Active discussions

Help protect children from gaming harms.

Take our survey

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Baby names

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

Original poster

River

141 replies

heffalumpwoozle · 22/05/2025 07:16

Thoughts on the name River for a boy?

It's a favourite for both DH and me, but a bit worried family might think it's a bit 'out there' or effeminate. Family are quite traditional. I know I shouldn't care about their opinions but as I get closer to birth I'm finding I can't help it.

Alexander is our 'safe' option, we both also love it, but we're both arty/creative and River feels a bit more us.

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
IdaGlossop · 22/05/2025 18:07

narcASD · 22/05/2025 07:20

Nope, Alexander is much nicer, River is a bit wet and he may not be arty and creative and will likely hate his name as he gets into teenage years. Plus it sounds like liver

Rivers are very wet, unless there is a drought.

VeryQuaintIrene · 22/05/2025 18:06

Honestly, a bit wet, IMO.

For me it says 1980sish hippyish parents in the US.

DiscoBeat · 22/05/2025 18:05

I think of it as a hippy name really, it might suit your son or might not. I think it's one of those names that suits a child if you know their character but a bit risky if you don't! You could use it as a middle name and adopt it if it suits later on?

TattyBluebell · 22/05/2025 18:00

I think River is a lovely name.
Your baby, your choice. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. If you and your OH like it then that's all that matters.

itsgettingweird · 22/05/2025 17:21

I love River.

River Alexander is a great name.

Congratulations btw Flowers

Shetlands · 22/05/2025 17:19

It's a bit too 'celebrity parents' for my liking but if you like it, go for it.

As long your surname isn't Thames, Nile or Danube...

username462025 · 22/05/2025 17:10

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

DramaAlpaca · 22/05/2025 14:55

I quite like River.

I like Alexander too, but generally prefer shorter names.

Emanwenym · 22/05/2025 14:51

It seems a bit too naturey and a tad downmarket. I don't think it will stand out though. It seems to be like Brooke, Craig etc.

The main thing is that OP and OP's DH love it.

CloudyPortal · 22/05/2025 13:25

abracadabra1980 · 22/05/2025 07:22

Think of him walking into a meeting and shaking hands with the room as an adult "hi I'm RIVER"-it's just a no from me. Most kids and especially boys want to fit in - River may be fine in the States (and even there it was a one off from hippy parents), so think carefully...

We know 4 boys called River. It's been in the top 150 names for boys and girls for 4 years now, definitely won't be thought of as unusual or uncommon in their generation.

Sera1989 · 22/05/2025 13:22

AmiablePedant · 22/05/2025 12:54

I gather there are no Dr. Who fans on the thread?
River Song -- strong female character.

Immediately thought of this as this is the only River I know.
I like the name for a girl/woman, I think it's pretty and hippy-ish but not too out there.
I think it's a very feminine name and I can't imagine a man called River. I think people will either expect him to be a hippy type or will ask if his parents were hippies.

shoopshoopdedoo · 22/05/2025 13:13

I love the name Alexander.

Personally, I really don’t like River at all, especially for a boy.

I’d go with Alexander River.

lljkk · 22/05/2025 13:06

I like River a lot.

LittleGreenDuck · 22/05/2025 12:59

I wouldn't choose it, but I think it's fine. There are so many different names out there now that I don't think anyone would think twice about a lawyer or a builder called River. I know one - female. She's very intelligent and a talented footballer, so I don't necessarily have negative connotations.

I did chuckle at PP's comment that River sounds a bit wet. Well, yes, I guess that's quite literally true!

AmiablePedant · 22/05/2025 12:54

I gather there are no Dr. Who fans on the thread?
River Song -- strong female character.

MaloryJones · 22/05/2025 10:58

Calliopespa · 22/05/2025 09:04

Avon is a great suggestion.

Show quote history

Oh one of my early crushes (Lol looking back) was Avon (Paul Darrow) of Blake's Seven.
Blake is a nice name.

Firsttimebabymummy · 22/05/2025 10:57

heffalumpwoozle · 22/05/2025 07:26

We did wonder about Alexander River but wondered if the double R is a bit of a mouthful?

Show quote history

No I like it!

Sophie3003 · 22/05/2025 10:29

I know a Riverson if you liked this?

TheBigFactHunt · 22/05/2025 10:27

It is an inherently wet name.
"Hey River, cup of tea please and try not to drip in it"

Doncarlos · 22/05/2025 10:24

abracadabra1980 · 22/05/2025 07:22

Think of him walking into a meeting and shaking hands with the room as an adult "hi I'm RIVER"-it's just a no from me. Most kids and especially boys want to fit in - River may be fine in the States (and even there it was a one off from hippy parents), so think carefully...

I hate this sort of response because that’s just stupid. People don’t become successful in life or get taken seriously because of their name. Especially these days. The generation being born now won’t consider anything a weird name.
Its kind of pathetic that’s you’d immediately dismiss someone based on a name they didn’t even chose.
BTW, I know an adult male River who does very well for himself and even manages to successfully participate in meetings. He’s a very pleasant man who is good at his job which is probably more relevant than his name.

Abracadabra12345 · 22/05/2025 10:24

I can’t understand the objections. I think River is a great name and not too out- there at all

Your family will quickly get used to it once he’s here

Headycloud · 22/05/2025 10:19

Also the name is fab!

I think the demographic who are being really snotty are older or stuck up

Headycloud · 22/05/2025 10:18

abracadabra1980 · 22/05/2025 07:22

Think of him walking into a meeting and shaking hands with the room as an adult "hi I'm RIVER"-it's just a no from me. Most kids and especially boys want to fit in - River may be fine in the States (and even there it was a one off from hippy parents), so think carefully...

🙄 I work In a corporate environment and trust me there are lots of non traditional names I encounter and all I think its refreshing.
i would with clients who are CEOs, lawyers, doctors you name it

stop being ridiculous

Calliopespa · 22/05/2025 10:01

AutumnScream · 22/05/2025 09:45

River is a perfectly fine and acceptable name thats been in common usage for years. No one would bat an eyelid at it and your family would get over it. Some comments on here will always be idiotic, namely one thread that said Rebekah was a chavvy made up spelling and another that said oscar was a wet and not classic name 😂. People will always talk shit basically.

Well… it’s a forum for discussion and I think rather than “talking shit”, people share their perspective. That’s why it’s useful for people wanting to hear feedback or impressions.

The fact you don’t agree doesn’t necessarily make them “ shit.”

I can, for instance, see why Oscar might have perhaps not “ wet” vibes but definitely puts me in mind of a more aesthetic or humanities style individual, and that’s because it’s so heavily associated with Oscar Wilde. Those sorts of associations are valid impressions.

AutumnScream · 22/05/2025 09:45

River is a perfectly fine and acceptable name thats been in common usage for years. No one would bat an eyelid at it and your family would get over it. Some comments on here will always be idiotic, namely one thread that said Rebekah was a chavvy made up spelling and another that said oscar was a wet and not classic name 😂. People will always talk shit basically.