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Baby names

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

Original poster

What do you think of Robin? And even if you like it, would it be odd for us to use it?

38 replies

MuffinMclay · 12/02/2008 13:28

To put this in context, it was FIL's name. MIL, GMIL would be thrilled if we used it.

I don't mind it (although I prefer it as a girl's name, Robyn). I hate any abbreviations of it (like Rob) though.

But part of me thinks it is a bit unlucky (FIL died of cancer in his '50s). Plus, it is the name of dh's boss, and he feels it would be weird going into work and announcing the baby's name both to said boss and to colleagues, given that it is quite unusual.

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oops · 12/02/2008 13:49

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edam · 12/02/2008 13:48

I wouldn't be worried about the boss though. All your dh needs to say is 'after my father'. Plus he won't be working for the same man for the rest of his life.

littleboo · 12/02/2008 13:47

I love Robin as a boy or girls name

marina · 12/02/2008 13:46

Bonny sweet Robin, was all my joy

I think it is a lovely name and it was on our long list for dd, had she been a boy

LadyOfWaffle · 12/02/2008 13:44

I always think of it as a girls name (had a Robin/Robyn? in our year at school), but it's definatly a good boys name

mrsruffallo · 12/02/2008 13:43

Just read the boss bit of you op-that could be uncomfortable

mrsruffallo · 12/02/2008 13:42

I prefer it as a girls name but I think it works for a boy.

PortAndLemon · 12/02/2008 13:40

I like Robin. But if you only "don't mind" it, it's probably better as a middle name and finding something you both love as a first name.

WigWamBam · 12/02/2008 13:38

I think you need to choose a name which you love, not one which you don't mind. It might thrill your MIL but it has to thrill you, too.

Plus it seems to be seen pretty much as a girl's name these days, which might mean he gets a bit of stick for it.

Middle name maybe?

EffiePerine · 12/02/2008 13:38

I like it and don't think it's too unusual (and not too common either). I know one baby Robin

edam · 12/02/2008 13:36

Agree, use it as a middle name - ds has both his grandads' names between first and surname.

Robin is a pet form of Robert, anyway. OK, people use short forms as proper names these days, but funny to object to abbreviations when you are using one in the first place.

Kathyis6incheshigh · 12/02/2008 13:33

I love Robin - it was on my shortlist but some close friends of dh's called their son Robin so I was not allowed it

We did call our son after (deceased) FIL and I think that's nice from every perspective. I wouldn't worry about it being the boss's name - as you have a good family reason for it, it's not like anyone is going to think your dh is sucking up to his boss!

MyEye · 12/02/2008 13:31

I like Robin, so cheerful and unusual

As you only 'don't mind it', don't use it as a first name though -- middle would be fine but you have to love the first name don't you?

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