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?

I was braced for much, much worse, but it's not great. Too close to 'navvy' for my liking. The poor thing is destined for a life of hod-carrying.

I think Candle18 is spot on. Your friend wouldn't have messaged you separately if she was confident about the name. Tell her it doesn't work for you, and you're worried it might not work for the little boy either.

That's rediculous, you can't call a person that!
I would be inclined to say its not something you would choose and it's up to them what they call their child. She knows it's stupid name or why would she ask 🙄

She asked, so I think you can tell her in a nice way that it's fucking awful.

LOVE Navy, actually hate the Lee bit.
Navy by itself is a strong name and I don't think he would really have any problems with it being the most unusual name in school.
The Lee part makes it sound a bit...well...I can't think of the right word.

Since she's asked I say "It's not my cup of tea but as long as you and DP are happy."

I've heard some clangers lately. Sadly or not no one asked my opinion so I don't offer it!

I would reply honestly that's it's not my business and entirely up to her what she calls her child.

As an aside, I don't usually like 'different' names and definitely not -Lee names, but I kind of like Navy-Lee

That's a dreadful name.

If I was asked directly I’d have to be as honest as I could without being rude.

Like ‘it’s a very unusual name’. That’s enough to tell her you don’t like it without being personal.

Agree it’s awful. Poor kid.

Hmm. It'll probably be ok while he is very young. When he's a teenager I'm not so sure.

OP, you could be (tactfully) straight with your friend . Say it's quite unusual and you were a bit thrown at first and didn't know what to say. But add that the only thing that matters is that she and her DH love it and everyone else will just have to get used to it.

It’s not the worst name I have ever heard if that is the real name! If it is I really hope she doesn’t ever Google the name because this thread will probably come up!

Oo I actually quite like navy! Not keen on hyphenated names in general and quite unusual for a boy to have one I think.

She obviously likes it and is looking to be supported. It would be sad to not reassure her that if she loves the name, she should be confident about it. You don't have to lie and tell her you love it.

@AssassinatedBeauty

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

YES! Me too. And teasing - "Show us your naval, Lee."

@ScottishNewbie

LOVE Navy, actually hate the Lee bit. Navy by itself is a strong name and I don't think he would really have any problems with it being the most unusual name in school. The Lee part makes it sound a bit...well...I can't think of the right word.

But...it's not a name...

@AmandaHuggenkizz I’m actually proud of how close my guess was! Maybe I’m psychic

Unfortunately my suggestion of Lee Navy sounds even more silly somehow. But you could suggest Navy (first name) Lee (middle name) and ditch the hyphen? See what she says to that?

She has asked so I would tell her gently. Navy on it's own is unusual enough without needing the hyphenated bit

IMO it’s fucking dreadful but it’s her choice. It does sound like she is perhaps losing her nerve about it, probably due to the radio silence from most people or the quizzical looks from others. I’m not keen on made up names (OK all names are made up in origin) and I don’t like hyphenated names. I also think we’ve got to be kind to our children and know when to put away our creativity if it’s going to saddle them with something that everyone questions or will no longer fit when he wants to become a high court judge or whatever. But someone would probably have something to say about the names my DC have.

On the other hand Fierce-Barry is inspired @NewPapaGuinea.

I'd just tell her that it's not something you'd name a child 'not your cup if tea' is always a good response

Just say ' Don't worry about it, it's an unique name and for a gorgeous baby and one I am sure you both put a lot of love and thought into and if anyone says anything screw them it's no- ones business what you call your child' and stay well out of it

The fact she asked changes everything Would normally eye roll and say nothing .

I wouldn't pick it is quite diplomatic .

I want a cat called Fierce Barry
Me too!

@NewPapaGuinea

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

Fierce-Barry made my day!

I don’t think the name is bad OP. I kinda like it! I personally wouldn’t ever pass judgement on a child’s name (out loud!), you are bound to really upset the mum and little to be gained. She just wants your reassurance.

There should be a law that prevents parents from giving their offspring ridiculous names. It’s the child that suffers in the long term.

Child will get called "Stonewash" or any other thing to do with denim.

Navy Lee jeans were never cool.