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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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TheKimJongUnofFeminism · 28/04/2018 09:15

“Herbert is a perfectly valid name,”

Of course it is. It is also a widely used word to describe a bit of an idiot.

And no, I don’t think kids get bullied because of their names much either. But they do get teased. Which gets very tedious. And having a name which means people hide a smile gets very tedious too. Why do it?

PintOfCalpol · 28/04/2018 09:11

I know two Herbert’s under five, both in liberal urban neighbourhoods. One known as Herb the other as Bertie. Both named after family, I like it.

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

Surprised at all the Herbert hate! But after reading up, and your comments, I understand why it might not be a good idea. This is going to be a tough conversation with DH...wish me luck!!

OP posts:
YerAuntFanny · 28/04/2018 09:03

@kimjong no I really don't think it is.

Herbert is a perfectly valid name, if it's not offensive or weird then why shouldn't the OP use it? I have a very 80's name that I'm not overly keen on but it's hardly been a huge issue in my life!

My DS and DD have plain, safe names because that's just the style I happen to like but DS' often gets absolutely slated on here should we have an approved list perhaps?

My DS has suffered extreme bullying for 7 years and not once have I worried that it's my fault for naming him wrong 🙄

catinboots9 · 28/04/2018 09:00

Awful

Chickoletta · 28/04/2018 08:53

I don’t like it I’m afraid. Also think of calling someone a ‘right Herbert’. Sorry.

BakedBeans47 · 28/04/2018 08:52

Herbert is awful. Bertie is sweet for a little boy though.

TheKimJongUnofFeminism · 28/04/2018 08:51

"I know I shouldn’t really care what people think if we both love the name"

Yes you should. You are naming someone else who can't consent. It matters a lot what other people think-your child will be dealing with what other people think for 90 years.

Starryskiesinthesky · 28/04/2018 08:51

I'm not keen on the name but don't think there's anything intrinsically wrong with it. Just another old man name to me and not a style I like. Hate Arthur, George, Edward etc too.

Thingvellir · 28/04/2018 08:51

Are you going to shorten it? Bertie and Herbie are both ok. DS has a Bertie in his class, I have no idea if it's a nn for Albert or Herbert (or if he's just a Bertie)

I have heard herbert used to mean numpty/idiot though which would put me off

Zeelove · 28/04/2018 08:50

Herbert is awful sorry. I think the old man /lady name trend is going to far.

lynmilne65 · 28/04/2018 08:50

Just No

Original poster
jennifersarah · 28/04/2018 08:49

I know I shouldn’t really care what people think if we both love the name, but the last thing I want is my child to hate their name, or be picked on because of it. And it looks like I’m heightening that risk if I decide on Herbert.
This is tough!

OP posts:
TheKimJongUnofFeminism · 28/04/2018 08:49

Would you really want to be an adult man called Bertie?

Kintan · 28/04/2018 08:47

I know a little Herbert who has always been called Bertie. Not sure why the parents didn’t just call him Bertie. I also know a little Herby, not short for anything which is really cute. Not sure about Herbert personally though - are you naming him after someone?

TheKimJongUnofFeminism · 28/04/2018 08:45

"If you like it go with it"

That really should be way down the list of criteria for choosing a name....

Original poster
jennifersarah · 28/04/2018 08:45

I am so disappointed! Both of us have loved the name right from the start. My lovely Grandad, & Great Grandad were both named Herbert, but Grandad was known as Frank (middle name Francis) - maybe this is why!!

OP posts:
mummabubs · 28/04/2018 08:44

I also had wobbles about our name (not made up but very uncommon in the UK with only 7 babies registered with the name last year) so I was a bit scared about going with it even though we both love the name. Six months on and I'm so glad we stuck to our guns. I think Herbie is a lovely abbreviation. Before pregnancy I was so consumed by what others thought of things but honestly I'm now very much in the camp that says do what you like and don't worry about others opinions. Re: bullying, I think sadly if someone wants to bully a child they'll find something to pick on regardless of a name. Xx

flissfloss65 · 28/04/2018 08:43

My ds has a friend called Bertie. Never heard anyone tease him about his name.

I wouldn’t use Herbert for reasons already given.

tinykirst · 28/04/2018 08:42

I'm not keen on it but it's your baby so call them the name you love the most! 😊

If you're not sure though you could compromise and use it as a middle name? Or pick something similar like Robert or Albert

YerAuntFanny · 28/04/2018 08:42

I personally wouldn't use it because it's not my style at all. I don't necessarily think it's worse than some of the names frequently suggested on here though...

If you like it go with it but if you're having doubts now then try to think of something along similar lines (if that's your preferred style) that you both love.

AnyaMoondial · 28/04/2018 08:39

How about Humphrey?

SumAndSubstance · 28/04/2018 08:39

Yup, sorry OP, can’t say I am a fan.

happystory · 28/04/2018 08:39

I wouldn't. What about Albert?

Jinglebells99 · 28/04/2018 08:39

No. Negative connotations. “He’s a right Herbert” . I’m sure I’ve heard that before?!
english.stackexchange.com/questions/37663/what-is-the-meaning-of-the-term-herbert-in-british-slang