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Baby names

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

Original poster

Should I change it?

65 replies

RandDandC · 30/12/2019 22:44

Hi, my baby is nearly 2 weeks old and after much deliberation (and a previous thread) we decided to name her Briar, however, as much as I love the name something doesn’t feel right. We have had 2 negative comments but I have tried not to let it bother me, we go comments that out first daughters name was too ‘nicknamey’. Should I change it and if yes does anyone have any suggestions?

Surname begins with a D and is 2 syllables, dd1 is called Callie.

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custardbear · 31/12/2019 06:13

Go with your gut - I had negative comments about my DD name and it upset me too but she's now 11 and we've always loved her name, so does she

Poorolddaddypig · 31/12/2019 06:09

I LOVE Briar! I read on another thread a woman who has a daughter called Briar whose nickname was Bea which I also love

Astronica · 31/12/2019 04:35

I'm so sorry that a couple of negative comments have been made. I think Briar is quite beautiful and also works beautifully as a sister for Callie. Sometimes when a name is on the unusual side people are surprised and that is expressed as negativity. Sometimes those same people really come to love a name when they have given it time - it's just very unexpected for them. It would be a pity to change it just for that reason. You say that 'something doesn't feel right' and if you continue to feel it's the wrong name then do change it - but I have found that in the first weeks or months, sometimes, nothing feels quite right till it grows to become part of the child.

Only change it if that is really what you want to do. I'm all for changing names when name regret is very real. However just give yourself some time and don't change it if you love the name. Personally I can't think of anything more lovely than Briar, but that's just me.

Gemma2019 · 31/12/2019 02:38

Do you have an alternative name in mind OP?

GinghamStyle · 31/12/2019 01:20

How about Bryony/Briony? You can still call her Briar but there’s a longer (more proper?) name behind it. “B” is what we call our friend Bryony.

DramaAlpaca · 31/12/2019 01:13

I'm sorry, but I'm with FeigningHorror on this. I'm in Ireland and my associations are the same. I find it difficult to imagine such a sharp, prickly name on a baby.

It's in a completely different style to the very sweet and lovely Callie as well.

It's up to you though, OP. If you love it, stick with it. Don't change it because others think you should.

meow1989 · 30/12/2019 23:41

I think they're both lovely names op.

FeigningHorror · 30/12/2019 23:41

Really? It seems a strange choice of botanical name to go for something defined by sharp thorns, invasiveness and a tendency to entangle passersby.

In Ireland describing someone of either sex as ‘a briar’ means they have a sharp tongue and a tendency to pick fights because of it.

I did teach an English Briar-Rose.

tamarisk44 · 30/12/2019 23:40

Only change it if YOU don't like it. No-one else matters.

GertiMJN · 30/12/2019 23:32

Congratulations on dd 2!

If you genuinely feel the name is not "right" then I don't see a problem with changing it. But don't do it because of the reactions of others.

I don't have any suggestions other than the very literal alternative of Rose.

MoomimWoomin · 30/12/2019 22:48

I have never heard the name Briar and absolutely love it! Congrats on your new baby Thanks

Ohyesiam · 30/12/2019 22:47

It’s beautiful, don’t change it.

BillywilliamV · 30/12/2019 22:46

Briar is lovely!

IrnBruTortie · 30/12/2019 22:46

Actually, I love it. And it goes really well with Callie.
Congratulations.

MoggTheCat · 30/12/2019 22:46

Briar is an absolutely beautiful name, really pretty. It also goes really well with Callie.