AIBU to want to tell my sister to change baby’s name?

[Eleanora8]

My nephew is due this week and my sis really wants to name him Atlas! Me, my parents and her friends all dislike it and my Mum has made her feelings clear and joked she hopes he never gets lost with a name like Atlas...
My sis got upset but I wanted to tell her I hated the name too but felt bad.
Should I speak up (vote yes) or keep quiet (vote no)?

This is why you should never tell people your planned names.

When the baby is born you can introdece them as Baby Whatever. By the time they have finished cooing over the baby the name is fixed and the strangeness of the name is gone.

One thing I would say is that by the time he grows up paper atlases as in books of maps will probably be a thing of the past as most people will use online maps. So forma teasing perspective other kids probably won’t immediately associate the name with maps.

The kid I feel sorry for is my son’s little friend Alexa!

This is why you don't share names until baby is born and you've decided! You absolutely cannot tell her what to name her baby. If you asks you, perhaps say not sure about the connotations - Titan forced to hold up the world for all of eternity and all that. But of course it will upset her to say you all hate it, especially when she's due so soon and is probably already thinking of the baby by that name.

The kid I feel sorry for is my son’s little friend Alexa!

And Isis! Honestly, you can get yourself in a knot trying to find an inoffensive name that covers all certainties but really if your child is going to be bullied/a high court judge/a cleaner/whatever else, the name is likely not the thing that will make or break it.

As a quick aside I met brothers Hendrix and Bowie yesterday. Now that used up all my restraint for the day

My sister named her DS what seemed a ridiculous name at the time, but now it's just his name and actually, it's become more often used. Maybe your sister will be a trendsetter. I don't hate the name FWIW, it's better than a lot of "different" names.

I think it’s a fab name. He can be Attie for short. Good for her for choosing something non-boring!

@Coffeekisses

I think it’s a fab name. He can be Attie for short. Good for her for choosing something non-boring!

Or Lassie...

Poor Sis!

It's her child, and her choice - our DC names aren't particularly unusual, but this is one of the reasons we never told anyone until they were born and named, because by that point people would have to keep their opinions to themselves.

I can't believe the lack of tact from your Mum.

Not your baby, not your business, sounds like she's had enough upset already without you sticking your tuppence worth in.

Do any of your family or her friends who are being so awful actually understand where the name comes from?

It's a strong name I like it.

You and your family/friends sound really nasty; it’s none of your business what they’re calling the baby and your opinion is not necessary.

Oi people slagging off Isambard upthread...I've got one of those!

Well, it's his middle name actually, but he could totally carry it off. In fact, I secretly wish he'd go for it as his first name is very similar to my horrible ex, & they both get the same diminutive version.

I used to teach a Sukhwant Debone. Luckily for Sukhy, he was well over 6', devastatingly handsome, captain of the football team & a rather useful boxer...

Anyway, best thing is to butt out. Totally not worth pissing your sister off, & none of your damn business anyway!

I think it’s cute, I think you are intolerant and unsupportive.

If she asks go with "It isn't something i'd pick but he'll make any name awesome"

it's absolutely not your place.

fwiw, the name is actually ok and a lot better than many others. There is nothing silly or ridiculous about that name.

There are loads of weird baby names at the moment - it is normal to name babies an unusual name. It's also not an awful name. It's unkind to make fun of it.
Mind you she shouldn't have told you the name till after the baby was born - people feel much less able to comment once it's a done deal!

Please dont say anything to her.She will be upset and its her baby, not yours or your Mums! Lots of people choose unusual names for their DC .I actually quite like Atlas for a name .He was a Greek God who was responsible for holding up the world .I think your DM is out of order here. Many older people think unusual names are a bit silly ,because everyone back then got called Janet or John or whatever .

You will all get used to it

I think you should MYOB.

Atlas was a Greek hero in Mythology who holds the sky up.

I can think of a lot worse names.

@JaneM8888

I think you should MYOB.

Atlas was a Greek hero in Mythology who holds the sky up.

I can think of a lot worse names.

You don't know much about Greek mythology.

Atlas was not a hero, he was a titan who was condemned by the gods to hold up the sky as a punishment.

Leave it alone. All three of my children have met with slightly 'off' reactions by my family. DD1 has an unusual but classic name (think Anthea sort of vibe) and my mum said it was 'sickly and religious'. DD2 had an odd comment too, and DS was called 'Norman' by them for a couple of weeks - 'accidentally' of course - as they considered his proper name an old man name. He's actually named after DH beloved grandfather who died when he was a boy and is much missed and talked about even now.

I found it mildly offensive, internally rolled my eyes and waited for them to get over it. But frankly, I just wish they'd packed it in. It didn't make a difference to what I called them but it just slightly took the shine off introducing my new baby to the family.

Unnecessary.

Our next door neighbour's Staffie is called Atlas.

@StartingOver2020

Shrug?

😂

I think it's the kind of name whre the kid would really have to "look" like an Atlas to carry it off, IYSWIM? Maybe once he's been born they'll decide he doesn't suit the name and choose something else.

Shrug

Missed that one!