Harris and Harry

[earlgreyismynectar]

DS was born a week ago and we finally decided on the name Harris though I intend for him to be known as Harry, whilst he's little anyway and he can use Harris when he's older if he likes or if there are more of them in the class! I realise that Harry is quite a popular name which is why I'd like another option in the wings.

I might regret this as I suppose I'm looking for reassurance following some negative / sniggering reaction to the announcement, mostly around the name Harry but I've also had a few querying comments (as well as positives) around Harris. Are there connotations to either name that I am missing? Or am I being hormonally over emotional just now?!

I think Harris is a great name. It is a bit differerent to the Harolds and Harrisons that I know shortened to Harry.

Whatever name you choose you'll get mixed reactions...too safe, too unusual, too whatever.

Go with what you love and be proud.

Congratulations BTW!

Thanks v much Smiley! You're quite right of course, I should forget looking for approval from everyone..

OP - "None of the arse connotations in Scotland which helps"

But your ds may not always live in Scotland.

Harris does sound like a surname to me. Harry is a good, strong name. If you like that just go for it.

Harris all the way- but I'm biased! {wink}

Harris is lovely and I share your reservations about Henry.

I lived in London for nearly 20 years and I didn't get the rhyming slang connection (innocent rose that I am!). Besides which I'd say you were COMPLETELY safe when the scottish/northern pronunciation of glass doesn't even rhyme with arse. Harris for me is the island and the tweed (which is a fabric I love). Enjoy your lovely baby boy.

H

Harry is great but Harris really isn't - it means bum/arse in slang (Cockney? ... Move your 'arris!) Sorry but it will make some people snigger/raise their eyebrows.

Thanks everyone! No, I realise he may not always live in Scotland but does the cockney slang not change / move on? [hopeful emoticon] Prawns, I take it you've got one?! Notnowcato - good point re dialect, it wouldn't register in the same way with the northern dialects. Thanks, it really helps me to see all sides and it seems pretty split which is what I'm finding in RL too!

Definitely Harris - it's on our shortlist too.
TBH, I don't think the cockney thing matters. I've lived in East London for over a decade and never once has anyone requested I shift my 'aris (or, indeed, commented on what a lovely one I have, more's the pity....) He's not likely to be swamped by a great salivating bunch of cockneys every time he travels east on the central line - you're fine!

Thanks Marwoir, good to hear seeing as you're actually down there! The connection does strike me as a bit random & I'm less worried by it now following the cross section of feedback here. Still, it's been good to hear all sides. He remains Harry / Harris.

Harrison is nice as well

I like it - but I lived on Harris for 10 years and still have a house there! Its an amazing place and will be great to take him there when he is older and let him see the place .....

Just never call his little brother Lewis - that would be too much!

Both are lovely. I like Harrison too but Harris is great -like you say, gives your Harry more options & will make him distinct if there's mire than one Harry is his class!

Thanks all! Have to confess I've never actually been to Harris! I've heard all about it though and will defo have to go now! Will be nice for him to see when he's older like you say! Yes I've heard the name Harrison too though I prefer Harris! Thanks for the positives! I'm feeling much more confident about following my heart now! Just need to think of a middle name!!! I like Jay, I also like Gabriel though that seems to have less impact as the surname is also 3 syllables. I love naure names (DD is a Daisy) also birds and angels (god help him!!) any thoughts?!