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Baby names

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

Original poster

Robin or Robyn

40 replies

MunchPunch · 24/08/2023 12:23

My maiden name is Robinson and DH's mum is Robyn. I would like to use Robin as a middle name for our daughter and he wants it to be Robyn. His argument is that I'm already not having Robinson and so actually Robin doesn't fit Robyn or Robinson, whereas Robyn is still a nod to my maiden name but is actually his mum's name and a better girls' name.

I actually prefer Robin anyway, as it makes me think of nature and the bird ❤️

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Doingmybest12 · 25/08/2023 06:06

I've just read the meanings of each they aren't the same. Will that help you decide what you want the nane to mean to your child not to you or his mum..

Doingmybest12 · 25/08/2023 05:58

I think it's fine to say you prefer to spell it with an I. But to say its about being partly your maiden name is a bit of a making an issue over nothing and like saying you don't want her named after his mum. It sounds a bit silly and marking your claim.

NoMor · 25/08/2023 05:43

I'd go with Robin. It makes more sense to tell people that her middle name is for her grandmother but you spelled it with an 'i' as a nod to your maiden name. Otherwise it is just your MiL's name.

user1492757084 · 25/08/2023 05:16

I prefer Robin. Either is sweet.

pamshortsbrokenbothherlegs · 24/08/2023 14:06

Boys are generally Robin but girls can be Robyn or Robin, I've actually known more of the latter.

In your case I'd insist on the spelling that is closest to your surname, unless he's willing for you to just use Robinson as a middle instead (not saying you'd even want that, I just think the priority should be the reference to YOUR maiden name, not his mum!)

Whatsthepoint1234 · 24/08/2023 14:02

Robyn is the female spelling and Robin the male. I’d choose Robyn. Your dh is right, you aren’t using Robinson anyway.

RitzyMcFitzy · 24/08/2023 12:48

There are women called Robin, Robin Wright for example. so I don't think the Y for a girl thing is a hard and fast rule. Robin/Robyn being used for a girl is quite a modern thing anyway.

yogasaurus · 24/08/2023 12:42

Fameinaframe · 24/08/2023 12:25

I think of it as Robyn for a girl and Robin for a boy.

Don't know why... 😕

Ive always thought the same

salamithumbs · 24/08/2023 12:42

I've met a female Robin before, although I always thought of Robyn as the girl's version and Robin as the boy's, but after reading the Strike series I've come to love Robin for a girl!

toomuchlaundry · 24/08/2023 12:42

I think of Robin as a boy's name, sorry

AperfectMess · 24/08/2023 12:40

"I think of it as Robyn for a girl and Robin for a boy."

This ^

Pastarasta1 · 24/08/2023 12:39

My DD is called Robyn, everyone comments on what a beautiful name and the spelling of it is.
Robin I would associate with a boy.

RitzyMcFitzy · 24/08/2023 12:28

His argument is that I'm already not having Robinson and so actually Robin doesn't fit Robyn or Robinson, whereas Robyn is still a nod to my maiden name but is actually his mum's name and a better girls' name.

Also: Robyn is a nod to your surname but Robin isn't? Confused

RitzyMcFitzy · 24/08/2023 12:26

Robin. That way half of your birth surname gets included and all his mum's first name is included. Him arguing over the Y is a bit silly.

Fameinaframe · 24/08/2023 12:25

I think of it as Robyn for a girl and Robin for a boy.

Don't know why... 😕