Hugo - too posh still?

[3nearly4]

DH is really keen (and I like too) on the name Hugo for our next (and final!) son.

Is it too posh to use? We are well spoken/middle class but we are not posh and the boys go to the local (but very good!) local comp.

Should we stick to Isaac or Leo - which are much safer (like current children's names?).

We're quite skilled at classifying people in this country - we've had centuries of experience .

But Zozzle, your're not 'classless' at all if you describe a name as 'too posh'.

If you're truly classless (which I think we should ALL aim for) then we don't judge names according to class. We don't label certain names as too posh or too chav. We should just accept a name for what it is, a a name. The person behind the name is what we can judge!

Another one here who struggles with this 'classifying' of names. We've lived in several countries and have not met this judgemental attitude anywhere else.

Why is there this urge to 'label' names - names are either too chavvy, too common, too posh, too 'try hard'.....

Shouldn't we all become a little more tolerant, especially in an increasingly global world, and encouraging of more diversity in names?

bigbluebump - I think you misunderstand me - what I mean by "classless" is that I prefer names that are statistically used across all demographics - not names that would almost exclusively be used by one demographic.

I was going to say that bbbump :). If you ascribe a name to one class then you are contributing to the class system. By using a name that crosses all demographics and avoiding others that you see as belonging to one class, you are reinforcing that. You should be using names that would be used exclusively and challenging their poshness or chavness.

zozzle, by stating that you find a name (Hugo) too 'posh' you are contributing to the view that some names are indeed 'posh'.

As Rocketbird said, if we are to become more classless as a society, we should be challenging this perceived poshness or chavness by using such names anyway - because we like them, regardless (or in spite of) their 'class' .

In other words, class shouldn't even enter the equation when choosing a name.

'You should be using names that would be used exclusively and challenging their poshness or chavness.'

Just to prove a point? Hmmm - not sure I'd do it.

What's the test? - imagine shouting the name in the playground. And it really does depend on the playground, IMO.

No, I think what some of us are saying is that we should choose names we love and not worry about whether someone else might percieve them as too 'chav' or 'posh' or whatever. And we should perhaps all try to become a little more tolerant and open minded about names.

I hear what you're saying - but having had (many) comments about my daughters' names (unasked for opinions, I might add), it does make me somewhat sensitive. And there is nothing wrong with being aspirational - we all are, I imagine, to some degree, but sometimes names just sound out of place for the child's setting - if that makes sense.

On the whole, I agree with you, you should name them what you like, but the reality is Hugo/Quentin/Monty etc, will still have to be at school with Jack/Matthew/Oliver.

Yes, they will be at school with Jack, Matthew and Oliver, and also with Jayden, Connor and Kevin. And hopefully also with Mohammed, Francois and Otto.

But you know what? Most little kids couldn't care less what their mates are called - they accept names for what they are, names. So unless we adults pass on our judgemental views, all these kids will play and grow up happily together .

Yes Rocketbird and bigbluebump - nice idea but I'm not sure I'd go that far although I do understand what you are getting at.

It depends on the motive for choosing the name I guess. Unfortunately I think people choose some names because they are being aspirational - obviously I can't speak for the poster, but I bet some people who are not "posh" may choose a name like Hugo, Quentin, Cuthbert, Horace etc, yes because they like it, but also because they feel it elevates them in society somehow - ie makes them seem "posher". I fear this is rife where I live and I guess has been going on for centuries the world over.

Alot of people think that being v. aspirational in this way is a good thing. I am not one of them. It often reeks of try-hard to me.

But yes, ultimately I agree it is the person who is "posh" or "chavvy", not the name. And yes of course, if you love a name then go for it.

Well - apparently, kids do care what their friends are called - there are whole threads about why you shouldn't pick a certain name because they will picked on at school, here on MN. It'll cause all sorts of trauma and bullying, not to mention years of therapy an a change of name by deed poll when they reach their teens. God knows I've been slated for some of my suggestions on here.

And I also agree with your statement about adults being judgemental - of course it comes from the parents. Doesn't stop it happening, though.

thereislight, yes some names might be more teaseworthy than others (e.g. William due to the Willy connection or Gaybriel due to the gay connection etc) but a child does not care about whether a name is chav or posh - they couldn't care less if their mates are called Harry, Horace or Hugo - Honestly!

I agree with Bbbump - children are pretty accepting of different names, we have a large number of immigrants at our school, and the kids are used to a lot of different (and unusual) names here. No one would bat an eyelid at a Summer, a Hugo or a Zubin, for example.
I think kids will always find something to tease and almost all names can be turned into something silly (e.g. I'm Melanie and used to be called Melly Smelly ). Benedicts get called Bendy-dick, Williams Willy, etc.

So, imo children certainly do not care about poshness or chaviness of names. It seems some adults do though still.

I'll dig out some links to threads where there have been HUGE arguments on this very subject if I can find them. This is not my argument, though - I personally believe that if a child gets picked on, it's because of things other than what they are called.

And my DH is called William - never been called Willy in his life.

I just think there are some names that sound out of place, and, personally, I would rather choose an underused name that was recognisable and easy to spell, something that was timeless, didn't allude to a particular 'class' in society, something that suited a baby, a child, or an old man, rather than choosing a name to break down 'class' division. Not that I think Hugo isn't timeless, or underused etc., but the OP obviously has some concerns or wouldn't have posted.

'So, imo children certainly do not care about poshness or chaviness of names. It seems some adults do though still'

I agree with your comment, tammytoby, children probably don't understand what to be 'posh' of 'chavvy' is - when they are children. It might be a different matter when they are adults themselves though.

Yes, but as adults they hopefully won't tease one another just beccause of someone's name being chav or posh name .

Sorry, ignore the last 'name'.

Hugo Chavez isn't posh.

Great name

My first name is sometimes used (in books / TV / films) to indicate poshness (it's a bit Kings Road) and sometimes used to mean common (it's also a bit Essex). I wouldn't give a toss about what other people think.

Well, you'd hope not wouldn't you? :)

Actually, in past threads, the subject of job applications has come up & I think, rather shockingly, HR departments/prospective employers still don't get past the first name. I can't remember the exact information/article (anyone?) - but the gist was, you continue to get overlooked if your name has certain connotations, whilst if you have a more 'traditional' name, you are likely to be shortlisted even if you are less well qualified. Bit of a deviation from the thread, sorry, but it's shocking to me that this happens still.

I think it is a really nice name and not very common!

We have a Hugh. Fab name. I love it. There seem to be more Hugos than Hughs ? not sure if that would sway you either way.

"you continue to get overlooked if your name has certain connotations"

Really, what connotations are they ?

I like Hugo and wouldn't care if some people regard it as 'posh'.

I was paraphrasing from a previous thread about this issue - and I should have included '' around the phrase but I was on my phone and forgot. Please don't try to make out I'm saying something I'm really not.

And that sounded waaaaay grumpier than I meant it to, sorry - I wish I could find the blinking thread - I think there was a link and everything.