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Baby names

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Original poster

Do you say something if you don't like a person's proposed baby name?

34 replies

Buddleja · 09/12/2009 20:02

If an expectant friend or family member or even a random stranger told you the name they were planning on giving their future off spring and you thought would you say anything or would you simply nod and say 'oh that's nice' disingenuous as that might be?

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RainRainGoAway · 09/12/2009 20:10

I would keep quiet and make faint gagging noises and gesticulate with my fingers down their throat when their back is turned.

Jamieandhismagictorch · 09/12/2009 20:08

Well, I haven't really come across this in RL. I think most people don't like to spoil the surprise. If it was a matter of a connotation they might not have thought of (eg Peter Sutcliffe), I might say something.

If it was just a matter of taste eg Barnaby, I wouldn't.

That is what MN is for

thisisyesterday · 09/12/2009 20:08

no! never ever! unless it's something like the John Doe one the other day.
and i wouldn't say i didn't like it, jsut something like "oh, i;'m sure that's what they call unidentified people isn't it?"

but no, just because something isn't to your taste doesn't give you the right to say anything mean about it.

jsut smile and say "how lovely"

BigusBumus · 09/12/2009 20:07

Stranger- yes, say "how lovely" (who cares really? and its just plain rude to say, God thats GROSS!)

Friend- if they are dead set, then, as above. If wavering, then say "do you have any alternatives in mind"? and pick the best.

Family- think its better to say "hmmm not sure" if its in a llist of possibilies or suggestons, but if very keen on the name and its a definite, then as above again. Its not gong to be your child, each to their own and best to avoid resentments.

TisTheSeasonToBeHully · 09/12/2009 20:07

I would scream, vomit and faint. Just to make it clear.

Scarletti · 09/12/2009 20:07

Depends on the relationship.
For a close relative who had chosen a truely awful name or a name that might cause ridicule I probably would tactfully say something. My relatives certainly expressed themselves on the subject of my LOs names.

Everyone else - no. It is a highly personal thing I would butt out.

PetrusPoo · 09/12/2009 20:06

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

bibbitybobbitysantahat · 09/12/2009 20:05

I say "oh really, is there a story behind that?" and make interested noises. I would never ever say I disliked a name, even if I hated it. Otoh, if I do like or really love a name I am usually completely ott enthusiastic about it.

Hulababy · 09/12/2009 20:04

I would never comment negatively. Tact is in order.

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