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Baby names

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

Original poster

Is Caspar too 'out there'?

54 replies

PrimeraVez · 25/03/2018 06:43

Am expecting DS2 in June and we are struggling with names. I came up with Caspar a few weeks ago and really quite like it. DH is a bit 'meh' about it, but admits he can't think of anything else, and if I like it, he's happy to let me choose. The only thing he has offered is Alexander, which I'm pretty indifferent to.

DS1 is Leo, which miraculously DH and I both managed to agree on quite early on.

Our surname is a little bit French sounding, although we are both British. Middle name is likely to be William (a family name)

We are expats in a very multicultural city in the Middle East, so there's no chance of anything we chose sticking out or being considered a bit weird at nursery or school.

Family are back in the UK but siblings and cousins have all gone fairly traditional for their DC - Thomas, Jack, Charlie, Hannah, Emily etc. I am imagining my parents and grandparents thinking 'wtf' when we announce it.

Is Caspar weird? Am I going to regret it? I really like it, it works well with Leo and our surname, I don't think it will age and if I heard it, I would think 'cool name'.

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Oysterbabe · 25/03/2018 16:06

I like it. We have a Leo. We were also considering Xander, which is obviously a shortening of Alexander but we would have just used Xander. We also liked Rudy, Jesse and Jude.

Naberes · 25/03/2018 15:30

Love it, it was our boy name for DD. I don’t think it’s that out there. If you’re worried, Jasper is similar, sounds great with Leo, and is a bit more popular.

HoratioNightboy · 25/03/2018 14:58

I love it but don't know any in real life, just in popular culture, e.g. Friendly Ghost and Steve McClaren's snake. Prefer Casper spelling, as like a PP, the -ar ending feels like it should have the emphasis on the last syllable.

Belindabauer · 25/03/2018 10:23

It's not my cup of tea but if my like it then use it.

clarkl2 · 25/03/2018 10:16

Prefer Noel

Shockers · 25/03/2018 10:01

I like it!

chickywoo · 25/03/2018 09:59

What about Casim - spelt qasim - similar and will also fit in in Middle East

Buxbaum · 25/03/2018 09:56

I like it too. I live in an area with a fairly large Polish community and know a few Kacpers.

Original poster
PrimeraVez · 25/03/2018 09:37

Wow, thank you so much for all the feedback Smile

Funnily enough some of the other suggestions on this thread are also on my list, especially Oscar and Felix.

'The friendly ghost' thing is DH's main issue, although I think a) most names will have an association somewhere if you look hard enough b) the film is years old and c) it's not even a bad association!

With regards to the spelling, my understanding is that the '-ar' version is the more traditional one. I don't have a preference either way but will give it some more thought!

Caspar was one of the three wise men which I think is quite fitting... I found out I was pregnant in October but with a previous history of MC, DH and I only allowed ourselves to start getting excited after my 12 week scan at Christmas and so the bump's nickname is 'Noel'!

OP posts:
AnyaMoondial · 25/03/2018 09:04

I know a teenaged Caspar, his name suits him and he likes it. I prefer Caspar spelling.

MadMaryBoddington · 25/03/2018 08:38

I like it.

EmmaGrundyForPM · 25/03/2018 08:37

Our neighbour has a Caspar and a Felix. Both lovely names.

PinkAvocado · 25/03/2018 08:35

It’s lovely and goes well with Leo.

Chewbecca · 25/03/2018 08:29

It is good.

Leo was on my shortlist, along with Toby & Guy.

MammieBear · 25/03/2018 08:26

Definitely not! Lovely name.

littlepill · 25/03/2018 07:57

I love this name and it sounds great with Leo!

Peanutbuttercups21 · 25/03/2018 07:55

I love Casper/Caspar

It was one of the wise men, right? I prefer it to Melchior and Balthazar Wink

Anyway, name has clearly been around since the bible so not "out there" at all, IMO

scifisam · 25/03/2018 07:48

Totally ordinary name, but also lovely.

PalePinkSwan · 25/03/2018 07:43

It’s getting more popular in the uk - I know three Casper’s aged 3 and under. I’m in London.

So I don’t think it’s very “out there” anymore! If you want something similar but more popular you could try Oscar?

Tailfeather · 25/03/2018 07:43

Love it, OP. Slight preference to Casper spelling as I have spent my whole life having to spell my name.

Orchidflower1 · 25/03/2018 07:42

Prefer Casper spelling but the name is lovely

niceupthedance · 25/03/2018 07:41

I know two baby Caspars I think it's becoming more popular.

diodati · 25/03/2018 07:39

A close friend of mine has a son named Caspar. She is Finnish and has never heard of Casper, The Friendly Ghost.Wink
I love the name; either spelling works IMO.

Wellthen · 25/03/2018 07:39

Are you pronouncing it Casper (cas-puh in many accents) or Cas-PAR?

Caspar is more likely to get raised eyebrows from brits but I think is still a well known name. I wouldn’t describe it as ‘out there’

IHateYourCarpet · 25/03/2018 07:35

I love it GrinI wish I'd used that for DS now!