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Baby names

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

Original poster

The cliches abounding in this topic

136 replies

LadyThompson · 24/04/2010 21:14

I enjoy the Baby names section - I'm interested in names generally, and, furthermore, am expecting a DC2 so the choosing of names has some direct relevance to my life at the moment. However - I am wearing of some of the following:

  1. People who claim to have overheard particular names called out in the supermarket (always derogatory in tone, as well);
  1. People who say, in an uppity manner - well, it's ok for a BABY but it won't do for a lawyer/brain surgeon (my DP is a barrister and as any fule kno, as far as the legal profession is concerned, they have practioners with ALL sorts of names);
  1. People who talk about names being common, 'chavvy' or 'council house'. I think this says FAR more about the people decrying the name than those contemplating using it ;

I could go on, but that's enough for starters. I'm not against robust discussion either, just a bit bored of the same old nonsense being trotted out...

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padraig · 24/04/2010 22:22

It's human nature though, and quite honestly I'm not bothered by the whole chav thing. I 'perceive' chavs to be unpleasant people, and I don't want my children to suffer the same perception.

It is what it is

MaisietheMorningsideCat · 24/04/2010 22:20

Tis the nature of the beast, LadyT. You can't expect everyone on any internet forum to post according to your preferences.

Original poster
LadyThompson · 24/04/2010 22:16

Padraig - you might be happy with the use of the word 'chav', I'm not. I think it's an offensive and lazy term. Really, though, I am talking about the sentiment behind such terms. The hysteria about names which some people term 'common' (for want of a better word) is far more crass than the names in question, invariably...

As for 'can you imagine babyname x in profession y' - let's just say I think it is grossly overstated by some people who post in this topic (usually with vicious glee, and often by people who don't know the first thing about the profession in question, let alone anyone working within it).

I'm interested in people's opinions on names, that's why I read this topic. But people pick up these cliches like bricks and just hurl them, and no, I don't actually think these discussions are 'something every parent should hear before naming their child'. There are some very interesting posters on here, yes. And plenty of mouthy, empty ones who spit out the same, recycled, 'received opinion'.

OP posts:
zapostrophe · 24/04/2010 22:06

This reply has been deleted

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MaisietheMorningsideCat · 24/04/2010 22:02

I'm more at anyone who would seek the guidance of a bunch of strangers before naming their baby. What ever happened to sitting down with your dh/dp and a baby name book, choosing one you both like and to hell with everyone else?

padraig · 24/04/2010 22:00

Clichés are clichés for a reason though.

I mean would you really want your child to have a name that is commonly associated with people that no-one likes (yes i.e. chavs)? I wonder how many people here would say that the name Jade has been ruined for them.

As far as the whole "can you imagine babyname-x in profession-y", well sorry but this has a point. I mean honestly say what you want but if you think professionals carry on with zero prejudices then you're being naive. My own mother is a lawyer and recently left her company because the higher-ups wouldn't consider hiring her as a replacement for her boss (despite being the most qualified for the job and having the recommendation from her boss) because she's a woman. It's disgusting and wrong but it still happens. Do you really think your daughters are going to find life easier with names like Daisy and Pixie? Do you think your sons honestly will never be mocked or judged for having 'girly' names like Beau or Remy?

I'm not saying these prejudices are right but they unfortunately still exist, and you shouldn't name your child on the off-chance they won't.

As for the whole class system, ditto on the above. It's not right but it happens. An Arabella is going to have a much happier life in boarding school than she would in the local state school. Do you think you would survive a state school as a boy called Rudy, Corin, Quentin or Archibald?

Say what you want but these discussions are something every parent should hear before naming their child.

Florencemaman · 24/04/2010 21:49

DS1 name has been described as 'posh' and worthy of bullying (unless he goes to a private school ). In fact, he is super happy with his name and very popular at our local state primary too .

lucy567 · 24/04/2010 21:47

DS1 name has been descibed as too popular and overdone and DS2 trying too hard to be
different.

dizzydixies · 24/04/2010 21:23

I understand completely however even after a campain asking people especially NOT to use the word Chav I gave up

am a prolific baby namer through others and now expecting DC4 however according to MN wisdom

DD1 has a name that is common as muck
DD2 has a chav name
DD3 has a name that should only have been given to a boy

goodness knows what they'll think of DC4's name however we choose them because we love them and life would be boring if we all loved the same names

relax, enjoy and have a good old laugh at how seriously some people take it all

Original poster
LadyThompson · 24/04/2010 21:17

I have already said above that I enjoy the topic, particularly as I am choosing names at the moment. But seeing the same old tired responses mars it rather.

OP posts:
dizzydixies · 24/04/2010 21:15

well hide the baby names then if you don't care for them