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Baby names

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Original poster

I've done something awful

86 replies

Jux · 17/02/2018 18:40

My cousin (many years younger than I) has had her 2nd baby, a boy. While she was pg, I had joked that she could call a boy Harbottle - this is something I occasionally suggest on threads here.

This is what she has decided on. Blush She has sent me a thank you card for suggesting the name, and the invitation to the christening confirms the name. I have rung various other cousins, expecting to be laughed out of court for taking it seriously, but they all confirm it too.

I guess there is nothing much I can do, except hope that it's an elaborate joke at my expense and I shall not discover the true name until the priest says it at the ceremony.

The middle name is to be Barrington. I am between laughter and tears! The poor little mite wouldn't have a chance at a comp, but perhaps luckily will be going somewhere like Eton. Maybe it'll be normal there?

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masktaster · 19/02/2018 16:11

The name is ridiculous though. I hope they're having you on, but if not, at least he's not going to the local comp (and I say that as the DM of a DS with a currently unpopular name)

masktaster · 19/02/2018 16:09

I can believe the lifestyle choice to eschew tech - but I've worked in a school with Brethren children before they were sent to their exclusive school aged 7.

They were only allowed to use tech for educational purposes at school - had to be separated if we watched films at the end of the year.

Original poster
Jux · 19/02/2018 15:35

Lots of old people use computers, of course they do. It's just that most of my relatives don't, not because they can't but because they don't want to - on principle (some of them). It's a lifestyle choice, and not everyone needs to really. I don't need to, but I like it and find it more convenient, but that's mainly because I'm disabled and so find internet banking much more convenient, and I can socialise here and in places like this, as I don't actually get out much.

Some of the younger ones use phones, but honestly, most of the cousins are "far too busy to bother with that sort of thing". Once in a while there might be a need for whatsapp, and then they'll borrow a phone or buy a cheap one which gets passed to one of the next generation when the need has passed.

OP posts:
Thistlebelle · 19/02/2018 14:29

Woah I’d suggest that your PIL are unusual though.

My DPs and PILs are in their seventies, they all use a computer/email/internet etc as do all their friends.

My Great Aunt uses a computer to email her family and friends and she’s in her nineties.

Unnoticed · 19/02/2018 10:38

“My in-laws aged 68 & 69 don’t have a computer.“

I think it’s fair to say that they won’t be having anymore children. There is a difference between a nearly 70 year not having a computer and a 20/30 something having no access to the internet.

howthelightgetsin · 19/02/2018 08:00

68 and 69 is probably a tad too old to be having a baby though.

Woahmamma · 18/02/2018 21:57

I’ll bite.

My in-laws aged 68 & 69 don’t have a computer.

Original poster
Jux · 18/02/2018 14:55

64BooLane brilliant! I sincerely hope that that is true Grin

OP posts:
justanotheruser18 · 18/02/2018 03:49

🤭

EmmaGrundyForPM · 18/02/2018 03:36

Well that would be about as believable as the OP's story.....

64BooLane · 18/02/2018 03:25

Amish and/or posting from Mars

It would be amazing if it turned out that the Amish community, whilst rejecting some types of technology, had been secretly focused on getting to Mars all this time. Building equipment in an enormous barn without involving NASA or anyone, just cracking on with it.

HuskyMcClusky · 18/02/2018 03:11

Unless you’re Amish and/or posting from Mars, this is a crock.

EmmaGrundyForPM · 18/02/2018 02:58

This is just getting stupid now. OP , these very rich and posh cousins of yours don't use the Internet and nor do any of their friends? Despite having older school age children at private schools? Right. Cos that's really believable.

GrabbyMcGrabby · 18/02/2018 02:40
Gin
Original poster
Jux · 18/02/2018 01:11

I know you find it hard to imagine life without the internet, but that's because you're all here!

There are many many people who don't have computers at home, don't have smart phones - well, there are lots in my small town - mainly because they're barely managing and on the breadline.

There are many people who don't have computers or smartphones just because they don't want to. Honestly, quite a lot of my relatives literally shudder at the mention of the internet, have never used fb, and certainly wouldn't use the www for entertainment purposes, let alone go on a forum. Quite a lot of them don't have tv yet! Of those that do, it's "for the children" and screen time is strictly limited (like half an hour a day or for something special like a royal wedding).

Ther honestly are people who do other stuff. All the time.

OP posts:
WhiteHairReally · 17/02/2018 23:53

Barrington is a name that appears a number of times back in my family tree.
We didn’t choose to revive it when naming our offspring.

Homebird8 · 17/02/2018 23:07

Harbie Barbie

CurlsandCurves · 17/02/2018 23:03

You’ve not done anything awful!

You suggested, a name, jokingly or otherwise. She clearly loves the name and went with it, and that’s nothing to do with you, it’s her decision.

QueenNefertitty · 17/02/2018 22:58

@noonoo

I know two Herberts. One is a Bertie and one is a Herbie. And my own DS name is quite similar.... honestly not in the same league as harbottle.

@Niki - harbottle & Lewis was my first thought!

pictish · 17/02/2018 22:53

*their ffs

NotASingleFuckToGive · 17/02/2018 22:51

Harbottle Barrington?

I like it. You should suggest she change the spelling a bit though, maybe drop the extra R in 'Barrington'?
Just so it's unique once he gets to nursery, I mean.

pictish · 17/02/2018 22:50

Regarding Harbottle...my dh’s grandparents lived and raised there family there for many years. He was the local doctor and there is a tiny street named after him in the hamlet now. I have visited and stayed there a few times. Lovely wee place.
I wouldn’t call my kid it but hey ho.

Iceskatingsnake · 17/02/2018 22:48

I’m retired. I’m on the internet and have a smart phone. I honestly don’t know anyone who doesn’t have a Computer of some sort - pc, laptop, tablet, phone. Even my friends 93 year old auntie has just bought an iPad.

SoftSheen · 17/02/2018 22:44

He'll probably turn out to be called James or Henry.

PhelanThePain · 17/02/2018 22:43

Grin pink! Brilliant. Also agree.