To tell her?

[AmandaHuggenkizz]

NC for this.

My friend has just had a baby. She announced the name to our friend group on WhatsApp. It’s very unusual. Personally, I don’t like it.
To be honest, I more than don’t like it and think it’s a ridiculous thing to call a child.

We all congratulated her and said he’s gorgeous (which he is!) etc but none of us have passed comment on the name.

She’s messaged me separately asking if the name is a bit much.

AIBU to tell her the truth, gently?

[Sparklesocks]

I don’t think the name is that bad. It’s not my cup of tea and I wouldn’t name my child it, but it could be worse!
It’s hard to say if I’d say anything - I think it would depend on my relationship with that person and also if they really love the name.

[VanceRefridgeration]

I was bracing myself but I don't think it's terrible. Unusual and not to my taste but not horrendous

[Goldenelephant123]

I’d be honest she asked for your opinion.. I would just say something along the lines off I think it’s very bold but he’s your baby and if it works for you then go for it ..

[Curatingchaos]

It’s a fine name . Kind of like a brooding literary minded underwear model .

[Rainbowqueeen]

I’m not keen on it simply because I don’t like hyphenated names and I think the poor kid will have to spell it out for his entire life.
Could you say something like “ well I’d be worried that DC will have to spell it to everyone and that will be really annoying. Are you ok with that?
Then see what she says

[NewPapaGuinea]

It’s not a terrible name at all. I was thinking something like Fierce-Barry 😂

[Aprilwasverywet]

Poor kids gonna get Navvy....

[Cheeserton]

There probably are a few Fierce Barries out there already.

[percheron67]

What a stupid name to give a poor child. It will be teased all of its life.

[underneaththeash]

It’s not great. I’d just say it’s not your cup of tea, but that it’s her and her husbands decision.
One of my friends called her second child something really awful and had to change it a year down the line when she’d come to her senses.

[ChoccyLatte]

I think it's a great name and you'll all grow to love it.

[Time2b33]

Awful name 😂

[Disfordarkchocolate]

I'd like it a lot better without the hyphen.

I have heard a lot worse but my policy is to say 'that's lovely' and start taking about the baby's cute little nose when I don't like a name.

[Aprilx]

It is a stupid name and he is going to change it as soon as he is able. Seeing as she has privately asked for your honest opinion, I would be inclined to share it in this occasion.

[Disfordarkchocolate]

If that's her style you could suggest Rafe.

[AssassinatedBeauty]

I keep hearing it in my mind as "Navally".

[Sexnotgender]

What a terrible name. If she’s asked you your opinion I’d tell her the truth.

[candle18]

I think I would reply saying ‘why are you asking, are you having second thoughts?’ If you think she is starting to have second thoughts I would be tempted to tell her the truth.

[VanceRefridgeration]

@AssassinatedBeauty

I keep hearing it in my mind as "Navally".

This is a good point and OP, if you wanted a way to politely say you're not keen you could use this as a reason

Reminds me of my lovely friend who had already had a Samuel and when they had a little girl 3 years later announced her as 'Ella'. It got changed within 4 hours of announcing it. They'd never considered the two names together! 😆

[Notaroadrunner]

Ridiculous name. Not sure how you can diplomatically tell her. You could say it wouldn't be something you would choose but they should go for it if it's what they love.

[DinosaurDiana]

If you ask me my opinion, I give it. If she has directly asked you then she wants your opinion.

[ThisIsStartingToBoreMe]

I actually think Navy is nice, just not Navy-Lee

[BeardieWeirdie]

Ridiculous name.
I’d try and be tactful and say while it’s lovely she likes it, I wonder what little Navy-Lee’s friends will say when he’s a 14-year-old boy.
Yes-yes to Rafe!
I want a cat called Fierce Barry.

[littlepattilou]

Not keen on it either. I wonder if she reads mumsnet?

[InTheKitchenAtParties]

It's ridiculous. I can just about cope with Navy (A for Adley anyone?? 🙄) Could you encourage her to drop the unnecessary Lee?