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Baby names

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

Original poster

Why is it so offensive to say that a name will date?

82 replies

LotusClover · 26/05/2020 16:27

Hello everyone,

I've noticed on a lot of these threads, some posters get very angry and defensive when someone suggests that a name will date.

Why?

So okay, you might not agree - or even care - that it will date. Fair enough. But isn't the whole purpose of this forum to give our opinions in an honest and constructive way? No one's saying you have to agree with these opinions.

I see posters describing names as "ugly" and "downmarket", and saying that they "hate" them. And no one bats an eyelid. But as soon as you say you think a name is going to date, you have people jumping on your case like you've just committed a crime.

Sorry for the long post, but I feel like I'm missing something here. What's so bad about suggesting that a name will date?

Thank you

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Wheresthebiffer2 · 27/05/2020 00:41

Maybe they're actually not that offended, but it comes across like that - because we are writing - and cannot always convey our feelings - without resorting to a million emojis.

DennisTMenace · 26/05/2020 23:00

Names tend to go in cycles, so who cares if it dates. Today's Isla may well be the Susan of this generation, but why would that matter when choosing a name? There used to be far fewer names around and people managed just fine with all being called Mary and John.

summersun7 · 26/05/2020 22:55

I think it depends on what the person is looking for. As sometimes they write in their post they are looking for uncommon names but then post names that are common or "fad names".
Everyone is unique. Some people like fad names, others don't. Im personally not fussed but prefer more common names having had a very uncommon name myself.
If we all liked the same names it would be a very boring world out there!

victorianbombshelter · 26/05/2020 22:45

I'd much rather someone tell me if it was a fad name as that would totally put me off. I wouldn't be offended at all, especially when seeking help

user495275 · 26/05/2020 22:18

I'm not sure why it aggravates people either. It might not be something they want to hear but it's still a valid point to raise and definitely something to consider when naming a child. Sure, Elodie and Arlo may be cute now but they were virtually unheard of 10 years ago, and most likely will be again in 10 years time.

diddlediddle · 26/05/2020 22:12

People on mumsnet just like to get eggy about stuff, that's why!

peperethecat · 26/05/2020 16:30

I think it's because it's usually when people are trying to be youneeq but they all have the same idea and they resent the implication that they've gone for something faddy that won't stand the test of time.

Nobody likes the suggestion that the name they think is so cool right now is going to be the Gary or the Sharon of the future.