Active discussions

Help protect children from gaming harms.

Take our survey

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Baby names

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

Original poster

Boys name Eric.... But

44 replies

Wd2b87 · 17/09/2021 14:37

So, I love the name Eric. We come to it as we wanted something different without being way out there. We like old fashioned names and really didn't want the typical boys name of days world.
Stupidly I have read threats now where people slate the name.
Is it really that bad, I mean the likes of Walter, Stanley, winston etc seem to be making the come back.
Or shall we just ignore people who slate it, and go with what we like
This is our first child so all very new.

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
earthyfire · 20/09/2021 13:33

Not keen - Have to say I've never even thought about it sounding like erection and doubt I will again tbh.

Unsure1983 · 19/09/2021 05:12

Gorgeous name.

Kanaloa · 19/09/2021 01:48

I know an Eric, he is 6. It seems to suit him okay but I believe he was named after a grandfather. Still he wears it fine. I don’t think it’s an awful name. I wouldn’t have thought of the bed wetting charity but not sure how well known that is. I know those alarms are becoming more popular.

DustyDood · 19/09/2021 01:36

@Tal45

Eric is the name of the bedwetting charity. I wouldn't be calling my child it.
Thought this was a joke but just looked it up and it’s true!?! Why the hell has the bed wetting charity called themselves Eric?? That would be like the piles charity calling themselves Alan or the herpes charity calling themselves Brian or something. Absolutely barmy Confused
faithfulbird20 · 19/09/2021 01:25

Eric Cantona that's all I'm saying.

VimFuego101 · 18/09/2021 19:57

Eric was good enough for Simon Cowell's son a couple of years ago, maybe it's making a comeback.

DominicRaabsTravelAgent · 18/09/2021 19:54

Earl is awful

I must be biased. All the ones I've ever met have been absolutely lovely.

MrsNai · 18/09/2021 19:52

Eric the half a bee is now going round my head

KirstenBlest · 18/09/2021 19:49

I really like the names Alan and Neil. Malcolm is ok - know a few nice Mals. I know a lovely Kevin. Keith isn't great.
Earl is awful

DominicRaabsTravelAgent · 18/09/2021 19:42

What about

Neil
Malcolm
Kevin
Keith
EarlAlan

I know a baby Earl. Really suits him.

Lozza70 · 18/09/2021 19:38

I have a DS9 with middle name Eric after my dear departed dad. Love the name, would have been first name only thought DM may have struggled as DDad passed away whilst I was pregnant.

Pieceofpurplesky · 18/09/2021 19:29

Campion I went to school with many Keith's in the 70s and 80s. Even dated one

Tigger85 · 18/09/2021 14:20

I like Eric, I think it's much nicer than Winston or Walter

campion · 18/09/2021 12:26

Pieceofpurplesky Keith is a 1940s/1950s name

MunsteadWood · 18/09/2021 12:17

My 4yo DS's middle name is Eric, after my lovely grandfather. I love it.

tinytoucan · 18/09/2021 12:11

I think it’s lovely, it would have been DD’s name had she been a boy

Pieceofpurplesky · 18/09/2021 12:00

I didn't say anything was unusual ... a PP mentioned the name and I said I met one ... I made no judgement on the name. It seems like the 70s/80s names are returning

Elisemum · 18/09/2021 10:28

@Pieceofpurplesky do you mind me asking what’s unusual about baby Keith? I’m not being smart I just really don’t get it

RuthW · 17/09/2021 23:08

Go for it. Dd was going to be Frederick to be known as Eric in 1997. Fab name.

Cindie943811A · 17/09/2021 21:40

Elric as an alternative?

Original poster
Wd2b87 · 17/09/2021 21:15

Thanks wombforanotherone I love all those names.
Might use them as a middle name.

OP posts:
IamnotwhouthinkIam · 17/09/2021 21:04

No, as "old man" names go, Eric is pretty cool. I think it benefits from that feisty Viking/cool European image (admittedly more so with the Erik spelling, but it still sounds the same). To me it has a different feel than Sidney, Stanley, Winston etc because of that.

There is no name everyone loves on baby name threads - I thought I would be okay with the nn Xan (as popular/classic Alexander would be on the BC) but lots of people on my thread hate it too Smile. So I'd say go with your gut - baby name threads are very helpful but you will never please everyone (there are lots of names, even some very popular ones, that I dislike after all!). I would only say that if (almost) every person says it's a no go/would cause teasing, then maybe think twice - but Eric is fine.

orangeblosssom · 17/09/2021 21:03

I'm sorry, but I really don't like any of those names

Pieceofpurplesky · 17/09/2021 20:56

I met a baby Keith the other day.

PlainJane1000 · 17/09/2021 20:45

I know an Eric who is about 3 and 2 under 10s who have Eric for their middle name. I much prefer it to many of the other older man names that have come back into fashion.