To call my black dog Sooty?

[PaxMalmKallax]

DH says we can’t name our new puppy Sooty because he is black and people might get offended. Is that the case? Sorry for my ignorance.
Puppy gets microchipped by the breeder next week and I’d like to have named him by then. Any better ideas are gratefully received!

@TheWernethWife

Next doors cat is called Sooty, can't see anything wrong with it.

There are loads of names to choose from. In my opinion, it will be offensive to some people

There's always someone looking to feel offended, either for themselves or on behalf people they have never met.

I stand by what l have said. If you knew me in rl, you would understand why.

I grew up in the US and never heard that the word sooty was a slur...sounds like if it is, it must be something from like the 20's - a very long time ago?

Anyway if there is a connotation I wouldn't use it, I've just never heard of it.

I like sooty, I think of the bear sooty nothing else. Call him sooty it’s good dog name!

This handsome fella is called Sooty. I don't see what's wrong with it

Well I wouldn’t pick sooty now your DH has made that connection. As others have said it isn’t really used as an insult to black people here but still.

I like Jasper for a name.

It would be racist to call it a stereotypical black name.

I wouldn’t go there OP. If there’s a chance it’s offensive why would you?
Love the name Noki!

Good god, soot is black - fact! It's got nothing to do with race.

Honestly you have to be so careful. My dog is called Ginger and we were thinking Ginger Rogers but when I started shouting it in the park I realised a redheaded person might think I was being funny. I now call her by shouting Gin which might make people think I love my drink a bit too much

I know someone with a dog called sooty, and I just thought name was a bit um, unimaginative.

There are so many great names for a dog

Bertie
Otto
Louie
Milo

I think there’s a difference between calling a dog Sooty which is taken out for walks in public places vs a cat called Sooty which at most is called in by back door.

OP several posters have confirmed it is a historic racial slur. Your DH is uncomfortable with it on this basis. Should be enough to contemplate other great names PPs have suggested?

It's nothing to do with people, it's coal dust or a child's tv character!
I had a rabbit called Sooty when I was a child. I also had a cat called Blackie from a cat rescue years ago. Now that is a name I'd definitely not choose!!

Jet?

I think of sooty as being more of a cat's name. Back in the 60s and 70s it was used as a racial slur so I wouldn't call my dog that. What about Buddy or Toby?

I have a black cat who is a rescue. When he was given to the rescue centre he came with the name ‘Niggs’. Obviously the centre staff were suitably horrified and promptly renamed him something more suitable and you know, less offensive.

Oscar, Oliver, Archie, Henry?

Well as you have no been made aware that the word was used as a racist slur why would you still choose to use the name ?

And we all know soot is from coal and coal is black that is why the word was used

Of course it's fine!

I think if your husband is uncomfortable with it I'd think of another name
We need a photo though

That was my thinking too - I was not aware it was a racial slur (just associated it with the puppets) but once I did know then it put me off completely, as I would never wish to offend someone for the sake of a dog name.

That was to @OhWhyNot

@MistleTOEboughski

Honestly you have to be so careful. My dog is called Ginger and we were thinking Ginger Rogers but when I started shouting it in the park I realised a redheaded person might think I was being funny. I now call her by shouting Gin which might make people think I love my drink a bit too much

I’ve known a dog called Brandy and one called Shandy!

If your DP is black and assuming you aren't, doesn't he get the last word on this? If he thinks it is or is potentially offensive, then shouldn't that be the end of the discussion? Sorry if I've missed something in your OP!

Ohh sorry, I totally misread your post! Either way, I would avoid.

Sooty has racist connotations. I am in my 50s and remember this from school.
Not as bad as my mum's neighbour when she was a child (so 1940s)) who had a dog called n***