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Baby names

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

Original poster

Baby name regrets?

34 replies

babyonboard22 · 19/06/2018 20:34

Hi,

My second daughter was born almost seven months ago. My husband and I have very different tastes in names and as a result we ended up agreeing to a name we both liked, rather than loved.. we vetoed all of each other's first choices!
He is now happy with her name (I think!) but I can't get used to it. I find myself referring to her as 'the baby' a lot, to avoid saying her name, which I know is ridiculous.

Has anyone else felt this way? What can I do?

Her name is Annabel and I really don't like Annie as a nick name. Belle is ok but again I find it just doesn't come natural to call her that.
I haven't actually talked to my husband about this yet - once I do there is no going back and I thought this feeling would pass as she gets older but so far it hasn't.

Any thoughts? Thank you!

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TroysMammy · 19/06/2018 21:21

As a child I wished I was called a pretty name like Annabelle and not the one I was given.

I couldn't see me as an Annabelle now though.

Why does everyone think they have to have a nickname for perfectly lovely names?

BunnerRean · 19/06/2018 21:21

I changed my child's name after 10months, and I'd say it took only a couple of months for people to get used to it. We made a very minor change but glad I did-the first just never felt right, somehow!

YoucancallmeVal · 19/06/2018 21:20

I am from an area where nicknames are almost an art form, they are so random. I grew up with an Annabel and she was various names including Boo and Nell. My own dd answers to umpteen names. I mostly call her lulu or Tallulah, neither of which is in any way similar to her actual name. Does your eldest pronounce her name correctly or does she have a shortening for Annabel?

RebeccaWrongDaily · 19/06/2018 21:15

I have a colleague called Annabel, she's nn'ed Bee. Started off as Bel and that was shortened, is Bee/ Bea any good?

Original poster
babyonboard22 · 19/06/2018 21:03

Thanks TroubledLichen and Drchinnery,
I like her middle name, maybe I'll start using it and see what reaction I get. All grandparents made it clear they didn't like her middle name though so that may be another issue!

I am so desperate to find a nick name that I'm probably trying too hard and not letting it flow. And nothing seems to feel right.. not helped by my toddler who gets angry every time I call her sister anything different and says 'Mummy she is called ANNABEL' in a way only toddlers can!

OP posts:
TroubledLichen · 19/06/2018 20:52

We have an Annabelle in the family and she’s occasionally called Bells but mostly it’s the full name. Her mother hates Ann/Anna/Annie but even without that she just doesn’t look like one and it wouldn’t be right somehow. Babies also grow into their names, once she’s a toddler with a lot of personality you will probably find it fits better.

Original poster
babyonboard22 · 19/06/2018 20:51

Thanks QueenOfMyWorld. Yes I heard that's true - but that does feel like a huge decision.
I am just not sure if I want to jump straight to that option given I haven't even mentioned my doubts to anyone.
Has anyone changed their baby's name after so long? I'd be worried about how people will react. Let alone agreeing to a new name with my husband given we couldn't agree the first time :)

OP posts:
Drchinnery · 19/06/2018 20:48

Think a nickname should just flow, like something you just automatically say. My friends baby's middle name rose and they call her Rosie as they chose her first name last min and it doesnt really suit her. Could you use her middle name? A lot of people do that

QueenOfMyWorld · 19/06/2018 20:35

I think you can change a baby name up to being a year old