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Baby names

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

Original poster

Hate DD’s planned baby name. Is it ever ok to say that?

484 replies

Giggsie · 11/06/2025 21:53

I expect the answer is to keep quiet but I fear by future grandchild will be teased mercilessly.

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Lunde · 11/06/2025 22:22

Is it Io with and i rather that Lo with an L?

Because funnily enough my friend's daughter called her son Io with an i last year after the moon of Jupiter.

AllProperTeaIsTheft · 11/06/2025 22:21

Do you mean non-English names? They might be 'unusual' to you, but they aren't necessarily unusual in the cultures the students come from. I like the name 'Io'!

IfYouPutASausageInItItsNotAViennetta · 11/06/2025 22:21

I'd also worry that the other kids might say it as if they were a Tellytubby.

ThatNaiceMember · 11/06/2025 22:20

I like it and knew how to pronounce it. The Greek myth is not nice but most people won't be aware. I've definitely heard worse names

Needmorelego · 11/06/2025 22:18

@Loopytiles why do you think "grandma only nicknames" are bad?
I think it's cute. Children often give their grandparents their own nicknames (ie instead of Granny they call them GiGi or something) so this is the name thing in reverse.

TabbyCatInAPoolofSunshine · 11/06/2025 22:18

Callithyia instead? Describing her as "a woman who was raped by Zeus" is a bit unfair, I doubt that's why they chose the name, and that's not really the way to identify a mythical princess!

No, obviously you can't say anything and she won't be called Lo or 10 by anyone she's introduced to verbally (and she can choose a font - such as Times New Roman - which distinguishes I from L on her email signature and simply not write only in capitals to avoid being called ten).

Buxusmortus · 11/06/2025 22:17

I think it's odd if people are close to their parents that they don't ask their parents what they think of any potential names for their grandchild. When my daughter was pregnant they came up with some godawful names, when they told us we all laughed and said no way. They saw sense and called her a lovely name. I do think hormones can make people go a bit bonkers with names sometimes.
I think Io is going to be difficult for the child, people will constantly be asking about it, checking spelling. Plus the Old MacDonald connection.

HolidayBrochure · 11/06/2025 22:17

I would’ve said it should be pronounced Eee-oh, based on my knowledge of Greek

Loopytiles · 11/06/2025 22:15

Iona with Io for short would be better.

Loopytiles · 11/06/2025 22:15

out there but not a batshit or made up name. Doubt DC will be teased where they’re living. They will have to spell it and correct people a lot, but that’s the case with lots of names, even popular ones.

I’d mention the rape in the myth, since that’s grim and DC is bound to come across that if she looks up her name.

’grandma only nicknames’ are passive aggressive / aggressive and not justified.

Notellinganyone · 11/06/2025 22:13

It’s a beautiful name - I’ve taught two in my time. Unusual but not silly and simple once you’ve been told how to pronounce it. Don’t know why you think she would be teased.

Talkwhilstyouwalk · 11/06/2025 22:12

I know someone who wanted to call their child Annalie until someone pointed out how similar it is sounds to Anally.

RedRoss86 · 11/06/2025 22:12

I thought it was Lo aswell...
Can see the poor child having to correct many, many people.

Personally I don't like it, eye-oh reminds me of when you are in a pub, someone drops some glasses and someone goes 'eyeee-ohhhh'.

In terms of saying it to your daughter, I wouldn't.

sparklychair · 11/06/2025 22:12

Talkwhilstyouwalk · 11/06/2025 22:09

its from Greek mythology, a women who was raped by Zeus.

Oh dear, it's awful. Just point out the above and make sure she's aware - Shohei hopefully put her off. Could she go with Lois instead?

Did Jupiter's have it off with all his moons? I know he did with Europa and Callisto - and Ganymede?

Screamingabdabz · 11/06/2025 22:10

Yes that’s bad. But I doubt it’s bullying territory - all modern parents appear to be trying to outdo each other with the pretentious and wacky ‘unique’ names. Just smile and nod.

BlackbeakQueen · 11/06/2025 22:10

I'm not keen, but I do like Iona....

Clearinguptheclutter · 11/06/2025 22:10

Well my mother was very vocal about how much she hated my choices. I did listen. But I wish I hadn’t.

McCartneyOnTheHeath · 11/06/2025 22:09

That's a great name! Cute enough for a kid, sophisticated enough for an adult. Be proud that your DD has good taste.

kkneat · 11/06/2025 22:09

It’s awful and I don’t normally take much notice of names. I would have to say so to my Dd/Ds

KnewYearKnewMe · 11/06/2025 22:09

@Giggsie

that would make me feel a bit better about it then - there’s possibly a meaningful reason behind it, which Io can at least share when people ask where her name comes from,

Talkwhilstyouwalk · 11/06/2025 22:09

its from Greek mythology, a women who was raped by Zeus.

Oh dear, it's awful. Just point out the above and make sure she's aware - Shohei hopefully put her off. Could she go with Lois instead?

TheyreLikeUsButRichAndThin · 11/06/2025 22:09

I know a teen Io 🤷‍♀️ seems fine

Moveoverdarlin · 11/06/2025 22:08

I think Eye-oh! Eye-oh! It’s off to work we go.

Llamasarellovely · 11/06/2025 22:08

It's off to work i go 😀

Original poster
Giggsie · 11/06/2025 22:08

Cattenberg · 11/06/2025 22:07

I actually considered it as middle name for DD, until I read about the rape in the story.

Also, she could have got very self-conscious whenever her nursery group sang Old Macdonald had a Farm.

Ha! I had not even thought of old MacDonald!

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