William Bowe

59 replies

bilbowe · 17/01/2026 15:24

Pregnant with my second child- I loved William for my first but as last name is Bowe, was put off by ‘Bilbo’- am I overthinking it or is it a real thing to be bothered by?! Had mixed reactions IRL, some saying it would be absolutely fine.

If it’s really awful, any other suggestions? I also like Louis but don’t know if L.Bowe would be setting him up as well!

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LivingTheDreamish · 17/01/2026 21:01

Sorry but I wouldn't go for L. Bowe or even William Bowe. It is a deceptively tricky surname OP.

Thomas
Alexander
George
Marcus
Henry

HugoYorway · 17/01/2026 16:41

David. (You might need to think about it)

No to:
Joseph (Joe)
O- names
-o names
-el names
L names

A colleague's surname is Potter. Her bump was 'We're not calling him Harry'

Original poster

bilbowe · 17/01/2026 16:19

HugoYorway · 17/01/2026 16:17

Richard - Dickie Bowe.

Don’t, I’ve heard them all!! Wayne, Harry, Jim.. it’s the most innocuous but actually annoying surname!!

OP posts:

HugoYorway · 17/01/2026 16:18

As for L Bowe, well your name isn’t all that often written like that so I don’t think that would be too much of a problem.
My name is H. Yorway on most of my mail, on credit cards etc.

HugoYorway · 17/01/2026 16:17

Richard - Dickie Bowe.

HugoYorway · 17/01/2026 16:16

William known as Liam. L Bowe.

user2848502016 · 17/01/2026 16:04

Not every William is called Bill though. I think L.Bowe is worse!

Lollylavender · 17/01/2026 15:34

Willy Bow would be worse…!

WonderfulSmith · 17/01/2026 15:27

Bill Bowe? Oh dear no. That said I know two Williams who are only ever called William. Never Will or Bill.

As for L Bowe, well your name isn’t all that often written like that so I don’t think that would be too much of a problem.

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