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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.

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Calliopespa · 22/05/2025 09:39

Edenmum2 · 22/05/2025 09:22

Depressing metric for choosing a name anyway but if somebody walked into a meeting with me and said ‘hi my name’s River’ I would think ‘wow what a beautiful name’

by the time he’s in meetings it will be Mark and Steve that are the weird names anyway, not River.

In fairness Mark and Steve are not getting used a lot right now.

blacksantanapkin · 22/05/2025 09:29

Love it but wouldn’t be brave enough to use it. Would like to see more baby Rivers!

Uricon2 · 22/05/2025 09:28

Pointless factoid but River Phoenix's father's original name was John Lee Bottom.

It isn't awful at all OP but prefer Alexander.

Blueberrycake12 · 22/05/2025 09:25

Was going to call my son River 8 years ago but changed it to Asher.

Edenmum2 · 22/05/2025 09:22

Depressing metric for choosing a name anyway but if somebody walked into a meeting with me and said ‘hi my name’s River’ I would think ‘wow what a beautiful name’

by the time he’s in meetings it will be Mark and Steve that are the weird names anyway, not River.

Scrabbelator · 22/05/2025 09:19

River Alexander does sound lovely

PeatandDieselfan · 22/05/2025 09:18

Avon makes me think of Avon ladies/products. I don't think River is particularly "out there" anymore. River Phoenix was where we heard it first, but there have been plenty since. Isn't Jamie Oliver's youngest called River? Not that that is here or there, but it's recognisable as a name to most people under 60. Personally I like it a million times better than Alexander, but River Alexander does sound awesome and give him plenty of options. And I massively agree with the PP who pointed out that names do not limit future careers!

Apollo365 · 22/05/2025 09:18

Both names are nice. However to me you can’t compare Alexander to River. It’s such a strong name and an obvious winner.
Alexander River would be fine, you will never say the full name and they can use River when they get older if they want.

Calliopespa · 22/05/2025 09:17

cheapskatemum · 22/05/2025 09:16

Alexander River + surname is a great name & he could choose which name to use growing up. I know so many people who go by their second name.

I think do. It leaves it there for the taking op.

cheapskatemum · 22/05/2025 09:16

Alexander River + surname is a great name & he could choose which name to use growing up. I know so many people who go by their second name.

Calliopespa · 22/05/2025 09:09

Needmorelego · 22/05/2025 09:08

Avon makes me think of Blake's 7 😂

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Makes me think of Stratford!

LeopardsANeutral · 22/05/2025 09:09

I think its a really nice name and it sounds like it fits you guys well. I wouldn't even discuss with family - announce the name when he's born and don't entertain anyone's opinions on it. they'll very quickly get used to it and it's harder for them to say anything when the baby is there and you've introduced him as River. As for him growing up and having a professional job - all of the people in his generation will have different names to us. In 30 years I think it would be more unusual to meet a Jessica, David, Joshua etc.

Needmorelego · 22/05/2025 09:08

Calliopespa · 22/05/2025 09:04

Avon is a great suggestion.

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Avon makes me think of Blake's 7 😂

user8642096713 · 22/05/2025 09:06

River is okay, I’d prefer it as a middle name. Not keen on Alex though, all the ones I’ve ever met both male and female have been a bit of a pain!

Calliopespa · 22/05/2025 09:04

SunnyFog · 22/05/2025 08:53

I love the idea for a name but it's an unusual sound - will widely be pronounced "Rivva", and shortened to "Riv".
Avon is a stronger sound with same meaning but more subtle. Shortens to Ave which feels solid.
River feels like a 70s - 90's name - for the kind of hippy family that the Phoenixes were. If your friends give their kids names like that, it would suit, but (as much as I love it) I think it's unclear what social group it goes with.

Avon is a great suggestion.

Needmorelego · 22/05/2025 09:03

rwalker · 22/05/2025 08:56

Chavvy

I don't know what you think "chavvy" means but that's not what I would associate the name with 😂

MaloryJones · 22/05/2025 09:03

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

😂
Bit wet

Newgirls · 22/05/2025 09:02

River is one of the main characters in slow horses - he’s a handsome spy played by Jack Lowden. I’m sure more people know him now than river Phoenix. Maybe watch series 1 op.

pizzaHeart · 22/05/2025 09:01

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...

This^
I understand your desire for your child to stand out but not this way…

NoBots · 22/05/2025 09:01

For a girl would be perfect, not sure for a boy.

SummerHouse · 22/05/2025 09:01

I like it.

I also met a Reed recently which I think is very different but kind of elegant, like a male version of Brooke.

sashh · 22/05/2025 09:00

SunnyFog · 22/05/2025 08:55

Sultana is a classic epic name.

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She was quite an epic young woman.

ZenNudist · 22/05/2025 08:58

You can't go wrong with Alexander. Much stronger and classic. River will sound naff in 10 years.

I do like River in slow horses but always think he's misnamed seeing as comes from a toff-y background

rwalker · 22/05/2025 08:56

Chavvy

SunnyFog · 22/05/2025 08:55

sashh · 22/05/2025 08:52

I taught a 'Sultana' I wouldn't worry about meetings.

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Sultana is a classic epic name.