To tell my friend that I’m not keen on her baby name?

[AllHailKingLouis]

Friend told me today she has chosen the name Susan for her baby. I don’t like it personally but automatically said “oh, that’s nice”.

she’s just WhatsApp me asking if I really liked the name as she got the feeling that I didn’t (oops, I’m a shit liar).

would I be unreasonable to admit that I don’t? Or should I carry on lying about it? (Which I can do easier via WhatsApp!)

The only response is being positive I think (unless they are thinking of something totally ridiculous). Susan is very nice (I prefer Sally but I'd keep that to myself).

For gods sake don’t say “it’s not my choice of name but if you like it…” how passive aggressive!

it’s not like she’s chosen Madonna or Beeteljuice. It’s a perfectly inoffensive name. Just leave her to it, be polite and kind.

I understand she's asked, but I don't think you need to be like no sorry I don't like it.

I'd just reply being like oh sorry, didn't mean to make you think that! It's a lovely name. If you love it don't let anyone else put you off, it's your child.

The child's name has literally nothing to do with you, and the parent does not need to know if you don't like it.

Surely the parents please themselves what they call the baby. Shouldn't matter whether you like it or not.

I bet it will be super unusual in her generation and probably end up being quite cool. Suzy is cool and cute and susanna is professional. I don't see the problem.

I don't think I've been asked my opinion on names other than one niece and obviously my ex when we were discussing names.

People have different opinions on names depending on their experience, their age, whether they like traditional or unusual.

I wouldn't say anything other than that you're surprised as people don't tell to call their children suzy nowadays and ask her where she got her inspiration from.

Ah no need for unswerving honesty here. I actually rather love these simple mid century names but understand it's not going to be everyone's choice. There's nothing about Susan that would embarrass or burden a child so just say 'no, it's lovely!' and let that be that.

Susan or Suzanne? There's a huge difference. Susan is an awful name for a baby. Suzanne is much better. I do love Susannah though.

It's quite unusual for a baby born now..I like it

Just say it’s not what you would choose yourself but you’re sure when the baby is here it will suit her beautifully.

My nephew has a name I wasn’t keen on, but now I can’t imagine him as anything else.

100% lie.

I'm trying to to think of a circumstance where I would be 'bestie, that is a bloody awful name.

If the surname was Hindley and they wanted to call her Myra (or any other serial killer names).

If the surname was Peacock and they wanted to call him Chris (or any other sniggery names)

I'd answer with "it wouldn't be my choice but it's your baby!"

I wouldn't say anything. What good would come of it?

I don't like the names some of my friends have chosen for their kids but wouldn't dream of saying anything negative.

Lie.

Any of the other “it’s not what I would have chosen but if you like it” type answers are basically saying I don’t think it’s very nice and if you like names that aren’t very nice, crack on. I always find that kind of comment a bit sneery.

it matters not one ounce what your friends child is called. Even if she’s asked you. It’s entirely her choice. Say it’s lovely and let her name her child whatever she wants without comment.

'It's not my taste but it's not up to me! Call your baby what you like... I'm sure when she's here we'll love the name because it's Hera'

Hers*

YANBU because she has asked for your opinion. Therefore just say "No I don't like it but its just a difference of opinions. Not that there's anything wrong with the name. It'd of course be different if you'd have just (without being prompted) said something like urgh I don't like that, its horrible.

Are you sure she's not pronouncing it 'Shoe-Shan' op? www.google.co.uk/search?q=its+pronounced+shu+shan&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-gb&client=safari#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:d7a7b4f9,vid:4Ssu98-P6V4,st:0

Well perhaps shouldn't be asking for opinions then. Not every one is going to fawn over every name.

Don't tell her you don't like it. Why would you upset a friend?

"It's not a name I'd pick for my baby but I think it would really suit your surname. When she's here you'll know what suits her."

This !

Don't tell her. What good would come if it? She might doubt her choice.

As a PP said, lie and say, 'It surprised me because you don't hear the name often these days. So I think you've cleverly chosen a classic that is unusual.' Then steer the conversation around to showing interest in the name without expressing your taste, like, 'Will you go for nicknames like Susie or Suzy - how would you spell that?' etc

If a friend really pushed me for a truthful answer I might say, 'It's not a name I'd have chosen but I know that as soon as I see your baby I will fall in love with her and her name.'

If she sees this she'll know you hate it anyway

The baby isn't here so I definitely think you can tell her. Tbh it's such an older women name and not suitable for a baby. Be honest in a gentle way. I'm sure many people would have the same reaction as you, and she will soon get the reactions from them. So rather she know than regrets this.