To want people to calm my baby by his actual name?

[SimGuruRu]

Name change as outing. To avoid the inevitable “what’s his name” replies ... he’s called Brian, hence outing.
He’s 6 weeks old and friends and family seem unable to call him by his actual name. They make up stupid names for him “baby Bobo” for example, I’ve had people literally snigger when I say his name. MIL has outright told us it’s an awful name for a baby and she can’t say it without laughing.
I’ve told DH I’m getting to the point where I feel if people can’t call him by his name maybe they shouldn’t be seeing him?! He thinks this is an overreaction and that I’m being too dramatic. They are going to make him grow up hating his own name.
AIBU?

They're being incredibly rude, as are many posters on here.

OP didn't ask for your opinion on her baby's name, she asked whether her family were being rude by not calling him by it. They are very rude. If they don't like the name that's fine, but it's rude to say anything to you - there are loads of people out there with names I don't like, but I don't go around telling them that, because I was properly brought up. Clearly a lot of posters on here weren't.

I had a friend who called her baby Mavis. I must admit that cooing over baby Mavis did feel a bit as though I was patronising an old lady in a nursing home.

As it happens when Mavis became a preteen she hated her name so much she got her parents to legally change it to Maeve...

To be honest, even if you had given him a normal name people still would have shortened it or made cutesy versions, that's just how people talk to babies.

I’m baffled by people on here, what’s wrong with the name Brian?

@EileenGC

it’s the reason for the responses to the name

No, the reason is rudeness. Why should there even be a reason for people to show their dislike so strongly? I still don’t understand why anyone would care.

No, the reason they are saying they dislike the name is rudeness. The reason they are responding in this way is likely to be for the same reasons many people on the thread have given. And which is the reason many people post on the forum before they name their children, to get a frank set of views. I appreciate the OP did not ask for people’s opinions on Brian, which is why I haven’t expressed mine. As her family should not.

even if you had given him a normal name people still would have shortened it

If? It is a normal name!

I can't imagine a more normal name either.

@CatherineMorland

I’m baffled by people on here, what’s wrong with the name Brian?

Just a bit narrow minded I think. Brian is a good strong name and is currently unusual, but fashions change. I remember when people started to use Arthur and Emily again, people thought they were old folk's names, but now they're common.

Brian will be fine when he's a bit older.

I have a very old fashioned name which I hated growing up. I never met anyone else with my name ever as a child/teen (still haven't tbh. It's just not of my generation). But I like it now.

I do hope Gary doesn't make a comeback though. It's just not needed.

Brian Cox, astronomer - couldn't be more cool. Do you think people snigger at his name?

Brian is fine! Much better than another Leo, Jack, Oliver, Mason, Archie, Harrison blah blah blah

It is strange to hear a baby called it though but your family will get used to saying it.

I do think people should never be rude about a name to your face or the child. But Brian really isn't a good choice. Why give the child something he needs to feel awkward about when he really shouldn't be worrying about these things. If I hear Brian, I think an adult man. On a baby/child it's just really out of place. Look at people on the thread trying to justify why Brian is great, something that shouldn't even occur to you about a name. Op his name is his identity, he will go through his entire life feeling awkward, ashamed even or embarrassed. It will just take a comment or do and the damage will be done. I would change it to a second name.

His parents' choice. Some people on here should look at their children's names - odds on at one point those names were "unusual" or "old fashioned". At least it's not Teddy which seems to be incredibly popular in this arena.

Area, not arena!

Loads of Brians in my family (uncle / cousin etc) so it has made an appearance as a middle name for a few in our youngest generation. Totally understand why you’re annoyed. I reckon the nicknames will calm down as he gets older. My 5yo has a friend at school called Brian - everyone calls him by his proper name!

It's not something I would choose but it's not awful. That said, I'm not hugely surprised that it's generated some interesting reactions, but there's no excuse for actual rudeness from friends and family. I wouldn't stop them seeing him for that reason though.

@SimGuruRu

Wow must say I’m surprised by some of these responses. Didn’t expect that from fellow parents 😞 What on earth is wrong with Brian? Why is it any different from George? Alfie? Archie?

Some absolute dicks posting on this thread, OP. State of it, but as my godmother says, there's no point being ignorant if you don't show it.

I love Brian - great name that makes me think if some kind, brave and trustworthy. It's my BIL's name and he's ace. Enjoy this special time with your wee chap and congratulations x

MIL has outright told us it’s an awful name for a baby
This speaks volumes. She’s jealous because he’s named after your grandad. It’s a name from your family not from her family. I’m guessing she’s generally difficult, spiteful and jealous

I agree.
I bet if it was a traditional name similar to MIL she would love it.

@SimGuruRu

Wow must say I’m surprised by some of these responses. Didn’t expect that from fellow parents 😞 What on earth is wrong with Brian? Why is it any different from George? Alfie? Archie?

Come on! It's very very different. Brian ffs!! I'll eat my hat if Brian ever becomes popular.

I'm beginning to wonder if this thread is actually a joke.

Can't believe you called your child Brian, you deserve all you get!!

What’s wrong with Brian? My nephew is friends with a Brian. Archie and George are way more old fashioned in my book.

It shouldn’t matter to your friends and family If they don’t like the name, it’s not their choice.

My mil dislikes every name ever invented. Her latest great grandchild is Elsie.
Cue litany of complaints. It was my mother's middle name, I think it is a pretty name.
I wouldn't have chosen any of the names mil chose for her kids, I should tell her that.

Sure Brian is old fashioned but there are much worse names. I know a baby Frank, was a bit odd at first but it works.

I received a lot of negative comments with a baby Liam, apparently it was thuggish. He’s 10 now and it really suits him.

Those other old names are nicer than Brian and they have aged a lot better. I can't see Brian becoming modern again.

Liam is a nice name, as is Frank. Wouldn't it be boring if everyone used the same names?