Grandparents and baby names

[garciacherry]

My parents are constantly pressuring us to tell them what we are thinking of naming our unborn child, and saying we should use X Y Z names, that it has to be a strong name, giving opinions on names they think are awful (some of which we like!), etc.

Whenever they suggest a specific name, it makes us want to strike it off our list, as I don't want my parents to think they have named our child and them grow up being told that grandma/ grandad gave them their name.

Is this petty? AIBU to tell them that we will choose a name and announce it when our child is born, and that they need to stop all discussion about names?

The second they start talking about baby names, interrupt them “ sorry I’m going to stop you there as we’ve made a decision and we really don’t want to hear any more suggestions, you’ll find out when the baby is born”. Repeat every time until they get the message.

Definitely tell them it's Taniqua or Dwayne or Tarquin or whatever's most likely to give them the vapours, and then they'll be so relieved it's not, they'll be fine. (I met a Maverick recently - worth considering).

You aren't be unreasonable. I don't particularly remember any significant discussions with my parents about either of ours when I was pregnant - we might have talked about it, but clearly not much and it wasn't a big deal, because I don't remember any!
I do remember my Dad explaining patiently to DS1 that it wasn't likely his younger brother would be called "DS1'name.2" though,
DS1 has my Dad's name as a middle name, and my Dad was pleased and touched to hear that (after he was born) I think. As we only had sons, my Mum's name didn't make it to a middle.

This is a great time to say, preferably in front of witnesses “It’s bad enough you believe you named cousin.” Then laugh heartedly and add “You aren’t going to steal bragging rights for naming MY DC also.” Then explicitly state. To them both, “My child’s name is chosen and you are going to have no influence on what it is. You will find out their name on their arrival”

then keep them on an info diet. If they don’t know the gender, don’t tell them. Dont tell them when you go into labour if it can be avoided. Have this experience with your DH and don’t allow anyone pushing their way in where they aren’t allowed. The draw line now. If you flat out tell them, then you’ve said it. If they try and suggest at a later date they had any influence your reply can be “Nonsense, I specifically told you I would not take any of your name suggestions on board and already had my name picked properly with DH. Remember, X and Y were there with us.”

I named my daughter Chloe, a very popular name

My mil said " she won't thank you for that"

MIL names were Davina Wilhelmina Ernestine. !!!

Pot and kettle spring to mind

That's a shame that you are crossing favourite names off your list because your parents like them. You can choose the name you like and take no notice if your parents give themselves credit.
Are you in general feeling a bit persecuted by their level of excitement/ bossiness about your baby, or is it just this?