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Baby names

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

Original poster

Is it cruel to give a child a long name?

40 replies

RyvitaBrevis · 15/03/2020 23:00

A family member has told us he was terribly embarrassed as a child to have a name with three full syllables (think Christopher). As a result, he and his wife gave their children shorter names.

Now, I wasn't particularly bothered by having a three syllable name myself, but I'm wondering if he has a point. I don't want to be cruel or to make life harder for my DC. We currently have some 3-syllable names and even a 4-syllable name on the list.

Are 4 syllables beyond the pale? Does anyone have experience of raising children with long names - and do they mind?

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drspouse · 16/03/2020 17:07

No, but it's expensive in personalised items (DS has 9 letters, officially 4 syllables, DD 8 letters, 3 syllables)

BettyIsMyFavouriteSquirrel · 16/03/2020 16:59

I think it’s fine because those names always get shortened anyway.

My parents, in their wisdom, gave me three middle names, and not nice girls names that you’d want to use. They’re family surnames in the Scottish tradition, even though we don’t live in Scotland. When I tell people my full name you can see them wincing and trying to say “that’s a nice name” through gritted teeth.

Quizeerascal · 16/03/2020 16:46

It depends what the name is I suppose. Lots of classic names have more than 3 syllables, Victoria, Benjamin, William, Elizabeth etc. Its never bothered the Queen, afaik I've never asked her Smile

MilleniumHallsWalledGarden · 16/03/2020 16:35

I have a three syllable name which doesn't lend itself to shortening. It's never been a problem.

Windyatthebeach · 16/03/2020 16:25

One of my dd's has 3 then 3 then 1 and surname 2.. She loves having 2 middle names.

SumAndSubstance · 16/03/2020 16:23

I would suggest (politely) that your family member is bonkers.

Isthistrueor · 16/03/2020 10:38

People get concerned over rather strange things, I don’t think any normal person really worries about the amount of syllables in a name. Christopher is a completely normal name as are Benjamin, Eleanor and even names like Harrison.

Original poster
RyvitaBrevis · 15/03/2020 23:37

@NameChange30 Yes, I am prepared to accept any nicknames that the child chooses or get imposed by their mates! Grin It's always a little funny to hear friends' parents refer to them as Oliver or Rebecca instead of Ollie and Becky (or whatever).

OP posts:
NameChange30 · 15/03/2020 23:21

I have 4 names in total (first name, middle name, two surnames). I remember once my mum got name tags for my school uniform with all 4 names on them and I was mortified! Wish she had just got first name plus my initials from my surnames!

So as long as you don't insist on using the full name if your child chooses to use a shortening, I think it will be fine Grin

bruffin · 15/03/2020 23:15

I have a 9 letter first name and a 9 letter surname both maiden and married names but only 2 syllables each name.
DC have shorter names but both 3 syllables and they dont seem long names , never even thought about it.
I have had an issue where my name made the email too long for the dealership who had maximum of 35 letters and mine was 36. I dont even have a middle name.

thenightsky · 15/03/2020 23:13

I have a 3 syllable first name and a 4 syllable second name. My mother always said she did it deliberately to make me concentrate and learn my spelling and letters. She might have been correct as I was way ahead in reading when I started school (1964)

n00bMaster69 · 15/03/2020 23:11

My name has 5 syllables, it's never been an issue .

indemMUND · 15/03/2020 23:09

My DDs is 4 syllables for first name, 3 for middle and 2 for surname. Nickname 2. Not a big deal.

CoatTails · 15/03/2020 23:05

Not in the slightest. In our extended family we have an Elizabeth, a Maximilian, a Giovanni and a Carolina.

Chocolatecake12 · 15/03/2020 23:05

I have a 4 syllable name and it’s never bothered me. Longer names usually get shortened so there’s flexibility. My name has a few possible nn’s