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Baby names

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

Original poster

'Trying-too-hard names' - should we really mind about them - or not?

37 replies

LadyThompson · 19/08/2008 15:42

People get a bit narky about names which they see as upwardly mobile or trying-too-hard, I've noticed. Perhaps not everyone who wants to call their kids Edwin or Clarissa or Milo or Artemis (or whatever, not criticising these names, before you flame me) is trying to be determinedly pretentious. Or are they?

I've chosen a slightly poncetastic (but not ridiculous) name for my DD - not that I give a monkey's what anyone thinks, I just happen to love the name. Jane is a nice name imo (for instance) but I don't want to call my DD that or something like it, because I always wanted a more interesting name when I was a kid, and I know what that feels like.

So...what's the consensus?

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hellebores · 19/08/2008 16:08

It's hard not to judge - sometimes you just get a feeling that some are trying to choose an aspirational name - and that is what makes me wince on here. Although I guess it says something (nasty) about me that i feel i can be an arbiter of class and make pronouncements about other people's taste - but they do ASK!

There's a few levels of trying too hard I think:

  1. the 'totally unique nobody else in the school or anywhere is going to have this name'
  1. the 'I think it's unique' but actually it's quite trendy and every other kid will be called this in a couple of years name
  1. the 'actually i'm just going to use this because it IS a trendy name and don't care how 'now' it is'
swiftyknickers · 19/08/2008 16:06

what a load of shit
My sons name suits him perfectly but may be poncey to some people. Doesn;t appear poncey on him

it's all about personalities and choice

Pruners · 19/08/2008 16:06

Message withdrawn

Original poster
LadyThompson · 19/08/2008 16:02

So Moondog, are you saying that unless you call your kid John or Jane, you are necessarily holding up all your 'foibles and petty vanities' on a platter? Hmmm...I think EVERY name is an expression of the parents' taste...even John and Jane! My DD's middle names will be after two of her grannies, and they are not that out of the ordinary tbh, but we'd still have used them even if they weren't. Probably.

OP posts:
RustyBear · 19/08/2008 15:53

Well, I gave DD a name (18 years ago)that I thought was - well, not poncey, but unusual, just because I liked it.

I had completely missed the fact that a pop star had just called his daughter by that name & it's now far from unusual - in fact I have seen it described as 'chavvy' on here.

I still like it though...

TenaciousG · 19/08/2008 15:51

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

marymungoandmidge · 19/08/2008 15:48

Go on ...what did you call yours then?

beansprout · 19/08/2008 15:48

How about "each to their own". How would that be?

Tortington · 19/08/2008 15:47

its so common for "more interesting names"

the posher - poncier - more upwardly mobile the person - ordinary - not famous - the more ordinary and lovley the name

moondog · 19/08/2008 15:47

What your call your kid says so much about yuo and your aspirations,foibles and petty vanities. That iswhat isso funny with the Milos and Romillys.

Tortington · 19/08/2008 15:47

i think its ridic.

RhinestoneCowgirl · 19/08/2008 15:47

I have a 'more interesting' name and I love it. Some might think it poncey (there are a few meeja types around now with the name) but I don't give a toss....

Mind you as a small child I wanted to be called Clare