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Baby names

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Original poster

Has anyone had NO positive reactions to DC's name in real life?

33 replies

Fanfare · 02/09/2009 12:41

I'm too scared to post in the Am I Being Unreasonable section, but I suppose my question would be AIBU to expect at least ONE positive reaction when people ask DS2's name? His name is Edward, so not exactly an out-there name. It was a bit of a compromise name and I'm still trying to get used to it myself, so to not have one single person (family, friends, or people in the street) say "oh isn't that nice?" in 6 weeks is becoming really quite disheartening. Especially as I always thought that was the polite automatic response, regardless of real opinion! I'm not sure if we've picked a name that's just generally disliked (to the point that people can't even fib and pretend they like it!!), or whether this happens to everyone and I'm expecting too much?

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Cosmosis · 03/09/2009 11:15

It's my favourite name

bloss · 03/09/2009 11:13

Message withdrawn

slowreadingprogress · 03/09/2009 10:59

It is one of my absolute favourite boy's names - gorgeous.

I think many people nowadays are almost scared to give an opinion! My ds' name is unusual - it's an old, trad name not chavvy made-up (I hasten to add!) but even so when I told people his name I don't think anyone commented. I wouldn't have minded positive or negative, because I love his name so much!

Also, I was surprised at how few people commented on his looks. He was a very angelic, pretty baby (I know, I know all mothers, etc...) but he was - and nearly all our friends/family have SINCE said "oh, DS was the prettiest baby wasn't he" Or "look at that photo, DS really was a stunning baby wasn't he"....etc etc but none of this was said at the time.....for some reason people just don't seem to comment.

I guess it's partly general disinterest (our kids names or faces are just not as interesting to others) and partly social conditioning (eg a boy is not 'meant' to be pretty so you are not programmed to comment, or commenting on someone's name is possible rude so you just don't....)

I think people should speak up but I certainly don't think people will be hating the name Edward - it's one of the best!

stillfrazzled · 03/09/2009 10:30

My DS's middle name is Edward, and the most adorable (other) little boy I know is Ted.

It's a lovely name.

pranma · 02/09/2009 23:07

It is a gorgeous name.My youngest dgs [6months]is Edward-I love it.

Lizzylou · 02/09/2009 16:20

I love the name Edward, sadly it wouldn't go with our surname at all.

I have had rude comments on both my boy's names and lots of lovely ones, they are not "out there" names either.

You chose your son's name and love it, and so do a lot of MNers, don't worry.

MmeLindt · 02/09/2009 16:19

It is a lovely name.

Don't let it upset you. It says more about the politeness of your friends than the name choice.

exasperatedmum · 02/09/2009 16:16

Its my son's name, and I too have found that family and friends have had an 'odd' response to it. In fact, MIL said the other day that she just couldn't think of him as an Edward and started calling him by his middle name!!! I'm not sure why this should be - I think perhaps rather than it seeming 'nice and normal' my family perhaps think it is a bit 'formal' and would rather have had a more popularish type name? Not sure. Obviously it is a great name though. We don't shorten it. Edward is great just as it is!

southernbelle77 · 02/09/2009 16:10

I was expecting something totally weird and wacky! Nothing wrong at all with Edward

Nancy66 · 02/09/2009 15:54

Fantastic name - your friends have no taste.

GrendelsMum · 02/09/2009 15:44

I think it's very nice indeed - and I agree that people probably don't comment because they think 'ah, a nice real but not usual name'. People only tend to be negative, I find

mopsyflopsy · 02/09/2009 15:20

Most important thing is that YOU love it.

Edward is a safe, normal name. I personally wouldn't chose it nor would I lie and say that I loved it, but there is nothing wrong with it at all.

We should all try to be less needy of others' acceptance of our (name, hairstyle, whatever) choices! Life would be very boring indeed if we all liked (and had) the same names, clothes etc!

CyradisTheSeer · 02/09/2009 14:02

This reply has been deleted

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diddl · 02/09/2009 13:50

I should imagine it´s because it´s not unusual enough to invoke a comment.

Feierabend · 02/09/2009 13:37

It's happened to me with DD2's name, which I also wasn't 100% sure about. Nobody seems to like it. But I try not to care

Don't worry, Edward is a great name.

Pollyanna · 02/09/2009 13:33

It's my son's name too and I love it. Haven't had any negative reactions apart from one to Ned (which we call him) - and that person wasn't Scottish btw.

Otherwise we have only had positive reactions to Edward and Ned. He is also called Ed (by dd1) and Edward Bear/Bear by us all. I love it!

(and it was a compromise name for me too!).

I also met a little Teddy recently - I love that shortening too.

Original poster
Fanfare · 02/09/2009 13:30

Thanks for all the comments everyone, you've helped me feel a bit happier about it. I think it's easier if you've chosen a name you love because you don't care what others think, it's just when you're not convinced yourself that you end up seeking validation elsewhere. Maybe that's why I've been a little sensitive to the lack of positive comments! I should say, I've had no negative comments per se, just been met with "oh, Edward?" or change of subject! Anyway, it's been lovely to hear your positive takes on the name and really interesting to see how other people perceive it, thank you so much.

OP posts:
blowninonabreeze · 02/09/2009 13:26

Edward is my number 1 for any future DS I may have (although not DH's Grr!)

I love it and want a Ned.

GooseyLoosey · 02/09/2009 13:23

My son's name is not an uncommon name and I don't think I had one comment one way or the other about his name. My daughter's name is slightly more unusual and have had comments about it.

I think when it is regarded as a "safe/normal" name, people do not think that they need to comment so I would not worry.

I know a few little Edwards so it clearly has a reasonable amount of parental favour and I cerainly like it.

jellybeans · 02/09/2009 13:20

Noone has really said it to me either and DS is nearly 10 months (quite popular name in top 100) but we like it alot so thats all that matters!

FaintlyMacabre · 02/09/2009 13:17

It's my son's name so obviously I love it. We shortened it to Ted very quickly (not our pre-birth intention, just seemed to suit him) and that gets a lot of positive comments.

Edward is at about number 40 in the popularity lists so someone else must like it!

wheniwishuponastar · 02/09/2009 13:06

maybe its because it isn't unusual - do a test and see if you get any reaction when you say his name is Teddy/Ted or Eddie/Ed?
But the most important thing (i think) is that he grows up as a lovely person, not whether people think he has a lovely name!
do people make other nice comments, on his hair or clothes?
if people ask what his name is, what do they say when you reply, 'edward' - just with a blank face?

MrsVik · 02/09/2009 12:58

It's a nice name! Nothing wrong with it

ZacharyQuack · 02/09/2009 12:57

Edward is a great name. Lots of acceptable nicknames and lovely "in the full". Sorry none of your RL friends and family haven't been more effusive.

belgo · 02/09/2009 12:57

Edward is a very good name.