Baby's name

[Cookiemonster2022]

Hi,
We were looking for a Indian and English name and settled on Neil for our newborn. We went to see some English friends and a lady laughed on this name for our baby. I don't understand what's so bad about Neil as a name. Now I am annoyed and thinking of changing his name. DH thinks this is unreasonable as there can't be a perfect name and people will always have opinions. I am not sure if I should look for other name or just get on with it. Also, his birth has been registered and passport done with Neil. AIBU to think so much about it ?

My grandpa and 2 of my cousins are called Neil. I think it's a lovely name.
I'm surprised to hear its a common Indian name, I didn't know that at all.

I think the name is fine. Yes it's not a common baby name at the moment but doesn't mean it's not a great name. Ignore your friend she was rude

It's a perfectly good name and I daresay it will be very popular in 10-20 years. You are just ahead of the curve, OP. Please don't change it. Your husband is right; whatever you pick there'll be people that don't like it.

That woman was extremely rude.

Neil is a great name. Some of my best friends are Neils and one ex. Classy without being over the top.

I know a young Neil, i think it's fine?

Its a perfectly fine name. I cant believe someone would laugh at Neil?! I know two Neil's both in their 30's. I'm not aware anyone has batted an eyelid. Iv never even given it a thought. Keep Neil!

It’s funny because of Neil the Baby from Gavin & Stacey. She shouldn’t have laughed, but I’d find it quite hard not to laugh too, although I’d have managed.

Don’t let other people change how you feel about your baby’s name

If you chose the name and like it, don’t bother with what rude people say. There’ll always be someone who doesn’t like a name. That’s good actually as else there’d be a lot less variety of names.

Don’t change his name. If you’re worried by the Gavin and Stacey thing just add in his middle name(s) when first introducing him. That will stop their automatic reaction.

I would say if you still like the name then use it.

British boy names all suck imo! I'm British and have 2 boys! I'd class Neil in the same space as Kevin, Terry, Alan, Darren. All very 80s TV presenter old man names so slightly strange as baby names even though all Neils and Kevin's were a baby once. But the rest aren't that much better and if you love it then don't be put off by other people. It's a normal enough name that it won't illicit any comments in years to come.

It's rude to laugh but it is quite an unusual name for a baby. Usually Neils are middle aged. Would be like meeting a little Kenneth or Keith. Also, the Gavin and Stacey thing might make people smile as the whole 'Neil - the baby' thing was quite funny on the show, so might just remind people of this.

Regardless of what we all think of the name she was rude to laugh

There is nothing wrong with the name Neil at all. It is a perfectly good name. I actually quite like it.

I think your "friend" was extremely rude and I would be pulling her up on it.

What a moo

Ignore her

That women was unbelievably rude. Neil is a sweet name and more importantly it’s his name. Once people meet him they will associate it with a gorgeous baby, not any preconceived ideas they might have had.

Apart from the fact it's my exes name who I loathe with a passion, it's not a bad name and like most old fashioned names, it will most likely be popular again at some stage

Stick to your guns OP! There is literally nothing objectionable about Neil as a name. It won't be to everyone's taste but no name is. Would be very boring if we all liked/used the same limited handful of names. Your chose Neil because you loved it, and you wanted the best for your DS. I bet he suits it beautifully.

Good for you! It’s a strong name, quite old-fashioned and not in a trendy way, but I think it’s pretty cool actually. Keep it, he’ll grow up and own it x

Just rude, ignore the comments.

I like it. She was rude to laugh.

YANBU. All boys names are horrible 🙈 Apart from literally about 2, maybe 3.

I’m Scottish and think Neil is a pretty classic name here.
Wondering if folk would think differently if it was spelled Niall?

@Pearlescentivy

YANBU. All boys names are horrible 🙈 Apart from literally about 2, maybe 3.

That's a very weird take on a forum full of weird takes. Which are these 2 or 3 only acceptable boy's names please?

There’s no denying that it’s going to sound old fashioned - and not in a trendy way - to most adults that hear it. But your kid will never know that. None of his peers will ever think it’s a dated name. My kids have friends called Colin and Paul , which I think are just as middle-aged-man sounding, but as far as the kids are concerned their names are no different to Freddie, Max, Luca or Harry. It was very mean of the person to laugh at the name.

I love the name Neil. I think it’s cool. Neil Finn is super cool.