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Baby names

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

Original poster

How to name a baby with a difficult surname?

87 replies

BlackLantern · 02/10/2024 08:47

So the name we like just rhymes with our surname and I think it will always sound silly. So many names we can’t use due to the sound and layout of the surname. Do we just suck it up and give them a rhyming first/second name and acknowledge it’s always going to be an issue whatever we pick or pick something that works and we don’t love as a name?

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DisforDarkChocolate · 02/10/2024 18:15

I have an illiterate name and love it, it makes me smile and it's a little bit memorable.

Pieceofpurplesky · 02/10/2024 17:26

I've taught a Zak Black that worked. One that didn't was kayleigh Daley

KirstenBlest · 02/10/2024 17:22

It might be that you are subconsciously focussing on the surname, a bit like if you are riding a bike and think 'I mustn't hit that pothole' so inevitably you do.

sel2223 · 02/10/2024 17:10

BlackLantern · 02/10/2024 17:03

Jack Black actually works well and is a strong name!

As a stage name for a big character with a big personality. Not so much for a child going through school or trying to be a professional in the workplace.

Can you give us a rhyming word for your surname so we can try and help

ButterAsADip · 02/10/2024 17:08

BlackLantern · 02/10/2024 17:03

Surname isn’t Pegg, just trying to explain the favourite name rhyming situation.

Show quote history

Right, but she’s saying there are hundreds of nice names that won’t rhyme with your one surname?

Give us the ending syllable and we’ll give a list of names that don’t rhyme.

IDontLoveTheWayYouLie · 02/10/2024 17:06

Pieceofpurplesky · 02/10/2024 17:04

@IDontLoveTheWayYouLie I edited as I knew someone would come along and say that - but his stage name has done him no harm either!

I agree but I think it's different when you can choose a stage name rather than being lumbered with something from birth

Pieceofpurplesky · 02/10/2024 17:04

@IDontLoveTheWayYouLie I edited as I knew someone would come along and say that - but his stage name has done him no harm either!

Original poster
BlackLantern · 02/10/2024 17:03

Jack Black actually works well and is a strong name!

OP posts:
Original poster
BlackLantern · 02/10/2024 17:03

Dithercats · 02/10/2024 16:57

Greg Pegg sounds daft....but Luca Pegg, Sam Pegg, Isabella Pegg, Alexandra Pegg, Olivia Pegg all sound nice.
You may need to find a name you both like that works, rather than choosing your favourite

Edited

Surname isn’t Pegg, just trying to explain the favourite name rhyming situation.

OP posts:
IDontLoveTheWayYouLie · 02/10/2024 17:02

Pieceofpurplesky · 02/10/2024 17:01

Hasn't done Jack Black any harm!

I know he’s Thomas Jacob irl

Edited

His name is Thomas

Pieceofpurplesky · 02/10/2024 17:01

Hasn't done Jack Black any harm!

I know he’s Thomas Jacob irl

KirstenBlest · 02/10/2024 16:58

Isabella Pegg? No it's a bell.

Dithercats · 02/10/2024 16:57

Greg Pegg sounds daft....but Luca Pegg, Sam Pegg, Isabella Pegg, Alexandra Pegg, Olivia Pegg all sound nice.
You may need to find a name you both like that works, rather than choosing your favourite

KirstenBlest · 02/10/2024 16:54

Go for something that fits the Neville Neville or Kristoffer Kristofferson pattern.

Original poster
BlackLantern · 02/10/2024 16:51

Thanks, feel we’ve been thought every name we can and nothing feels right. Lots we like but just sound silly with surname.

OP posts:
Firsttimebabymummy · 02/10/2024 16:49

I would find a name that does work. There's so many names out there are lots of MN'ers so you'll find one. Maybe post in the 30 days only with your surname

Original poster
BlackLantern · 02/10/2024 14:22

@HettyCletter its the Greg pegg variety

OP posts:
HettyCletter · 02/10/2024 13:17

I think it really depends on the name. For example Gregory Peg (Greg Peg) sounds awful, but for some reason Amanda Sands (Mandy Sands) doesn’t sound so bad.

Ellerby83 · 02/10/2024 12:35

I would choose a different name. Sounding silly isnt great for a name.

unmemorableusername · 02/10/2024 12:11

Use your surname.

sel2223 · 02/10/2024 12:05

I would choose a completely different name, sorry

user1492757084 · 02/10/2024 11:28

Yes, two of my favourites rhymed with my husband's (and child's) surname. We chose another name.

That said, there are plenty of names that seem okay in real life settings ..
Ronald McDonald
Pretend you have named your child. How does it (and nicknames) sound aloud?

2chocolateoranges · 02/10/2024 09:50

We had the same problem, our favourite name rhymed with our surname and it was just too much. For example, Celine Green, Zac Black or Abigail Dale.

we had to find another name we liked, we just couldn’t do that to our child.

Catandsquirrel · 02/10/2024 09:46

That said if it's a culture where many names end in the same letter, i wouldn't worry. But if it's Jeff Neff or Ben Penn territory, perhaps not. South European DP's name actually rhymes somewhat I suppose but many names end in O so it isn't anything unusual!

Catandsquirrel · 02/10/2024 09:39

It's a tough call without seeing the names as it might be a v loose rhyme but I think pick something you don't love. It's s the child that's got to live with it not you, sorry.

Would you really want to go through school and professional life with a rhyming name just because your parents liked it? It's a bit self centred. If you're really struggling just go for a timeless classic or family name and accept you're having a lovely baby. Your first choice of name is a very small thing to eschew.

You could go on 30 days as you say.