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Baby names

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

Original poster

Slighty unfortunate initials

40 replies

Cwhatyoudidthere · 21/05/2023 07:42

We're about to have a baby boy, and have a shortlist of names, but keeping coming back to names we love that begin with B. Our problem is that with his surname he'd be BBW (surname B-W). I'm worried this would cause sniggering or worse. Does anyone think this will really be an issue or am I overthinking it? Would having a middle name save him?

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Mummy08m · 21/05/2023 08:18

Use Robert nn Bobby or William nn Billy. So you still have the B sound you like, but initials would be RBW or WBW

Theunamedcat · 21/05/2023 08:18

I've heard of it I've also heard worse VPL anyone?

Reality is you rarely use your initials

CRbear · 21/05/2023 08:18

It’s a pornography term. So teenage boys probably will notice. Can’t see it being a major issue. If it’s not that it will be something else.

toastofthetown · 21/05/2023 08:16

I wouldn’t use a B name with a BW surname. Not the worst initials, but I would expect a fair few people to notice whether they tell you or not. A middle name wouldn’t really work to avoid it as most informal initials are done on Firstname Surname, and often both parts of a double barrel name are included in that abbreviation.

DiscoBeat · 21/05/2023 08:08

It's Internet-speak for "big beautiful woman"
I've never heard this, I'm sure most people haven't!

AspiringChatBot · 21/05/2023 08:07

I thought of BBW (the clothing shop) as well, but only because I was wracking my brains for what the issue could be. If you're not in the US, I doubt people would even think of it then.

Hummusanddipdip · 21/05/2023 07:59

It's just initials, I wouldn't worry, people are rarely discussed by their initials, so I doubt many people would notice.

TammyJones · 21/05/2023 07:59

Bit like people with initials - WC, ER
BBC, BT ?
I think you'll be ok.

Original poster
Cwhatyoudidthere · 21/05/2023 07:55

Howmanysleepsnow · 21/05/2023 07:49

I’ve googled but can’t find anything…. Can someone enlighten me please?

It's Internet-speak for "big beautiful woman"

OP posts:
Howmanysleepsnow · 21/05/2023 07:49

I’ve googled but can’t find anything…. Can someone enlighten me please?

notsayingmuch · 21/05/2023 07:47

He is unlikely to get into internet dating for the next few years so I think you will get away with it!

discan · 21/05/2023 07:45

You are certainly over thinking.

Why would it make people snigger?

Cotswoldmama · 21/05/2023 07:44

I have no idea why those initials would be unfortunate! So to me they're fine!

DustyLee123 · 21/05/2023 07:44

Go on, enlighten us, what’s BW ?

LeafHunter · 21/05/2023 07:43

I had to google it to see what the initials could be that would be an issue. It’s fine.