Calling a baby Bear

[WayneRooneysHair]

I've NC for this.

A few weeks ago a friend gave birth to a baby boy and her and her boyfriend decided to call him Bear. The name has generated a pretty strong reaction among the families and friends concerned. My friend is pretty upset that people's opinions are strongly divided with most people thinking it's a joke.

Are these people being unfair on the name or is their concern and reaction understandable?

As for what I think, it's their choice but I can see why people are reacting in a negative way. I know MN can be funny about names but I'm interested to see what other people think.

Whilst I generally agree that commenting on people's choice of names is rude, sometimes it might be in the child's best interests. Both my children would find the name odd and I'm sure other children would too and some would point it out. Parents need to be aware of how people will perceive their name choice as it is not them that has to spend a lifetime with it.

I think it's a lovely name. Bjorn isn't unusual in Nordic countries. They'll all get over it.

Personally, I've always disliked Edward, George and Fred fistshake

I think Bear is nice as a nick name. Calling your child something a bit out there is a little bit thoughtless I think. It's the child who has to live with it for the rest of their lives, not the parents.

Anway, I'm off to feed Elvis, back in a mo....

So thought this was a thread about cubs with pictures Bear is just daft imo

A close friend of mine called her son Bear. It was a surprise to all I think esp as the names she had floated were much more mainstream. However he is a gorgeous boy, it suits him, and I hope he isn't bullied for it. When she had him every time someone asked me had she had the baby and what name had she chosen they would give me a 'eh?' when I told them. I was in the camp of thinking it was potentially a mistake at first tbh but I never would have said it to her, or anyone really,that would be beyond rude, anymore than I would expect her to think she had a right to an opinion on my children's names. Honestly, the name has really grown on me, probably because the little boy it belongs to is a delight. The only thing that can be perhaps problematic is I often add 'bear' to my son's name too as an addition '***-bear' as his name and bear sort of go together....it's not a problem for us per se but I can see how folks would think it was a nickname. But then my dog's nickname is 'mouse' for reasons I won't bore you with and I get people looking at me like 'you called your dog mouse?!'.....she responds to it more than her actual name. So in summary, I like Bear

Chris Peacock brilliant.
You're right, there is worse names you could be called.
My friend has a relative whose name was Roy Alcock. He changed his name when he grew up!

In Scandinavian countries, Bear (Bjørn/Björn) is a very, very normal name. I personally don't like Bear nor Bjørn, but each to their own. I agree it's better as a nickname, but I don't see the big deal!

Kate Winslets youngest son is called Bear. Mind you his Dad's surname is Rock n Roll, so not an entirely convential family.

I thought you were asking if it's U for someone to call a kid Bear as a nickname...

..But an actual name

Jesus fucking Christ that poor child.

The singer from the red hot chilli peppers also has a son called Everly Bear. I do think if you have a fairly unusual name you have to accept not everyone will love it.
In fact, even normal names provoke reactions. Dd2's name seems to be a bit marmite in peoples reactions despite being a perfectly normal name. I love it, that's all that counts.