Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To give my opinions about baby name?

137 replies

jepipi7030 · 21/10/2022 23:29

NC’d for this in case I'm asked for what the name is

DS(18)&his gf are expecting a baby boy in April, DS has told me the name that they've picked and I think it's cute for a baby, not so much an adult. It's a place, I didn't even know it was a baby name, but it is on baby name websites etc although it does come under a girls name.

WIBU to tell them I don't like it? Or keep quiet and hope they change their minds anyway?

OP posts:
CheshireDing · 22/10/2022 07:11

Well it will look silly on a CV and the person reading it will think it’s a girl but Nev is cool so 🤷‍♀️
I am more distracted by an 18 year old having a baby

JenniferBarkley · 22/10/2022 07:20

I understand your dislike but I wouldn't say anything. Unless the name of truly problematic (Ava Brown, Wayne Kerr etc) I would smile and nod. Presumably they'll need support in other ways given their age - maybe that's unfair but I certainly would've needed it - so I would just do your best to stay on good terms so you can be there when they really need it.

Hobbesmanc · 22/10/2022 07:26

I thought Nevada Smith too. Although I just watch a lot of old films.

There's lots of India's. Jordan's. Brittanys whose parents haven't visited those places. So not sure why anyone would bring that up.

Honestly they may even change their minds. Just smile and look forward to your grandchild whatever he's called.

Summerishere123 · 22/10/2022 07:28

I'll never forget MIL reaction to DS name. It's a very normal name (even in the bible!) but she didn't like it and when buying stuff with names used his last name instead of his first.
Just leave it, they won't change their mind because of your opinion.

PatientlyWaiting21 · 22/10/2022 07:31

Opinions are like arseholes, just because you have one, nobody needs to hear it.

emptythelitterbox · 22/10/2022 07:33

It's not a terrible name and I don't think kids could make it ugly and tease him.

My DD wanted to name her DS a name I can't even remember what it was now but the first thing I thought was he'll be nicknamed ashtray. But she decided on another lovely name.

Oysterbabe · 22/10/2022 07:36

My mum didn't like the DD's name. She didn't say that but I could tell 😂 You need to keep quiet.

purplesky18 · 22/10/2022 07:38

I actually think Nevada for a boy is pretty bad ass. Just nod and agree because there’s nothing worse then being the negative or condescending mother in law! They won’t listen to you either way, so keep out of it for an easier life.

UsernameIsCopied · 22/10/2022 07:39

Please don't do this. My parents commented negatively on two of my kids' names and it still stings years later. Only voice your opinion if it's positive.

StrangerOnline · 22/10/2022 07:43

Another one saying - for the sake of your future relationships - don’t tell them your opinion… unless they very specifically ask you to tell them.
And if they do, even then, be gentle and say something like “well, it’s not a name I would’ve chosen but I’m sure it will grow on me” or “it’s unusual” etc rather than you don’t like it.

Plenty of time for them to change their minds (and other less tactful people to express their opinions and put them off)

CecilyP · 22/10/2022 07:43

I quite like it! Unusual without being quite ‘out there’. Same sort of idea as Savannah which has become really popular. Don’t think it sounds like a girls name either.

FWIW, my DGM told my DM she didn’t like the name my DM had chosen so DM changed it to the name I have now!

DisforDarkChocolate · 22/10/2022 07:48

Perhaps point out he may get nicknamed Nev as someone suggested. Apart from that, it definitely could be worse. My policy is to always say 'that's a lovely name'.

You could find a way of playing the Vinyl Detective audio book in his presence. Nevada is a kick ass female character in the series and it may make them think about the potential for confusion and bullying.

OperaStation · 22/10/2022 07:48

jepipi7030 · 21/10/2022 23:51

They're going to call him Nevada, I've never heard of it as a baby name, and as I said in my OP it sounds more like a girls name

He’ll be called Nev for short and everyone will think his name is Neville 😂

ElectedOnThursday · 22/10/2022 07:50

Please don't say anything except that's lovely darling.

Willbe2under2 · 22/10/2022 07:50

Off topic, but isn't language interesting - Nevada means snowfall in Spanish but is also the name of a desert state in the US. Complete opposites.

Anyhow, don't say anything OP. This is why people shouldn't discuss baby names with other people until baby is here!

homarrrerr · 22/10/2022 07:52

Keep quiet.

I have been on the other side of this where I told MIL baby's name and she said "it's nice that you've thought of a name", which I knew meant "what a shit name".

I still look back and thing what a twat (not calling you a twat 😂). It seemed as though her opinion was what should matter and as though she felt she had a say in my baby's name.

I wouldn't.

SlashBeef · 22/10/2022 07:53

Don't say anything, you'll only make them more determined. We had a list of names we liked and MIL expressed that she hated one of them so we gleefully went with that one!

TheBirdintheCave · 22/10/2022 07:55

I think it's fair to say something when they're trying to give their child a place as a name.

If it was an actual name that you just didn't like then I'd say to keep your opinions to themselves.

But yes, please try and prevent this mistake 😂

statetrooperstacey · 22/10/2022 07:57

In my family we’d say something , but then my family is fairly normal and we’re not the type to cut each other dead because someone had an opinion you didn’t want to hear .
would probably go something like
‘ we’re going to call the baby Nevada ‘
’ fuck me! Please say your joking ! That’s mental🤣🤣🤣”
” wind your neck in mother you gobshite, we love it because xyz”
’oh ffs , really!!!! Ok I’m sure il get used to it , I heard it’s trending this year”

FleecyMcFleeceFace · 22/10/2022 07:58

They were not asking for your opinion. They were informing you of their decision.

The name is unusual but not ridiculous. And your feelings count for nothing here.

When someone tells you their child's name, the only acceptable response is some variation on 'How lovely.'

YellowTreeHouse · 22/10/2022 07:59

@statetrooperstacey Your family isn’t “normal”, they are just rude.

Waspo · 22/10/2022 07:59

Definitely sounds like a girl's name to me, cos it ends in an A. Boys version would be Nevado, surely 😜

SomethingToldTheWildGeese · 22/10/2022 07:59

keeprunning55 · 22/10/2022 01:51

Pat her bump & say “How’s little Nev?”
If that doesn’t put her off, say you know a few little Nevada’s. That ought to do it.

This. 🤣

(Also, in this case, I would gently question it.)

Callingallskeletons · 22/10/2022 08:06

DC have two more unusual names (both definitely names but just not common etc) and the amount of people who feel the need to comment on it is unreal especially from family who somehow feel they have the right to an input

Do I care if they don’t like it? Not at all, but I damn sure remember their comments and judge them for it

Your son (and especially his gf!) will remember, tread carefully OP

WonderingWanda · 22/10/2022 08:28

The thing about names is when you think about them abstractly you can think they are stupid but when you know a person you rarely think that their name doesn't suit them. You just come to associate that name with them and all of their good qualities. Their baby will become Nevada and you love the child /person Nevada becomes and that's all that really matters