Active discussions

Help protect children from gaming harms.

Take our survey

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Baby names

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

Original poster

Is having a unisex name a hinderance?

32 replies

AimeeJ · 22/03/2010 12:13

I am thinking specifically of a boy having a name that could also (or more commonly) be a girls name.

I'm not sure it's an issue with the plethora of names you come across now, but my husband says that we might be setting him up for a life of ridicule?

any ideas?

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
5DollarShake · 22/03/2010 14:52

I have to admit, my (perhaps completely wrong) assumption that it would be a hindrance is what would put me off.

DH likes Jude and while I know that Jude is only a boys' name, the fact that he might get teased with Judy and Judith puts me off.

I agree with posie that with so many names being gender-specific it does seem a little contrary to choose one which err, swings both ways...

Ariesgirl · 22/03/2010 13:42

I love the names Rowan and Robyn/Robin and they could go either way.

posieparker · 22/03/2010 13:37

So many names that are gender specific why would you choose one that isn't. Things like Lesley and Kimberly for a boy are eeewwww for me, names like Jamie, Danny, Ashley are easier but if it's a boy with a girlie name I think it's much worse than a little girl called Harry/Charlie.

thesecondcoming · 22/03/2010 13:36

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

VerityBrulee · 22/03/2010 13:34

DS1 has a name that is more commonly used for girls, and he is fine about it, he likes his name. He is 12 and has never been teased about it. TBH, he's the sort of boy who wouldn't be bothered by that kind of thing

missseptember · 22/03/2010 12:57

My friend's brother is called courteney!! It just seems normal to us now

Chavtastic · 22/03/2010 12:52

Depends on the name, doesn't it?
Alex, Sam, Jamie, Charlie, Dani (Danny) -- I think you'd be okay to call a boy or girl those.

Abi, Jan or Johann (said German way), can probably still get away with.

Laurie, Ashley -- depends which side of the pond you're on.

Sarah, Clarissa, Sue -- definite problems.