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Baby names

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

Original poster

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:
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Silvertulips · 08/05/2026 19:10

children grow into their names - if you love it say it with pride!

I have a 3rd with an unusual name - no other in school or work etc

She loves it too!

ShetlandishMum · 08/05/2026 19:07

She will have to explain again and again. I don't know as you haven't mentioned the name.

Ibetitwasaldi · 08/05/2026 19:07

Religious names are common in Africa, think Mercy, Blessed, Blessing, Godfrey etc. No one bats an eyelid. As long as it’s not Lucifer or Demon, it’ll be fine.

AHealthyAmoumtOfButter · 08/05/2026 19:06

I wouldn’t. No matter how much I liked it, if I thought it would negatively affect the child I wouldn’t.

I saw someone’s name written down the other day… Candida…

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.

Original poster
BisB · 08/05/2026 18:56

PurpleNightingale · 08/05/2026 18:50

I think the important question is why it is disliked so much,

If because people say they associate it with a famous person of that name- like Myra- I'd say go for it, name associations change and are forgotten all the time.

If it is because it sounds like an STD- I would probably not.

If its just old fashioned- Doris say- I'd say go for it, fashions change and a lot of names cycle in and out of popularity.

For what its worth people were pretty negative before I called our son Felix (that's a cat name!) but after he was here they said they actually really liked it on him.

Edited

I predict that it will be disliked because of the very obvious religious association and because it's not at all a traditional name.

OP posts:
AImportantMermaid · 08/05/2026 18:50

Would you like your little girl to have a name that nobody will like?

PurpleNightingale · 08/05/2026 18:50

I think the important question is why it is disliked so much,

If because people say they associate it with a famous person of that name- like Myra- I'd say go for it, name associations change and are forgotten all the time.

If it is because it sounds like an STD- I would probably not.

If its just old fashioned- Doris say- I'd say go for it, fashions change and a lot of names cycle in and out of popularity.

For what its worth people were pretty negative before I called our son Felix (that's a cat name!) but after he was here they said they actually really liked it on him.

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?

bugalugs45 · 08/05/2026 18:48

None registered in the uk ? Ok, so I’ll be the first to ask what’s the name …
is it MYRA, vaguely remember a post that since Myra hindley none have been registered

stickygotstuck · 08/05/2026 18:47

sesquipedalian · 08/05/2026 18:41

OP, if you like the name, and you’re sure it’s not going to have any negative repercussions for your DC, then go for it - but give them a less unusual middle name so that when they are older, they have the choice.

I second this.

As long as it has no negative connotations, any name is a good name. A solid middle name should take care of any eventuality

You obviously love it and you'll regret not using it this time around either.

sesquipedalian · 08/05/2026 18:41

OP, if you like the name, and you’re sure it’s not going to have any negative repercussions for your DC, then go for it - but give them a less unusual middle name so that when they are older, they have the choice.