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Baby names

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

Original poster

Zen

43 replies

Helpmeplan2020 · 21/09/2020 16:03

Finding it really difficult to find a name this time round. My 2 other children have very unique names and I think Zen goes with their names also
It’s a Japanese boys name but I like it for both sexes.
I worried that I could have a hyperactive tenacious child though Grin

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unmarkedbythat · 23/09/2020 17:42

I know a Zen! He's 7 years old and his name is not descriptive at all (!!) but he is adorable and it still suits him :)

Madbengalmum · 23/09/2020 17:14

Nope, sounds very try hard.

Original poster
Helpmeplan2020 · 23/09/2020 16:49

Zoe Saldana’s son is also called Zen

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Kanaloa · 23/09/2020 15:37

It’s also the name of the actor Corey Feldman’s son, who is a teenager now. I can’t think of anyone else called Zen.

Original poster
Helpmeplan2020 · 23/09/2020 13:59

Grin I didn’t expect such a strong reaction. I still love it but thanks all for your input. And it is becoming popular.

Each to their own.

There are some very interesting name suggestions Confused

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pepsirolla · 23/09/2020 13:46

Names that reference a trait can be difficult, met a Grace with two left feet and Hope who was a pessimist. Remember Cher's daughter Chastity? Some name to live up to! Understand she is now a he called Chaz.
If you like Z names friend of ours called Zeph (Zephan) he is great

User24689 · 23/09/2020 13:41

Really pretentious sorry.

How about Zephaniah/ Zeph?

AbbieFB · 23/09/2020 13:33

I’m not keen on it but there’s one in both my children’s schools so I think it’s one of those names that’s becoming more popular.

WhatWouldYouDoWhatWouldJesusDo · 23/09/2020 13:32

I like it but I'd find a name I can use it as a nickname with. 🤨

Changethetoner · 23/09/2020 13:31

Zebedee is fun. nn Zeb.

SummerHouse · 23/09/2020 13:28

I like it. Who cares what people think of a word and their prejudiced connotations. It's just a bunch of letters that form a sound. For me it's a nice one, but if it works for you, go for it.

WhatWouldJKRDo · 23/09/2020 13:26

@Sausagedog1

Love it! But I would only use it if both parents are pretty chilled so the likelihood is you'll have a chilled out child! I have a chilled child and a very highly strung child and I bet the highly strung one would hate me if I had called him Zen!! How about Bodhi? Love that one, means enlightened I think so similar vibe but less well known as a word.
Very Point Break
TheVanguardSix · 23/09/2020 13:24

It's pretentious.
But it would be funny if he were a total nutter, banging kids over the heads with plastic spades in the sandpit, throwing sand in their eyes, just kicking off big time and you're there, calling out 'Zen! Zen! Stop it! Zen!" in the midst of your child's most un-Zen moment.

WhatWouldJKRDo · 23/09/2020 13:23

I hope he becomes a bike mechanic and writes a book*

Good name for a pet, very odd choice for a child. Will be teased forever any time he's cross or upset for being un-Zen.

*for those of us who remember the 70s

Squeakerfoot · 23/09/2020 13:18

An alternative might be Zeb, like the newsreader Zeb Soanes (who I think is actually a Zebedee. Or Xan?

I've actually met a Zen but it was someone who changed their name as an adult and the name did fit!

Permanentlypuzzled · 23/09/2020 13:04

Is your last name o’Phobic.

missmouse101 · 23/09/2020 12:17

It just sounds stupid to me.

ScrumpyBetty · 23/09/2020 12:11

Nooooo

bridgetreilly · 23/09/2020 12:09

Grim. It's not a name in any language.

VenusClapTrap · 23/09/2020 11:49

It’s a strong no from me.

Sausagedog1 · 22/09/2020 09:19

Love it! But I would only use it if both parents are pretty chilled so the likelihood is you'll have a chilled out child! I have a chilled child and a very highly strung child and I bet the highly strung one would hate me if I had called him Zen!!
How about Bodhi? Love that one, means enlightened I think so similar vibe but less well known as a word.

mamah2019 · 21/09/2020 22:03

Love it! Go for it for sure!

MagpieSong · 21/09/2020 21:17

Love it. Makes me think of The Suitcase kid by Jacqueline Wilson, but not in a bad way.

Parky04 · 21/09/2020 21:17

Zen was the ships computer in Blakes 7. Loved that show.

DoTheMaccaroni · 21/09/2020 21:15

I also love the name Zendaya but that was made up by the actresses Mum. Which is fine... but something about the fact that it’s a very new name and easily traced back to the actress put me off it.

But yeah, I definitely considered it because I think it’s so pretty and loved the nn Zen!