to be disappointed that some of my family hate our PFB's name

[bexleigh]

Our little boy is 7 weeks old and some of my family don't like the name we chose. This includes my dad and my grandmother. Their first reaction on the day he was born was "Really? ... Oh. Right. Well, it's not really my cup of tea, no. I'm not a fan". The next day I thought they might have gotten used to it, but no, "I just can't get used to it. I think I'll call him the initial". And ever since the birth they've avoided referring to him with his actual name, instead they make up pet names.

I didn't announce the name before the birth, wanting to avoid negative comments, and expected people to be too polite afterwards to say anything if they didn't like the name. So I feel that this is quite rude. However, they probably see it as being open and "wearing their heart on their sleeve". It just hurts my feelings though! My dad is a kind and loving man but can sometimes be a bit tactless.

Btw, it's not a really wacky name, not made up or strangely spelt, just a traditional name which is uncommon these days.u

I'm reading this thread and can't help thinking that if so many people object maybe they are stupid names

You only have to look at the baby names thread to see that people are proper nuts about weird names.

Protrudence anyone?

Syphilis? "But we'll call her Saffy"

Cunt? "But we have German ancestry and obviously we're using a K.

Xanthe is a lovely name!

I want to know the name too!! My DD is called Minerva, will be trying for a baby later this year, and our boys name will raise eyebrows too...Xerxes

I like alternative but old names, I don't comment on others choices, wouldn't bloody dream of it! very rude

Does anyone else really really want to know the names people are talking about on here?

Yes. I do! :)

But in any case, you don't criticize a baby's name to the mother. Her child's name doesn't need anyone's approval aside from the father's. I'm shocked people actually do that.

My gran did it when I was born so its not a new thing. I don't like my dns name but id never tell my sister because I am sure that there are people who don't like my dds name and I wouldn't like to hear their opinionns.

It's rude and I'd correct them everytime and possibly point that out - as they do seem to like honesty .

We had issues with family and two of our DC names - while we had complaints we ignored them and no-one was rude enough not to use the names.

They aren't bad names just uncommon that seemed to be the issue- old fashioned and coming back in -we where slightly ahead of the curve. They've got over it.

What's his name?

Like zerk-sees

We had this with one of our children. It's unusual-ish and most family members had never heard it before. Several of Dh's family said they wouldn't use the name and started to call him AJ (his initials of course). We just had to be firm - for once dh stood up to them - and told them he wasn't called AJ and they were to call him by his name. I think they were so shocked that dh actually had the nerve to oppose them that we heard no more about it and that was that.
I can't believe how rude and hurtful people really are

I really like Xanthe, Minerva and Xerxes.

Also bursting to know OP's baby's name, and here's another vote for going batshit. Some people suck all the joy out of life... they don't have to like it, but they do have to accept it, respect it, and use it.

Oh, if it makes you feel better, we "broke the rules" with DD's name. Instead of giving her a middle name after a family member (my family) or a biblical name (his family), we gave her an unique name just for her to avoid all the family politics.

This is why I like to discuss names when pregnant. I never say we are going to use X but I say what do you think of X, I quite like it. My Mum and sister didn't like DC4's name at all, they really liked our second choice.
I'd rather know people's opinions beforehand than have them be blunt once the baby is born.

A girl I worked with called her baby Mabel. I also know of a Vera.

I will stick my neck out and say they are awful names to give her a child. But it's down to the parents and I would never dream of voicing my opinions but I do think poor kid.

I have an unusual name and growing up in UK it was a pain in the arse having to spell it all the time. I love it though!

Sorry, is it de rigeur to say the name on these threads? It's Rex. Not the most usual name ever but also not completely out there, or so I thought...

OP, what's your son's name?

The name is Quentin. I knew it wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea but we love it and hoped people would just keep their mouths shut if they didn't like it! To some, it might sound like some middle aged bloke, but to us it suits our little baby so well!

I'm glad I'm not the only one who's had this experience!

congratulations on your baby! precious first joys await you!

we had similar reactions towards our DS1's name, but you know, I couldn't give a flying f**k. but that's just me, thick skinned. My name is, according to all Janes,Marys, and Johns, "odd", but again as I say, it's a reflection of my cultural identity and creativity of my parents.

You have to develop thick skin for parenting as your elders will always say that you're doing something wrong. I'm not someone who cares for calling others rude as I can be sharp myself, but maybe your family are being longsighted and consider future job/career prospects of your childs name. I know that now my mum has suggested that I use my middle name if my Christian name is ridiculed....but on the other hand, she knows me and that I couldn't give a flying fvvk to tell others where they can head to if they don't.like.my.name

Btw ImmatureCheddar I love the name Rex and itsr another one I considered xD Sounds very kingly to me

I like Quentin to be honest! Congrats and don't let them spoil the enjoyment of your lovely boy.

That's a lovely name op

I LOVE Quentin, it would be my first choice for number 3 if it is a boy, but DH has vetoed!

I'm struggling to see what there is to object to?! Lovely name congrats!

Congratulations OP. Quentin's a cracking name

Excellent name!

Tell your dad and grandmother you've decided you don't like 'Grandad' or 'Granny' etc., and instead you've decided to call them 'Old Git' and 'Ancient Crone'. See how they like it.