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Baby names

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

Shannon for a boy?

86 replies

waterandseasalt · 16/05/2020 18:48

I'm 32 weeks, I am really rooting for this name but DP says it's a girl's name! I do get where he's coming from and I feel maybe at this point this name has the same problem as Ashley (also love but DP said it's a no from the start)

I do think Shannon paired up with a "boy" middle name could definitely be pulled off however I can't come up with a decent combination so convincing DP is proving to be very difficult now.

Please help xx

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Blursula · 19/05/2020 23:42

@Twelve8Ts completely agree.

My son has a unisex name and one person pointed out that it was a bad idea because on a CV employers might assume him to be female! If an employer would discriminate based on sex then I certainly wouldn’t want any child of mine working there anyway.

Advising someone to name their child something ‘basic’ to avoid the possibility of being discriminated against is dreadfully outdated and not how we should be raising our children IMO.

I think Shannon is nice OP. Only Shannon I’ve ever known is male. Much more common for females, but people will get used to it!

MyNameHasBeenTaken · 19/05/2020 19:46

I have only ever met one shannon

And he was a boy. I assume he is a man now, aged late 20's.

Spirali · 19/05/2020 14:58

Came on to say no because I hate Shannon in a girl (sorry to any Shannon’s) but actually after a moments thought I don’t mind it for a boy. However I’d never use it myself and I think it would suit an adult male more than a kid though for some reason.

Aquamarine1029 · 19/05/2020 14:57

If your husband doesn't like it, you need to let it go and choose another name. I don't like it either, however I do like Jody for a boy. I knew one years ago and he was a great chap.

Eeyoresstickhouse · 19/05/2020 14:51

I know a shannon who is a boy. I have to admit when I first heard the birth news I had assumed they had a girl.

Pemba · 19/05/2020 14:48

I think it is too well known as a girl's name. (and not a very classy one at that, unfortunately.)

Twelve8Ts · 19/05/2020 00:05

@okiedokieme You know professionals that discriminate, but yet you yourself are suggesting it’s better to put a ‘basic’ name on a CV? Strange.
Would have thought it’s better to be rejected by a company if they discriminate against others rather than get the job based on your basic name?! Maybe I’m mad but that seems like terrible (and dated) advice..

What do you think the most popular names will be be in 20 years time when this child goes to work?

Janleverton · 18/05/2020 20:40

No.

Somethingkindaoooo · 18/05/2020 20:34

Well F** me.
49 years on this planet and I had no idea Shannon could be a boys name.

Hhm

CherryPavlova · 18/05/2020 20:28

It’s a sandpaper name. Sorry

MrJollyLivesNextDoor · 18/05/2020 20:22

Ooh Shannon Leto, yum Smile

Daphnise · 18/05/2020 20:18

Please don't do this.

It's a most unappealing name for a boy- and the mocking he would get- he'd change it anyway, and wouldn't thank you!

Twelve8Ts · 18/05/2020 13:42

I think of it as an Australian boys name. I think it’s fine!

MrsElijahMikaelson1 · 18/05/2020 13:23

It’s a girls name to me and not that nice either. I was teased mercilessly for my name throughout me entire childhood-not a time I remember fondly and have changed my name now.

ScorpionQueen · 18/05/2020 13:16

It wouldn't hurt to be a bit nicer. This is the baby name thread, not aibu. Some of the posters here are very unpleasant.

FizzyGreenWater · 18/05/2020 12:57

I think you could get away with it overseas, yes.

I don't like it, I have to say, here it says fairly downmarket drab girl name. Bit depressing 20-years-out-of-date feel to it!

BUT -if your OH doesn't like it, you can't. Have to say, I do think there's a difference with putting up with a name you don't love but was your partner's choice when it's a normal old James or Ben, to having to deal with having your son called Shannon when you hate it! I don't think you can ask him to go along with that, sorry.

Senan is a great suggestion.

I hope Shannanon is a typo. If not, can I suggest perhaps Jamames or possibly Benjajamin as an alternative? Grin

percheron67 · 18/05/2020 12:54

"child"

percheron67 · 18/05/2020 12:54

Horrid name for a chid, especially a boy. Hope your surname isn't Matthews.

Frangible · 18/05/2020 12:49

Senan is nice, and I've come across very few.

SionnachRua · 18/05/2020 00:27

Senan is a great alternative suggestion.

I think wanting to use a (rather basic, if we're using the term) girls name on a boy for no other reason than wanting to be yooneek is weird. Even on a girl it's an ok name but nothing wonderful. There are loads of great names for boys.

Cindie943811A · 18/05/2020 00:19

I think it’s ok ( but have NZ background). Just give him a very plain indisputably male second name that he can use on his CV etc for any Pom who might think that Shannon is exclusively a female name

AragornsManlyStubble · 17/05/2020 15:13

I like it. Would think it quite cool on a little boy now. James has been used for a girl, no reason this can’t be used for a boy.

Carrie7469 · 17/05/2020 11:42

No. Just no.

BeingATwatItsABingThing · 17/05/2020 11:40

To the PPs saying ‘they’ll get bullied’ perhaps teach your kids not be bullies and accept differences and we’ll all have better lives?

We can all teach our DC not to be bullies but it only takes a few to not bother. For what it’s worth, I don’t think many are bullied for their name these days (some will be though unfortunately) but I still wouldn’t give my child a name that I thought they might have people raising their eyebrows at or laughing behind their back.

BuffaloCauliflower · 17/05/2020 11:29

I think it’s nicer as a boys name and wouldn’t bat an eyelid, and as you say living in an international community gives you more scope.

To the PPs saying ‘they’ll get bullied’ perhaps teach your kids not be bullies and accept differences and we’ll all have better lives?

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