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Original poster

Teddy for a girl, is it really that controversial??

210 replies

lucie8881 · 05/03/2020 11:45

Now I'm not overly swayed by others opinions because when it comes to names as we all have our preferences. Whether you love or loathe a name depends a lot on your own personal experiences, thoughts and feelings. I've always gone along with if you're happy with your choice and it's not offensive pretty much all's good.

I'm pregnant with a little girl due in June, myself and DH have been pondering names and on our shortlist is the name Teddy. We'll pick a middle name as well but haven't really given much consideration to that as yet. I was speaking with my DM and she asked me about names, I mentioned a few before getting to Teddy, at which point she was horrified!
Not just "I'm not keen" but more along the lines of "you can't name a baby that, it's not a proper name" and we're being cruel and opening up the child to being bullied at school. The conversation ended with DM saying if we used the name she wouldn't be using it, she would use the baby's middle name or something else more appropriate. I responded with its best we don't discuss names any further and leave it at that.

Sorry about the ramble, but I'm not sure whether I'm missing something?? I get that it may be not to everyone's taste but is it really that offensive?

It's made me question my judgement a little so just wondering what others opinions are?

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sleepingpup · 05/03/2020 13:30

Go for it OP.

Though I would have Theodora as name and call them Teddy.

BrokenMumTeenDD · 05/03/2020 13:21

It's not offensive, but it is a NN over & above an actual name & not one that would suit the high powered female she may grow up to be. The naffness comes with Robbie Williams naming his DD Teddy. Go with it by all means, but give her a choice with the full version of Theodora or Edwina & shorten your Teddy as you please

friendineed · 05/03/2020 13:19

It's a boys name short for Theodore

DoctorBambino · 05/03/2020 13:18

I'm suprised so many people are anti Teddy for a girl, it seems perfectly accepted for a boy Hmm If you like it, go for it!

JoanieCash · 05/03/2020 13:16

There’s a female Teddy in my daughter’s class, also an abbreviation of something (can’t remember what it is) but she can revert back when older. Is fine in young child, but much better as NN than official name.

Isthistrueor · 05/03/2020 13:13

It can be short for Theodora for a girl or Edward and Theodore for a boy. It’s not a name in its own right.

roarfeckingroar · 05/03/2020 13:09

Theadora nn Teddy

ThePolishWombat · 05/03/2020 13:08

I like it Blush
Official name: Theodora
Nickname: Teddy.

Nice Smile and leaves her the option to use her “official name” as an adult if she wants to.

Nearlyalmost50 · 05/03/2020 13:05

I actually think it's fine! I would love to meet a little Teddy and I work with international students and have heard lots of different names. Makes a change from Sophie (although I like that too).

No issues with it myself, I don't know why people care? I also know rising star academics called Kylie, which everyone swore blind would mean you could never be anything. This is just not true.

I don't like Priti Patel, but being called Priti (which wouldn't pass the MN name test) hasn't held her back.

reginafelangee · 05/03/2020 13:03

She might want a proper name when she is an adult.

I don't think its a name for either a boy or a girl. Its a name for a stuffed toy.

If you must use it as a nickname but give her a real name too.

CodenameVillanelle · 05/03/2020 13:00

As a stand-alone name it's just awful and I doubt she would thank you for it. As a nickname for theodora you could get away with it but I bet she grows out of it by secondary school. You're naming an adult remember, not a cute baby/toddler.

Original poster
lucie8881 · 05/03/2020 12:56

@VoyageInTheDark that's what's thrown me. I totally understand everyone has different tastes, but this name does seem to provoke a pretty strong negative reaction.

I didn't think it was that out-there or unusual, but looks as though my judgements off!

OP posts:
KahlanRahl · 05/03/2020 12:56

It's cute as a nickname.

I don't like the older mums bashing upthread. Being older doesn't necessarily mean that we are not current, it can also mean that we have enough life experience to acknowledge that whilst it sounds cute, a child turns into a grown up and might want to have an "out" if they don't like their given name. So use it as a nickname or give the child a more ordinary or classic middle name.

VoyageInTheDark · 05/03/2020 12:41

I know a Theadora nn Teddy.

I don't really get the outrage. It's not like you're calling her Adolf

MarieQueenofScots · 05/03/2020 12:41

Theodora with the diminutive Teddy is lovely.

I went to school with a female Eddie!

glitterbiscuits · 05/03/2020 12:41

It's bloody awful for a girl or a boy. I have no clue why it's currently popular.

Teabunny · 05/03/2020 12:40

No to Teddy, but love Theodora.

CrotchetyQuaver · 05/03/2020 12:39

If you really want to call her Teddy, I think you should name her Edwina (or whatever other full names there are that shorten to Teddy) it's cute for a little girl, but she might not thank you for it when she's all grown up

Miriel · 05/03/2020 12:38

Calling her Edwina or Theodora and nicknaming her Teddy - not to my particular naming taste, but absolutely fine.

Teddy on her birth certificate - ridiculous.

64sNewName · 05/03/2020 12:35

I know a Teddy (a little boy). I didn’t think twice about it on learning his name but I haven’t heard it used for a girl, and that does feel like a slightly burdensome choice - surely she’d be constantly fielding “but that’s a boy’s name” comments, which would get really tedious for her? (or teddy-ous Grin)

GinnyStrupac · 05/03/2020 12:34

We know a Theodora, variously known as Teddy, Ted, Teds, Dora, Dolly and Dotty. I don't know anyone who has any issues with it at all, and if they do, so what?! She's got plenty of scope for what she wants to be known as, especially when she hits the teenage years and then the world of work. Personally, I love it.

Not Edwina or Teddi though.

Original poster
lucie8881 · 05/03/2020 12:33

We do have other names on our list, it's just didn't anticipate such a strong negative reaction.

It would seem after speaking to DM and the vast majority of replies the worlds still not ready for an influx of female Teddy's Grin

OP posts:
mrsm43s · 05/03/2020 12:31

I had a great aunt Teddy, so it doesn't seem that out there to me. However her real name was actually Edwina, and Teddy was just a nickname.

AJPTaylor · 05/03/2020 12:30

Hand on heart, would YOU want to be a woman called Teddy? Really?
Give the child a proper name. Call her what you like as a nickname.

inwood · 05/03/2020 12:27

Theodora nn Teddy is I suppose quite sweet but she will become Dora in school for sure as Teddy is not great.

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