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Baby names

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

Reasons not to share your baby name in advance

31 replies

BakersKitchen · 31/08/2026 10:00

Can we have a thread where we list all the reasons why it’s best to keep your baby name to yourself until they are born? Seems like almost every day someone regrets having sharing.

My FIL is a bit weird about the fact we don’t tel him our baby girl’s name even though it’s decided with a middle name. We’re standing firm but I was wondering if it would be helpful to people who are reluctant but considering sharing their name to know all the reasons why it can be a bad idea.

I’ll start: You decide you want to change it later on but feel uncomfortable because people already know the original name

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ChakaKan · 31/08/2026 10:33

I think people feel more comfortable giving their (negative) opinion on a name before the baby is born. I have no real interest in other people’s opinions on almost anything to do with my children.
I preferred to announce the name alongside the arrival of the baby, no discussions, that is their name, me and their father have chosen, and if you don’t like it, well, we couldn’t care less!

TomahawkSteak · 31/08/2026 10:27

You might change your mind.
People might feel entitled to give you their (negative) views- that's much harder when the baby is actually here.
Because you don't want to.

NamingNoNames · 31/08/2026 10:25

They will have their baby first and use the name when they previously wouldn't have thought of it.

They will say they don't like it in a way that will put you off the name.

They will mishear it and buy/make personalised items for baby Amelia or Emelia when she's going to be Emilia.

Cla7 · 31/08/2026 10:25
  1. avoiding awkward moments. “Ah…yes….its an…interesting name”
  2. you might change your mind
LlynTegid · 31/08/2026 10:25

You haven't decided.
You may choose a name depending on who your baby most looks like.

I am sure there are other reasons.

RosasDanceRosas · 31/08/2026 10:24

Well, why would you? I mean, lots of people don’t choose a name in advance of giving birth. You have weeks to register the baby. We didn’t finally decide until we were on our way to register DS. It’s not like a newborn is going to have an identity crisis if people aren’t addressing him by name.

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