated it with Morse/Oxford/etc! I didn't realise.

ferrier · 18/12/2017 08:36

Edward (unless Ed or Eddie primarily), Sebastian and Vincent would all be a bit posh here.

ferrier · 18/12/2017 08:35

I'm also born and bred SE, also teach, and would consider Lewis to be a neutral name. Never occurred to me that it may be celeb inspired, probably because it's been around longer than Lewis Hamilton here.

Buxbaum · 18/12/2017 08:31

I LOVE Peter.

DancesWithOtters · 18/12/2017 07:57

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

WillowWept · 18/12/2017 07:51

Yes a bit down market in London/SE

Original poster
CaptainChristmas · 18/12/2017 07:43

DH has vetoed Arthur as a first name, but is happy enough with it as a middle name! I have a sneaky feeling the royals might use it if they have a boy, so I might avoid for that reason.

My other favourite, (which changes a lot and which dh isn’t hugely keen on, but could live with), is Edward. If we used that, we’d use Edward Arthur or maybe Edward James and then if the royals use Edward as a first name, we’ll start using the middle name! I’m due next month, so dc would only be a few months by the time the royal baby arrives.

I’m in two minds about Lewis and dh chose dc1’s name, so I’m tempted to overrule him and insist on Edward...

Other options are Vincent, Sebastian and possibly Peter.

OP posts:
ThroughThickAndThin01 · 18/12/2017 07:39

Yes down market.

Louis isn't.

mammmamia · 18/12/2017 07:35

Arthur is much nicer
Not keen on lewis at all but I really like Louis, pronounced the French way.

ArcheryAnnie · 17/12/2017 23:23

I think of DI Lewis when I think of it at all! And Arthur is a brilliant name.

MajesticWhine · 17/12/2017 22:31

I really like the name Lewis. It's definitely not posh though.

mondler · 17/12/2017 22:02

I live in SW and have never considered it chavvy. I don't know any young ones though and the only 2 I knew growing up were nice, maybe even a little posh. Surprised to hear it's considered down-market as I really like the name. Lewis Arthur sounds lovely to me

Buxbaum · 17/12/2017 21:01

It is infinitely preferable to Louis-pronounced-Lewis, which is my personal bête-noire.

Original poster
CaptainChristmas · 17/12/2017 20:50

If I was to name my son after an F1 driver, there’s a really good chance I’d choose Lewis Hamilton for the reasons stated above^^. But, I’m not going to name my son after an F1 driver. I don’t think I’d name any child after a sportsperson, or anyone currently famous tbh. You just never know what’s going to come out in the press and therefore taint the association for me, for one thing. Also, what if my ds decides he HATES F1 with a passion? It just isn’t something I’d ever consider.

I have my own heroes, (from history, politics and music, rather than sport in my case). But I don’t plan to name a child after them, as my heroes won’t be my dcs’.

OP posts:
mydogisthebest · 17/12/2017 20:41

The only Lewis I know of is Lewis Hamilton. As a big F1 fan and a big fan Lewis I think it is a good name for a boy.

Lewis Hamilton is a good role model. He grew up in a very ordinary working class home in a not that great an area of the UK. Just about all racing drivers come from fairly rich, privileged backgrounds. He also was the first black F1 driver. He had his sights set on being a racing driver from very young and with determination and a lot of his sacrifice from his family he achieved it

RuthW · 17/12/2017 20:31

Yes it is a bit chavvy and I'm in SE.

Idontmeanto · 17/12/2017 20:26

I teach. I’m afraid it is one of “those” names.

JoJoSM2 · 17/12/2017 20:16

DH, who's lived in the SE all his life says that 'Lewis' sounds dorky to him.

MaddeningtheUnhelpful · 17/12/2017 19:49

I was going to say (like a lot of others) I don't hear the name a lot down here (1 to be exact and he's 30) I don't hear negativity about the name Lewis but to us South Easties it's a place that's famed locally for a huge bonfire celebration and a cat A prison...

Original poster
CaptainChristmas · 17/12/2017 19:29

Thanks all for comments.

I think we’re going to go for it, with Arthur as a middle name Smile.

OP posts:
Original poster
CaptainChristmas · 17/12/2017 18:40

I wouldn’t name my child after Lewis Hamilton. Sorry if that offends.

I don’t see him as a hero. Very good at driving fast though and a nice chap I’m sure.

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