Active discussions

Help protect children from gaming harms.

Take our survey

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Baby names

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

Original poster

I hate my friend's choice of name. Do I tell her?

111 replies

mollpop · 30/06/2019 21:54

Ok. I have a friend who has recently given birth to a beautiful baby boy. She's thinking of calling him Miller and asked me what I think. Do I tell her (in a tactful way)? FWIW I think it's a dreadful name.

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
Nearlyalmost50 · 30/06/2019 22:22

I don't feel strongly about almost any name that has people frothing. It would have to be truly terrible and even then I wouldn't say anything. Miller is fine.

Morgan12 · 30/06/2019 22:20

Its bloody awful.

But probably best not to tell her.

00100001 · 30/06/2019 22:19

"What's it got to do with you?"

"Her friend asked her opinion"

Yes, bit she doesn't actually want someone to say they don't like it.

It's bit like how you

VforVienetta · 30/06/2019 22:19

"Well, I wouldn't choose it myself as it sounds more like a surname to me, but it doesn't matter what I think, if you love it."

That's pretty much all you need to say.

FWIW I know a Miller, it's suited him at every age, and in no way sounds like a surname. It's just his name.

Jaxhog · 30/06/2019 22:19

Not unless you want her to be an ex-friend! Find a tactful way to not say yes.

Imgettingdesparatehere · 30/06/2019 22:16

She is your friend. Why would you do that? Keep quiet least said soonest mended.

AverageMummy · 30/06/2019 22:14

All these people thinking it’s rude to respond honestly to a question you’re directly asked - f me no wonder life is bloody exhausting with autism - how about you’re the unreasonable ones asking stupid questions you don’t want honest answers to? Grin

UrsulaPandress · 30/06/2019 22:13

I quite like it

Blush
DisputedChair · 30/06/2019 22:13

She asked you, and presumably you said ‘Hang on’ and posted on Mn? Is she sitting opposite you waiting? Hmm

I don’t care for ‘Miller’ myself, but I dislike the perennially popular George just as much.

Prettylittlelady · 30/06/2019 22:13

It depends on your friendship really, if you are really close and you have a very honest relationship, as she has asked your opinion, I think it’s ok to be honest, but like others have said, in a tactful way...remember she is hormonal.
You could say - it’s ok but what are the other options?

AverageMummy · 30/06/2019 22:13

My sister tells me when she loves a name and usually says something like ‘not my style but anything you choose will become them’ when she hates one Grin

So I’d just do that

Runkle · 30/06/2019 22:11

Unless it's Adolf then keep your opinion to yourself.

keepingbees · 30/06/2019 22:11

You don't have to lie but be tactful. Just say you wouldn't use it personally but if she loves it then go for it.

Awwlookatmybabyspider · 30/06/2019 22:11

Well seeing as she's asked you what you think. She's made it your business.
Therefore YANBU to tell her you don't like it. However be sure to tell her that your opinion shouldn't influence her choice.

KennDodd · 30/06/2019 22:08

No, unless you have good reason, for example the name is an offensive word in another language.

Original poster
mollpop · 30/06/2019 22:04

Krisskrosskriss you're probably right. When she told me what name she was thinking of I actually laughed, which I feel dreadful about. It's so horrible I thought she was joking.

OP posts:
CrazyOldBagLady · 30/06/2019 22:03

I don't like surnames for first names but if she has already given birth and named the baby it would be pretty mean to tell her you think it's a bad name.

Justmuddlingalong · 30/06/2019 22:02

She's asking you what you think, but not really asking what you think. Leave her to choose her child's name and say you like it.

Krisskrosskiss · 30/06/2019 22:00

No of course dont tell her! What good will that do? If she loves the name she will still use it but forever know you hate it which might make her sad.
Your friend naming her baby is not about you or your feelings. Tell her the name is nice and then move the conversation along. Dont be a dickhead.

Original poster
mollpop · 30/06/2019 22:00

I know it's none of my business. If she hadn't asked if have just said "oh, that's lovely,". But she has asked and it's not even a name. Well it's a surname but not a first name. Am I alone in thinking is a dreadful name?

OP posts:
EmperorBallpitine · 30/06/2019 21:59

Even if she has asked, you don't have to be truthful to the point of meanness. You could say 'why do you want my opinion, aren't you sure about it?' Or just give a random opinion like 'I always go for more old fashioned names, why did you choose Miller?'. If you don't want to outright lie.

UnboxingSoon · 30/06/2019 21:58

Yeh, I agree, say nothing. It's just 'not to your taste'. It's not actually THAT bad. It wouldn't be my choice either but I've heard worse.

That actress Faye Ripley called her daughter Parker. So ugly. Miller for a boy is not that bad in comparison.

CastleGin · 30/06/2019 21:58

What's it got to do with you?

Her friend asked her opinion

isabellerossignol · 30/06/2019 21:58

No, don't do it. Smile and say nothing.

I have a good friend whose choice of name was so terrible (in my opinion) that I was horrified. I bit my tongue, we're still friends and whilst I wouldn't say the name grew on me, I just don't give it a second thought. If I had told her I thought it was horrible it would almost certainly have damaged our friendship.

CastleGin · 30/06/2019 21:57

So as she's asked, I would be honest. Unless it's too late and it's on the birth certificate Wink

Swipe left for the next trending thread