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Baby names

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

Original poster

HELP - I’ve had a name wobble.

86 replies

jennifersarah · 28/04/2018 08:29

Honest opinions please on the name:
Herbert
Yes or No (and reason too if you have one)

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NooNooHead · 29/04/2018 12:19

I call my bump Herbie and Herb and we actually quite like the name but probably wouldn’t give our son it when he pops out in over a month’s time as he may get a lot of stick for it - plus I do think it is a bit ‘old man’ like too.

Having said that, I do really like it and think Herbie is very cute but we will probably choose an equally old fashioned name and go for Charlie / Charles as our first choice.

What about Herbert as a middle name to compromise?

LastNightsMakeUp · 29/04/2018 10:09

Maybe Albert would give you the same 'feel?' I'm sorry I don't like Herbert.

TheKimJongUnofFeminism · 29/04/2018 09:47

Who? Do you mean Robert Cavel, who chose himself to be known as Bertie?

SomeoneAteMyStrudel · 29/04/2018 09:41

I like it! And to whoever said 'who'd be a grown man called Bertie' well it hasn't done Bertie Carvel any harm.

Funny how nobody in the 60s and 70s had an issue with Roger even though it's slang for a shag. Also know someone called Gay who never gets the piss taken out of her.

Buntysoven · 28/04/2018 23:00

I know a very cool teenaged Herbert. Raised eyebrows when he was born but he pulls it off. Last name starts with H too. On the other hand, my gran always used to say "You look a right scruffy Herbert"!

ShadowKitty · 28/04/2018 20:39

If you like it as a tribute to a relative maybe just use it as a middle name?

Or if you like Bertie, what about Robert? My six week old is Robert - he's Bobby at the moment but I'm trying to get Bertie to catch on with the rest of the family! When he's older he might prefer Robbie or Rob so it's a name with a lot of options but not too controversial!

MrsMozart · 28/04/2018 19:38

No to Herbert.

eloisesparkle · 28/04/2018 19:30

No

mondler · 28/04/2018 19:20

I like Herbert, fits the current trend and has good nn options. If you have fallen out of love with it and want to honour your grandfather how about Franklin? It's a little bit different to the Frankie trend.

Good luck!

WildCherryBlossom · 28/04/2018 19:05

I know a Herbert - it's never abbreviated. It's cool and it suits him. @TheKimJongUnofFeminism bollocks to that. I called my kids names I like. And it works for me.

HairyToity · 28/04/2018 15:06

No - use Hector instead

Ginandplatonic · 28/04/2018 14:25

It’s a perfectly normal name and fits right in with the Old Man names trend. He will blend in at school amongst all the Stanleys, Wilfreds, Arthurs etc. I know lots of kids with unusual, out there names; or names from different ethnic backgrounds. None are bullied or even teased for their names - there’s so much more name variety now that kids just seem more accepting.

If you and your DH love the name go for it.

JustaLittlePrick · 28/04/2018 14:14

Call him Arthur OP. The nation wants an Arthur! Grin

JustaLittlePrick · 28/04/2018 14:13

Herbert sherbet

JustaLittlePrick · 28/04/2018 14:13

Today 14:07 IAmMatty

I can't imagine seeing my baby, for the first time, feeling completely besotted and bowled over by how beautiful he is and thinking 'yes, he's definitely a Herbert'

And all your friends thinking "he's a right Herbert".

GreyGardens88 · 28/04/2018 14:11

I don't like it sorry

IAmMatty · 28/04/2018 14:07

I can't imagine seeing my baby, for the first time, feeling completely besotted and bowled over by how beautiful he is and thinking 'yes, he's definitely a Herbert' Confused

chezmk1988 · 28/04/2018 13:56

Nooo

chequeplease · 28/04/2018 11:37

No. But would you consider just Herbie, which is lovely!
Or: Bertie, Albert, Hector, Hugo?

That said if you decide on Herbert it's your choice and not an offensive name at all!!

Let us know what you go for!!

ooobisto · 28/04/2018 11:02

No!!!

However, I do like the nn Bertie (mainly on account of reading too many of the Alexander McCall Smith's 44 Scotland Street books), is there anything else it could be a nn for?

Awrite · 28/04/2018 10:36

I know you've made your mind up but wanted to strengthen your resolve by adding my name to the Herbert hate.

Awful.

I like the sound of Herbie funnily enough. Fond memories of the films perhaps.

Dixiestampsagain · 28/04/2018 10:35

I know a Herbie and a Bertie, but neither are Herbert.

Awwlookatmybabyspider · 28/04/2018 10:33

Well it certainly did Herbert of Liverpool no harm. A very well known hair dresser. Who borrowed £1,000 to set up his own business when he was 18 and never looked back.

n0ne · 28/04/2018 10:27

I like it but I like all -bert names. With the family connection as well, I'd use it. I think Herb is a cool nickname for when he's older, Bertie is super cute for a little 'un.

BillywilliamV · 28/04/2018 09:53

Just don't if youre not sure. Pick something else. Or wait till after the birth, if the child looks like a Herbert....

Say the last bit out loud...now do you see?