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AIBU?

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Original poster

I am regretting my 3 year old son’s name

251 replies

Tealbutterfly · 09/07/2021 08:08

I really wish we hadn’t called him what we have. I always liked the name, since I was young.
But now it’s become hugely popular and it’s lost its “charm” in my opinion, the charm I saw in it when I was younger.
He’s 3 years old, so we can’t change it.
I’m upset that it has a bit of a reputation now, when before it was a more unusual name to hear.

What do you do if you feel like this? I guess I’ve just got to suck it up really! As we can hardly change it at this stage in his life.

OP posts:
shouldistop · 09/07/2021 11:58

I live in Scotland, Archie isn't unusual nor has it got a certain reputation. Maybe that's different in other countries?

FakeBrunette · 09/07/2021 12:01

If you're thinking of a nickname, and if there are a number of Archies in his classes - could you use a shortened or nicknamed form of your surname?
Or does he have a middle name?

Journeynotdestination · 09/07/2021 12:04

I changed my own name in primary school, to my middle name. Didn’t like my first name! Dint like the kids making it into a jokey saying. It was all cool. I say change it!

Maybeitsme5 · 09/07/2021 12:05

I have always loved the name Archie, I may well have used it myself one day if I didn't have the misfortune of briefly dating an odious little git with the same name.. spoiled it forever for me.

I digress. It's a great name.

roarfeckingroarr · 09/07/2021 12:08

It's lovely, although there are many around now. I might have used if MM and Harry hadn't.

placemats · 09/07/2021 12:12

My brother was registered with a first name he was never known by.

He is known universally by his second name.

If your son doesn't have a second name give him one now.

I do love the name Archie though.

BloodyTinaNextdoorAgain · 09/07/2021 12:13

Just had a quick count and I know 9 Archie's including 2 dogs and a rabbit.
Isn't it strange how some people think names are unusual when other people are tripping over them? All depends on your circles I guess. Interesting.

Earwigworries · 09/07/2021 12:19

I like Archie too and only know one .

My kids have very common names … there are 5 kids with DS1s name in his year … and 2 in DS2s class with his name , plus one with his brothers name . It doesn’t matter - the older they get the more they make the name their own I think

tobedtoMNandfart · 09/07/2021 12:22

Haven't RTFT but couldn't read & run.

We named our wonderful DS Archie 17 years ago. He is named after Cary Grant (real name Archie Leech).

We've never regretted the name. It's cool. And still unusual IME.

BobbidyBob · 09/07/2021 12:30

My son is Arlo and I regret it too. He’s nearly 4 and I felt it was unusual when I named him - now I meet loads of Arlos. So I sympathise! We call him by his middle name instead.

EmeraldShamrock · 09/07/2021 12:39

I suppose you could change it.
I hate my DS name too, we'd decided on a Irish name DP is from NI he couldn't pronounce it properly or without making a strange expression.
I changed it in the hospital without much thought to a plain name without realising DD & DS names called together sound very similar to my psychotic ex.
I have shortened DS name.
If I call for them I say x and x never the names together.
It's awful don't know how I done it as DD's name is after my grandmother.
The stuff of nightmares.

BosseFave · 09/07/2021 12:42

of course you can legally change a name (i do like the name btw) especially now is a good time to do so, as he will start school next so he can start with his new name. You need to pay to register a new name and get a new passport. The simplest way would be to delete Archie and focus on William. But you can also choose a new name...why not? if you are worried about what people will say, who cares really...they will forget.

Phantasmo · 09/07/2021 12:44

At 3 it would be very unfair on the child to change his name just because the OP's tastes had changed. It's his identity, not hers.

MarianneUnfaithful · 09/07/2021 12:49

Archie is a lovely name.

I certainly wouldn’t disturb a 3 year old by calling them a different name.

My Dad calls my brother by a nickname based on his middle name but it evolved naturally and gradually. And no one else uses it.

Blinkingheckythump · 09/07/2021 12:51

@Tealbutterfly

His name is Archie. I always liked the name when watching Monarch of the Glen as a teenager. My mum used to like watching Hornblower (the historical nautical drama series) and there was an Archie in that too. I thought it was unusual and liked how it sounded. It’s also a Scottish name and both me and my DP have Scottish ancestry/family connections.
I knew it was going to be Archie or Alfie or something on that cutesy ie type name. Is his full name Archibald? If so I'd go with that but really at 3 there's not much you can do that won't cause great confusion unfortunately
EmeraldShamrock · 09/07/2021 12:52

Archie is a lovely name and has been popular for a long time.

Mistressofnone · 09/07/2021 12:53

It's probably the same as when you get a new car and suddenly notice the same model everywhere. Besides boys names are harder to be original with than girls I think.

Our baby girl's name is unusual but now a popular show has the lead character with the same. Someone told me it's a 'trending name' now. I felt she said it with a bit of an eye roll but she's wrong and I highly doubt she has revised the current top 100 baby names list to know this.

Insert1x20p · 09/07/2021 12:59

I would agree it is popular but I'd disagree it has a "reputation". It's the boys equivalent of Isla or Sophie. Pretty much all men my age are called Matt, Steve or Nick and they've survived so I wouldn't worry about it Grin

shouldistop · 09/07/2021 13:09

People suggesting changing his name. My ds would have been really upset and confused if I started calling him by a different name at 3. This is a real child we're talking about, not a pet.

StrawberrySundayz · 09/07/2021 13:14

I’m upset that it has a bit of a reputation now

What is the reputation?

Alcemeg · 09/07/2021 13:16

I really like the name Archie.

However, you could always make up a playful nickname based on "arches" ...

Like "Aqua" (aqueduct)
Roman (Roman arches)
Moab / Utah (location of Arches National Park)
Louis (after the St Louis arch)
[Big] Mac (after the golden arches)

etc... 😋

HoldingTheDoor · 09/07/2021 13:17

People suggesting changing his name. My ds would have been really upset and confused if I started calling him by a different name at 3. This is a real child we're talking about, not a pet.

I agree. The name belongs to him. Only he should be able to change it, if he so wishes, when he's old enough to do so.

HoldingTheDoor · 09/07/2021 13:18

And it's a perfectly fine name. There's nothing wrong with it.

neveradullmoment99 · 09/07/2021 13:20

@Tealbutterfly

His name is Archie. I always liked the name when watching Monarch of the Glen as a teenager. My mum used to like watching Hornblower (the historical nautical drama series) and there was an Archie in that too. I thought it was unusual and liked how it sounded. It’s also a Scottish name and both me and my DP have Scottish ancestry/family connections.
Its a cute name.
Basil2021 · 09/07/2021 13:23

I was going to guess Archie. It’s a lovely name. We very nearly called DS it two years ago, but had a family name we went for.
I know its popular but it’s not got any negative l connotations I can think of? (Unless you really don’t like Harry and Meghan…!) it’s a great name.