Changing baby's name

Hey - I know two men called Lyndsay which is traditionally a girls name. I also know a man called Stacey. They haven't had any issues. A mum in my baby group has a boy called Eden and whilst I did assume he was a girl at first based on the name that's only because when babies are young they don't look like boys or girls just babies. I wouldn't worry. Own it and politely correct anyone who assumes the wrong gender.

I think you should just own it, and maybe if you want to think of a friendly light explanation to just nip it in the bud. If it's a unisex name that is now more used by girls like Hilary or Lesley then you can say "oh actually he's a boy - fewer boys called that now isn't there"

If it's a modern name that is unisex in theory but more often used by girls like Storm or River, "he's a boy, love how nature names work for both boys and girls!"

If it's a male name that now is used by girls more like Taylor or Frankie, "he's a boy, like the Taylor's of old!"

If it's unisex in a different culture, like maybe you have a boy Kerry and you're in England, "he's a boy, in Irish it's a boys name too"

People are being rude though, you meet girls called everything. Does he have a middle name? He can use that if it bothers him when he's older.

Can't really comment without knowing the name - even if someone recognises you why does it matter from this post?

I'm assuming it's something like Aubrey, traditionally Male but currently used more for girls.

If it's bothering you this much I'd just change it, before it gets too tricky with school etc

It never did Kelly Jones of the Stereophonics any harm.

The goalkeeper Allison has a brother called Muriel. It can be a male name too.

I think that people tend to “own” their names as they get older.

My sons all have unisex names but my youngest especially often gets mistaken for a girl when people hear it (he’s only a baby so looks pretty neutral). I really love the name, but only for a boy. It has a totally different feel for a girl.

Do you still like the name in theory? I love my son’s and would never change it but if all of this has put you off it’s not too late at 7 months to make a change. But you do need to have a very clear alternative that you feel suits him, and it doesn’t sound like you do.

Wonder if we chose the same name! Does it begin with S? (no not Sky!)

Did you have another thread where you revealed the name ? I won't say it, but this seems familiar circumstances. The options give me then we're change the name slightly or keep it as it is because it is a boys name too.

To be honest some of the babies I meet have ridiculous names, cities, things like leaf and animals like Fox and Bear. I have no idea what sex they are initially. An old friend got back in touch and told me she has child called Frankie. Is that a boy or a girl I have no idea ? I'm leaning towards boy, but I'm unsure.

P.S. Is anyone else now addicted to Darkgreener and looking to see how many babies were called Malcolm and Adolf?

See, I’d see that as a good thing. There’s enough Ollies, Harrys, Jacks and Hugos… you both loved the name. Who gives a shit what other people think? My son has an old name and there were ten children with the name when he was born. I think that’s awesome. It is unusual and people struggle with it, but I intend to empower my son to know how to deal with people who might be weird about it. 💪🏻

I'm desperate to know the name now. I'm intrigued and don't think it will be that bad as he grows and travels about. I've known a male Kim and he carried it really well and never got any stick.

I'm sorry people have upset you with their comments, it's a horrible feeling and you'd think they would have more sense to say that to a new mum.

I think you should just own it. Your child might appreciate having an unusual name when their older. I still love having my unique name even with the mispronunciations!

I agree. Your son will own the name! Be confident about your choice.

My girl gets called a boy on regular basis. Think it's partly just this age group.

I work in a maternity unit. Your baby will be labelled as 'Baby Surname', and your baby's immediate records will have your surname attached to them, as they will all be labelled 'Baby of.... Surname'. Basically, whatever surname is on your booking records will be what's on your scans and records etc.

When baby is born this is more to do with security reasons, in case we have to go round checking mothers and babies labels to check they're with the right people!!

Fgs give the baby your name. Yours. Not whatever man is there.

op, chnage the name. it's more the assumption that he's a girl and judgement from others why want this for your child for his life?

might be different if you are not in England and Wales

If you look up a name on darkgreener, if it is unisex it will look something like this:
names.darkgreener.com/#eden

I used Eden and also looked up Rowan
names.darkgreener.com/#rowan

Eden is more popular for girls and Rowan more popular for boys

This was what I was going to suggest, I think without knowing the name it's hard to give an opinion but my daughter has a unisex name people presume she's a boy doctor said he I correct to she and nobody has commented further accept to change their pronoun to using she
So I think people have been quite rude to voice their opinions to your face

Can you shorten it to a boyish nickname you like?

Have you checked on the darkgreener website? It tells you trends/statistics of names in the UK. Might be interesting or helpful to see if there were many other boys named this compared to girls in recent years.

Just tell us the name. You haven't said anything to be concerned about if anyone does recognise you.

Just change it

Don't use a middle name as a known as name. If he is Robert Shirley Smith known as Robert, fine, but Shirley Robert Smith still looks like a girl's name