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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)

OP posts:
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MerryMarigold · 28/04/2018 09:50

I knew a Herbie. He'd be about 13 now. I have no idea if he was Herbert or not. A bit like my friend's son Alfie, who is Alfred on birth cert but no one had ever called him that. I'd go with Herbie. It's very cool. The one I knew had brothers also with v cool, unusual names.

CocoLoco87 · 28/04/2018 09:48

What about Hubert?

restorrestore · 28/04/2018 09:45

And FTR my son has a 'familiar' name- not the full name shortened iykwim. When he was 8/9 he said, "Thanks for giving me a cool name and not calling me x or y or something. (Either of the two full names his name is shortened from).

He has friends whose parents registered their son as the full name- and shorten it to the same as my son's.

I don't see the point.

DwangelaForever · 28/04/2018 09:44

My hubbys middle name is Herbert after his grandad, I think it's quite old fashioned - these names are sort of making a come back? But I don't know if I can imagine a new born as Herbert 🤔

restorrestore · 28/04/2018 09:41

I LOVE Herbie. I also LOVE Bertie. I'm not keen on Herbert.

I'm a firm believer in calling your child the name you love and not the long/formal name just because- eg if you like Charlie, use Charlie not Charles, Fred/Freddie and not Frederick etc.

padfootprongs · 28/04/2018 09:41

I hadn't heard of that slang, but probably wouldn't go for it because of that.

How about Frank/Francis so it's still after your grandad? And Herbert as a middle name?

YerAuntFanny · 28/04/2018 09:38

Ah OP, naming a kid is bloody stressful so you have my sympathy :o

Try to establish what style you and your DH like e.g. classic/modern, unusual, do you want to go down the nickname rather than full name route etc etc and work from there to find a compromise you both love.

Worry about the potential connotations on your kid once you have a shortlist and that will rule some out i'm sure.

WLmum · 28/04/2018 09:34

I love it! Herbs, herbie - super cute. He can be Herb or Herbert if he wants to be a serious grown up.
I'd never thought of it but if had a ds in the future (not going to happen) this would be on my short list. I absolutely love it!

Original poster
jennifersarah · 28/04/2018 09:32

I’m ready to cry! Back to square one, I think. Off to get a strong cup of tea would be a large wine if I wasn’t prego

OP posts:
PinkSquash · 28/04/2018 09:32

To add- I do know a Herbie, that is his full name...

PinkSquash · 28/04/2018 09:31

My grandfather was a Herbert and while I like it, I wouldn't use it because of the connotations. As an aside, I had a great uncle (not related to DGf) Francis- known as Frank.

tinykirst · 28/04/2018 09:28

@TheKimJongUnofFeminism well someone got up on the wrong side of the bed today Hmm

If you and you're oh love the name then go with it! It's SO tough choosing a baby name but they are YOUR child. So many babies have unique names now and I love it!
Everyone grows in to their own names and makes it their own. They won't get bullied because of their name. I have a unique name and have never once been picked on for my name. My DS has a unique name and it's just funny when people ask what his name is and to see them respond.. but most of the time you get amazing responses as it's something different! Who wants to have a baby that's got the same name as everyone else in their year?!

If you're going to shorten the name as well then it's great as it's a name that can grow with him. He can be herby/Bertie while he's little as that's cute! And then Bert/Herb/Herbert when he's older

Don't worry about him being picked on because of the name. Kids won't think anything of a name as they have no understanding of if a names 'different' or whatever reasons are behind a name.. they're more likely to be picked on for other reasons

happytobemrsg · 28/04/2018 09:28

To really don't like it sorry. I do like Bertie though

Chinesecrested · 28/04/2018 09:27

You and your OH aren't going to be the ones lumbered with this shocker for the rest of your lives! Poor baby. It's like Albert or Cyril or Wilfrid! Sad

Ham69 · 28/04/2018 09:26

Well I love it! Traditional, unusual and great nickname potential. Family link, too. I was put off a name for DS after googling but have regretted it ever since.
So i’m going against the grain and saying use it! You could always use as middle name if you really have been put off but not quite the same, I know.

MollyHuaCha · 28/04/2018 09:25

I've never heard of Herbert being used as an insult. But the fact that it is in some places, means maybe it's not a great name to choose.

In the same way that the names Dick, Gaylord, Fanny, Gaye etc. are perfectly good names... except... no.

Fridasfridgefreezer · 28/04/2018 09:25

No.

Sugarpiehoneyeye · 28/04/2018 09:23

Definitely not Herbert, but I like Herbie.
How about Harvey ?

felicitythemangyfox · 28/04/2018 09:23

Do you like Gilbert?

marmitecrumpets · 28/04/2018 09:23

No (sorry)

tortelliniforever · 28/04/2018 09:22

Wally is a valid name too. Grin

MorningCuppa · 28/04/2018 09:20

No, I just think there are so many names and Herbert is just awful. Sorry.

newcupcake · 28/04/2018 09:20

Sorry OP but no !

JustaLittlePrick · 28/04/2018 09:17

Who's giving birth, you or him? Do not agree to a name you don't love.

I had a neighbour who used to refer to the neighbour on the other side as "a right Herbert". He meant idiot.

It's a shocking name.

LittleLightsShineBright · 28/04/2018 09:15

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.