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Baby names

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

Original poster

Would you not name your child a particular name just because it's become really popular?

53 replies

laweaselmys · 01/09/2008 11:17

DP and I have been picking out baby names for out 12 wk old bump somewhat ahead of ourselves, and the boys name we have chosen is almost definitely the one as we've liked it for years. But it's also not that popular it's in the top 50 boys names, fairly near the bottom! I like that about it. That it's not going to stand out that much but that their almost certainly won't be another boy he knows with the same name.

The girl's name we really like for family reasons, but is now no. 7 in the UK girls names list, and I hate the fact that there would probably be so many other little girls called it and it will somehow seem less 'special' but I can't work out if this is enough to stop me wanting to use the name.

The names are Leo and Lily by the way. (So you can judge, huzzah!)

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cece · 01/09/2008 11:46

When we chose we only used names outside of the Top 50. DD's name is a real name but quite unusual. Many people asked us if we had made it up for instance , which did shock me at the time.

However, there is another one in her school.... so you can never tell!

frazzledoldbag34 · 01/09/2008 11:44

Love your names.
Yes, there are lots of Lily's around but surely that just means it's a nice name?
If you are worried about its popularity you could always tweak it slightly to make it Lillian or Liliana / Lilyana? Or go for Leona or Leonie for a girl?

In my experience (having 2 DD's) sometimes you pick a name that you haven't heard a child called in years and then suddenly they are all over the place. Not sure why/how this happens, it just does. So whatever you pick could, theoretically be popular in a few years time however careful you are in choosing...........
if you like them just use them (is what I'm trying, in a roundabout fashion to say!)
Good Luck!

nush32 · 01/09/2008 11:25

Like both those names! But, know what you mean about being put off by popular names. I had my DS' name decided years before his conception (Isaac) coz I always loved the name...but as it came close to his arrival the name popped up all over the place. Still went with it though, it suits him. Your Lily will be special because she's yours. Congratulations, by the way!