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Baby names

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

Original poster

I think this name is far too old-fashioned, should I tell my friend?

138 replies

onthepier · 11/10/2009 21:51

A friend of mine who is due to have a little girl in the next week or so is almost decided on the name "Eileen". I think it's just so old-fashioned for a little girl, poss because two of my nan's friends are called this!

A couple of other friends don't like it but we don't know whether to say anything to this lady, suggesting she changes her mind. I know "each to their own" and all that, but I just can't imagine a tiny baby or child called Eileen! What do you all think?

Several months back she came up with Hannah and Lauren, both far better in my opinion!

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Clary · 11/10/2009 23:30

I like Eileen. A name people know yet she will be one of very few her age.

There are a lot of Hannahs and Laurens about so maybe (tho they are pretty names) she wants sthg less popular.

If she is asking you what you think then I guess you can say sthg like "well, it's bit unusual...have you thought of XXX (Ellie? Edith? Evie?)"

Please don't tell her you hate it. I told a colleague the other day what DS2's girl name would have been and she laughed and said "Good thing he was a boy then". I was a bit insulted, stupid really since that baby girl will not ever be born (DS2 was our last).

Doodlez · 11/10/2009 23:28

Erm - has this thread gone a bit squiffy! I was last to post on it and now I appear to be the OP!

Doodlez · 11/10/2009 23:27

My middle name is Eileen!

It's fine thanks very much

witcheseve · 11/10/2009 23:24

I put the feelers out with a couple of names for DD and got mixed responses. When I settled on a name I wanted I didn't tell anyone until she was born and got loads of compliments afterwards.

Squiglet · 11/10/2009 23:16

No, none of your business and you know it. Nice friend you are, she is very close to having her baby and you want to shit on her like that. Nice

scottishmummy · 11/10/2009 23:15

told no one our names.as their opinion didn't matter

piscesmoon · 11/10/2009 23:13

People seem very insecure about names. We didn't tell anyone until they were born; we liked them and that is all that matters. You can't please all the people-so here is no point in trying. If I posted my DSs names people would comment 'boring'-I don't care-I love 'boring' names! If someone is set on Eileen you can just say something vague-save mumsnet for being brutally honest!

scottishmummy · 11/10/2009 23:05

no we are burds with vociferous opinions and pc

haha just the kind of heidbangers to ask about your babyname

have to say the babyname threads always cause me mirth, esp the bastard stole my baby name spats

oh diddums
grow up

LeonieBooCreepy · 11/10/2009 23:02

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

witcheseve · 11/10/2009 23:01

scottishmummy because we do, and we are not women at the bus stop how dare you.

StrawberriesandCherries · 11/10/2009 23:01

Yes it's awful imo too, but keep your mouth shut if you still want her as a friend

scottishmummy · 11/10/2009 22:56

tbh why does anyone seek opinion/approbation about their child name.if you like it use it. no one has dibs on a name either

do you ask the woman at the bus stop which ISA or tracker rate mortgage?no!

so why ask other folk which name for your baby
as parents you decide
not others

scottishmummy · 11/10/2009 22:52

given you're not mum,wont shout it in park, say it to gp, etc none of your business

in general most people upon hearing a baby name smile, and say gorgeous name. that's all that is required

eileensmum · 11/10/2009 22:50

maybe i don't like your DD's name either??

piscesmoon · 11/10/2009 22:48

I think that even when she asked your opinion you have to be diplomatic.
I don't personably like it but it is a whole lot better than Ruby, Kitty,Elsie and a lot of the other early 20th century names.
I never know why people ask in advance.

SpankyBum · 11/10/2009 22:45

Shit! Where did you find that? He promised me there was no film in the camera...Lying bastard!

drinkyourmilk · 11/10/2009 22:42

www.monlog.nl/images/spank.jpg

200yearoldhorsehair · 11/10/2009 22:39

Just be polite ffs, and say it's lovely. Sheesh.

ReneRusso · 11/10/2009 22:39

I agree it's a shocker, but don't say anything unless your opinion is asked for.

WingedVictory · 11/10/2009 22:37

Names come back again and again. We have an Archie and a Ruby from our antenatal group. I would have loved to have named my DS Henry, but DH was not keen (although there's next time).

FiveGoMadonTheDanceFloor · 11/10/2009 22:36

None of your business

SpankyBum · 11/10/2009 22:36

What are you implying?!?

drinkyourmilk · 11/10/2009 22:34

I think Eileen i nice too. Infact one i favour myself. Plus - it doesn't inadvertently suggest future career moves, unlike spankybum.

AnyFuleKno · 11/10/2009 22:30

I want to say as I'd love your opinions but it would give too much away as my friend sometimes is also on mumsnet - she would definitely know it was me

SixtyFootDoll · 11/10/2009 22:28

i prefer Eileen to Hannah and Lauren (yawn)