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Baby names

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

Original poster

Stuck for baby boy names, our favourite just got vito’d by my mother!

167 replies

Shop90 · 08/10/2025 01:10

We are due our first baby - a baby boy in mid November but we are really struggling with names.
The middle name is going to be George after my dad.

Our top name was Archer, but when I told my mum, she quite angrily said it wasn’t a real name and I should be using Archie, as Archer sounds stupid. So it has put a spanner in the works and now we regret telling her our front runner.

The rest of our list includes:
Wilf
Charlie
Otis
Hugo
Seb (Sebastian)
Tobie (Toby)

We don’t want anything too out there but also don’t want anything too common. Any suggestions would be hugely appreciated.
Middle name George.
Surname starts with a W if that helps.

Thank you :)

OP posts:
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TimetoGetUpNow · 08/10/2025 07:41

No your mother does not get a veto unless it causes distress (eg the name of an abusive uncle).

So use Archer.

Or Victor/Vittorio if you want to use Vito…

Wherethewildthingsfart · 08/10/2025 07:40

I love Hugo but I do think that it’s your baby, if you love Archer then go for that.

Next time don’t tell anyone!

Namesy · 08/10/2025 07:37

Go for Archie, Charlie or Seb. Not keen on Archer.

Zonder · 08/10/2025 07:37

And this is why you don't tell anyone the name until the baby is born and it's a fait accompli!

SwallowsandAmazonians · 08/10/2025 07:37

I prefer Archer to Archie. Archie is a nickname, she can use it if she wants. Archer is a name in the style of Mason, Hunter etc (an occupational name).

Lemonadepie · 08/10/2025 07:35

Use Archer if you love it!

It doesn’t matter what we or your mother think.

Please stick to it if you both love it. You’ll regret it otherwise and resent her

Mumofgirls2017 · 08/10/2025 07:34

Your mum doesn’t get to decide! Archer is fine and not made up. Can have nn Archie if you want. If you want other options….

Spencer
Asher
Fletcher
Vincent
Otto
Seth
Felix
Jasper
Rowan
Eric
Caleb
Sidney
Elio

DPotter · 08/10/2025 03:39

There should be a health warning on POS packets -
DO NOT discuss possible name choices with anyone other than the other parent!

Don't let you Mum put you off - this is a choice for you and your partner, and if you like Archer - go for it.

spoonbillstretford · 08/10/2025 03:35

Veto.

Vito is a boy's name.

StrongLikeMamma · 08/10/2025 03:33

Wilf - very wet - and WW?! - just no.
Charlie - lovely but not unusual
Otis -pretentious and not unusual
Hugo - posh boy
Seb (Sebastian) - not unusual
Tobie (Toby) - lovely but not unusual and why on earth would you spell it wrong?!

Enko · 08/10/2025 03:27

Your mum doesnt get a veto

Call him Archer she will get used to it.
.When we named ds Conrad my mother said "Thats horrible" ffw 11 years she told me " I always liked the name Conrad its such a good strong name" it had just become her grandsons name whom she loved so the name became.normal and good in her mind.

Next time tell her names you like but are not "the one"

IMO out of your list Archer is by far the best

Also Archie is short for Archibald or Archer...

KurtansFringe · 08/10/2025 03:15

You'll regret not sticking with your choice. Tell no-one your name choice.
Archer is great.

NuffSaidSam · 08/10/2025 02:18

Ignore your Mum. Use Archer if that's your favourite.

I like Seb best from your list. Also really like Otis.

If you go for Toby do spell it properly. There are no points for creative spellings.

Other suggestions:

Ivo
Amos
Elliot
Judah
Blake
Riley

Awwlookatmybabyspider · 08/10/2025 02:10

What's it got to Do with your Mother

Garamousalata · 08/10/2025 02:06

You get to choose your baby’s name. Your mother has had her turn. Don’t discuss names with her or anyone other than the baby’s DF.

On your list I like Sebastian best.

LivingTheDreamish · 08/10/2025 01:33

Yup ignore your mother. I like all the names on your list so you really can't go wrong. Archer is a bit different to your other choices and I suspect you really want to use it but were too easily put off by the first negative comment.

Don't like Archie! What is is supposed to be short for - Archibald?? I don't think so.

NorthXNorthWest · 08/10/2025 01:11

Your baby your choice. Go with the name you love. Your mother got to name you, you get to name your child and that is how it should be.