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Baby names

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

Original poster

Is Oliver.... boring??

110 replies

blueberry23 · 12/01/2023 21:11

It is literally the ONLY name that DH and I remotely agree on for DS2.

Neither of us love it.

We have an Alfred which we love love loved.

I feel like we are settling for Oliver as we have nothing else rather than because we love it which makes me sad.

I do like it... just don't love it 😫😫

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QuimReaper · 12/01/2023 21:40

Name change fail @cluedo41?

If it's Olly you like, how about Alistair nn Ali / Ally?

Kanaloa · 12/01/2023 21:39

I think it’s a nice name. It’s well used, but that’s because it’s generally nice. Honestly, it’s not super exciting, but does a name need to be? I’d rather have a ‘boring’ name that’s solid and serves me well in life, than an ‘exciting’ one which necessitates constant spellings and explanations.

cluedo41 · 12/01/2023 21:37

@Laurakiaora yeah I think this too.

I really like Olly though - much prefer to Oliver but we would name him officially Oliver.

I think we may keep hunting but feel we've exhausted the 'classics'

Usergjdksndjsn · 12/01/2023 21:37

I think find a name you love
Alfred feels a bit more classic than Oliver too

oscar
Ottis
odin
edward
Harold
Victor
Clarence
Edmund
winston
amos

Laurakiaora · 12/01/2023 21:34

Yes.

I also can't get past is being 'liver' with a O in front.

Thepossibility · 12/01/2023 21:34

It hasn't got the charm of Alfred.

Rosalindisafuckingnightmare · 12/01/2023 21:34

It’s popular because it’s nice! It has been at number one on the charts for aaaages but I actually only know a few. I think I know more Georges and Jameses. And loads of Osians so you just don’t know. You could pick Zebediah and still end up with two in the class!

Oliver will find his name on all personalised products in store, Alfred probably won’t (although he might find Alfie). Less of an issue now you can get anything online but will be a discrepancy.

I feel a bit the same. LOVE DS1 name, top 200. Like DS2 name but more popular and it does slightly bother me (just left the top 50).

But then for people my age I always think how many friends do I have called Sarah/Emma/Rebecca? They’re nice names and it doesn’t seem to be a huge issue for them!

cluedo41 · 12/01/2023 21:34

@WLAH reminds me of pistorios 🙈

Original poster
blueberry23 · 12/01/2023 21:33

Thanks all!

The only other name we like is Isaac... or Finley?

Popularity doesn't bother me tbh!

I feel it does need to be classic to match Alfred.

My DH is so fussy. I love Noah, Leo, George... he says no to everything!

OP posts:
WLAH · 12/01/2023 21:28

What bout Oscar?

Demonto · 12/01/2023 21:28

Ours would've been Oliver and Cameron if they were boys. Olly and Cam.

HangoverSquare · 12/01/2023 21:27

I think you should keep trucking until you find a name you really love. It's out there!

Bs0u416d · 12/01/2023 21:26

I love the name Oliver. My dog is named Oliver 🤣

Dinneronmybfpillow · 12/01/2023 21:25

Don't settle OP! I did with mine and I still have days where I feel so sad because I don't actually love their names (I adore my eldest's, but the DTs are 'meh'). Keep going until you find something you actually love.

PollyPrissypants · 12/01/2023 21:24

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Rauha · 12/01/2023 21:24

I like it

leccybill · 12/01/2023 21:24

I teach a million teen Olivers but perhaps it's had its peak now.
Henry
Bernard
Gregory
Robin
Rorian

watchfulwishes · 12/01/2023 21:23

There is no such thing as a boring name anyway, but the number in a class would put me off.

AllThingsServeTheBeam · 12/01/2023 21:23

Meh. It's apparently dead common. But my Oliver is only 1 of 2 in an entire primary school

Pocketfullofdogtreats · 12/01/2023 21:22

Yes, it's boring. I know a young teen Oliver. Keep looking!

loupielou1 · 12/01/2023 21:22

I wouldn't say it's boring as you can provide a nickname eg Ollie. And anyway... why wonder what others may think of the name- if you and partner like the name- then that's all the matters Smile congratulations btw Flowers

watchfulwishes · 12/01/2023 21:22

Oliver has been top ten for ages.

TwigTheWonderKid · 12/01/2023 21:21

It's bland, yes

Agree George is much better. Or what about something like Magnus?

LaLaLouella · 12/01/2023 21:20

It's a nice, dependable name but extremely popular (if that's something that will bother you...)

BuffaloCauliflower · 12/01/2023 21:20

Its a lovely name. Also apparently extremely common but I don’t know any younger than 30.