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Baby names

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

Would you choose a baby name you know most people dislike?

162 replies

BisB · 08/05/2026 18:39

We're considering giving our daughter a name that we already know is going to be almost universally disliked. It's a very uncommon name (don't think there have been any registered in the UK). We both think it's pretty, and it has (religious) meaning for us. Our other children have more common names that are generally liked by the majority of people. We have saved this name prior to this baby because I haven't been brave enough to use it. DH really wants to just go for it. He couldn't care less about what other people think, but I am more concerned that they're going to be cruel and judgemental and think that we were trying too hard to be "unique" (which isn't our intention). I would like to avoid saying the name on this thread because I am looking for opinions on the situation rather than opinions on the name itself. What would you do?

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Ibetitwasaldi · 08/05/2026 20:11

That’s a place name. You might as well name her Jerusalem or Birmingham or Slough.

MrsTerryPratchett · 08/05/2026 20:10

I’m an atheist. And I like it. Naz is particularly cute, and inoffensive if she wants to blend in.

oldFoolMe · 08/05/2026 20:07

I like it , it’s not offensive and can be shortened easily off she doesn’t like it

completelyfedupagain · 08/05/2026 20:07

I like it. Don’t think it’s any stranger as a name than Eden and there are loads of them around!

Dontbesillyhetty · 08/05/2026 20:04

I don’t think you should saddle a child with this name.

Blueuggboots · 08/05/2026 19:56

If you’re happy for her to be known as Naz when she’s older, go for it.

Chickenhorse · 08/05/2026 19:53

Are you white British OP. because if so I think it will really stand out not in a good way. You had probably better give her a good middle name because she will probably use that when she has the choice. Why don’t you start introducing yourself as Nazareth when you meet new people and see what their reactions are.

LassiKopiano24 · 08/05/2026 19:46

BisB · 08/05/2026 19:32

I'm nervous about revealing it, but it's Nazareth.

I thought you were going to say Lucifer or Satan 😂 Go for Nazareth if you like it, I’ve heard worse

youalright · 08/05/2026 19:45

Empress13 · 08/05/2026 19:44

Could get shortened to Nazi

That was my first thought

youalright · 08/05/2026 19:45

Why don't you change your own name to that since you love it so much and give your daughter a normal name. And if you don't want to have it as your own name then thats your answer

Empress13 · 08/05/2026 19:44

Could get shortened to Nazi

ShetlandishMum · 08/05/2026 19:43

BisB · 08/05/2026 19:32

I'm nervous about revealing it, but it's Nazareth.

I wouldn't as first name. Could work as a middle name.

anonhop · 08/05/2026 19:42

A chance she will be mercilessly teased. Every year at school etc. I really really wouldn’t do it. She will resent you as a teen when she wants to blend in. Can you imagine?!

bugalugs45 · 08/05/2026 19:40

Well I’m not keen , and never actually heard it apart from a place name , but don’t understand the negative attachments ? Is there a famous Nazareth that I’m missing ? But ultimately you do you

LemonFlavour · 08/05/2026 19:40

BisB · 08/05/2026 19:32

I'm nervous about revealing it, but it's Nazareth.

I quite like it. It reminds me of Elizabeth (in sound and look), just much more unusual.

JustGiveMeReason · 08/05/2026 19:36

No.
Why would I want to give someone I love a name that I believed everyone hated ? Confused

SixtySomething · 08/05/2026 19:35

RegalDiamondMonster · 08/05/2026 19:01

My guess would be something like Immaculata. Does it have good diminutives? E.g. for Immaculata could be Immie. She would definitely need a middle name you both love too, in case she prefers to go by it.

A similar one I met recently was Assumpta.
My hunch is that it’s more extreme as it’s never been used before. We would have to know which religion, though.
Seriously, bearing in mind some of the religious tensions at present, is it wise to use a clearly religious name?

AHealthyAmoumtOfButter · 08/05/2026 19:34

Naz! Cute!

funnyrandomdays · 08/05/2026 19:33

🤦🏼‍♀️ well it’s not great is it

AHealthyAmoumtOfButter · 08/05/2026 19:33

Oh! I like it! & I’m a complete Atheist if it’s relevant

BisB · 08/05/2026 19:32

WhimsyWhim · 08/05/2026 18:49

By saying the name here, you'll be able to see what kind of reactions you'll get. If you don't feel comfortable saying it anonymously, then how will you ever say it in person where you're not anonymous? How could you expect your child to live with it if you're embarrassed by it?

I'm nervous about revealing it, but it's Nazareth.

OP posts:
youalright · 08/05/2026 19:31

If everyone is going to hate it I doubt your daughter will like it so no.

Crushed23 · 08/05/2026 19:26

I met an “Edna” at a gala on Wednesday and thought it was a great if unusual/uncommon name.

Ipollita · 08/05/2026 19:16

Is it something like chastity? If so, I’d have a rethink.

Matildatoldsuchdreadfullies · 08/05/2026 19:15

We chose a name that seems to be pretty universally disliked in RL (it has mostly positive feedback on MN). When we announced the name, we were met with a few seconds of silence while people worked out something polite to say… “Oh, how unusual”, or “that’s a very old name.”

DH and I like the name, and more importantly, DD who has to live with it, likes it too. And everyone who disliked it has got used to it.

I am happy to share the name, btw. It’s Esther.