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Baby names

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

Original poster

River

31 replies

emilyintheSE · 27/01/2022 13:03

A friend recently had a baby boy and named him River.

I'm not sure if it's a disaster or cute?

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drmartinee · 30/01/2022 10:07

I think it's a beautiful name for both boys and girls. Wouldn't think twice about calling my baby this. As with all names, some people will like it and some people won't. It doesn't really matter what other people think and I'm sure your friend doesn't care - she obviously loves it.

Luredbyapomegranate · 28/01/2022 10:33

It's a bit naff and will date, but.. it's OK. Better on a boy.

organicoatmilk · 28/01/2022 09:12

I love it!

Olga03 · 28/01/2022 08:55

It was on my list for a Boy's name, however can't imagine it for a girl. I didn't use it because it seemed like a trendy unusual name. Probably is going to have its peak soon and then disappear again. I don't like London as a name.

Mumofgirls2017 · 28/01/2022 07:25

I really like it but know it’s not to everyone’s taste. Im a fan of nature names though

CoffeeAndCaramel · 27/01/2022 18:35

It's so chavvy🙈

ConstanceL · 27/01/2022 18:32

@emilyintheSE

A friend recently had a baby boy and named him River.

I'm not sure if it's a disaster or cute?

I like it, it's a not too out there nature name. Why do you need random strangers to tell you if it's 'a disaster' though- surely you can make up your own mind (and hope your friend didn't spot this thread)?
Nevilleslongbottom · 27/01/2022 18:31

I know 3 all under 4. 2 boys and a girl. The girl is River-Rose.

I prefer it on a boy.

Snowiscold · 27/01/2022 18:30

Not my style but I think it’s fine. I consider it unisex, though would assume a boy. I think of River Phoenix first. It’s not so unusual.

Shehasadiamondinthesky · 27/01/2022 18:24

I like it very much and would call my baby that. But I am an alternative type. I can imagine it wouldn't appeal to a lot of people.

itwasntaparty · 27/01/2022 18:24

Phoenix, but I'm old, and was majorly in love with him.

StopForAMinute · 27/01/2022 18:22

I really like River.

peaceinourtime · 27/01/2022 17:55

The first and only River I have met would be about 25 now. Its not really a new name.

WhoppingBigBackside · 27/01/2022 16:03

Is his sister called Mia?

Cas112 · 27/01/2022 16:00

I really dislike it, prefer it for a girl but then again not my baby haha

toastofthetown · 27/01/2022 15:57

River is in the top 200 for both sexes (ranked 159 for boys and 151 for girls). It’s a perfectly normal name. Have you told your friend that you are posting online asking whether her newborn’s name is a disaster or not?

IlIlI · 27/01/2022 14:22

River is nice. I like those sorts of names generally though. I think it's becoming more popular now too

IlIlI · 27/01/2022 14:22

I've seen London becoming more popular over the past 10 years, out of the UK of course. I did think it weird at first since I'm from London and it's just grey and congested and polluted but then it's just a place name I suppose and I thought there are lots of people called Paris, Milan, India, and Florence etc so why not!

AuntieStella · 27/01/2022 14:20

I think of River Song, though I know people also give it to boys

Lemonweightloss · 27/01/2022 14:18

I've never known any male Rivers but a few female Rivers ( one spelt Riva. To me this is Reeva but hey ho !!)
I don't like it. Nor London.

Ceramide · 27/01/2022 14:14

I like it.

RedCandyApple · 27/01/2022 14:12

@Bluemamma

I like it on a girl. To me it’s absolutely not a boys name. I started a thread saying a friend named baby London and it got deleted. People were saying how dare I start a thread about a baby that’s not mine. Crazy world we live in:)
My sister wants to call her baby London, I said imagine when she gets older and says “Hi I’m london, from London” Could maybe work if you didn’t actually live in London 😂
PamelaDoov · 27/01/2022 14:12

I love it

Kitkat151 · 27/01/2022 14:10

I’m in the NW......I know of several Rivers under 5.... all boys....it has a reputation of being a bit ‘chavvy’ round here

ladygaga14 · 27/01/2022 13:56

@emilyintheSE

A friend recently had a baby boy and named him River.

I'm not sure if it's a disaster or cute?

It reminds me of 'River Phoenix'. Not a name I would choose personally but probably quite a nice name to grow into if that makes sense