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Original poster

Got to register DS next week but not sure about his name. What do you think?

28 replies

PrisonerZero · 28/06/2011 11:12

He is only 2 weeks old at the moment and we have an appointment to register him next week but I am unsure about his name. DP choose it and all his family love it, I can't help but call him a shortened version of it though which drives DP mad and sometimes I find myself forgetting his name. People ask me his name and I feel a bit daft telling them, as I half expect them to laugh. I often have to say it twice as they don't realise what I am saying the first time.

His name is Cormac.

Would you laugh or think WTF if someone introduced their DS as 'Cormac'?

It does suit him though, just fed up of some people taking the piss, or mis-hearing and asking me if he is named after the curry - Korma!

I keep calling him Cormy, which isn't good as we wanted him to be known as Mac for short, if he chose to have it shortened.

What do you think?

OP posts:
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Hedwig3 · 28/06/2011 11:15

Great name. ignore the people with no style of their own.

He will grow into his name, it is always strange when the bump becomes a person with a name of their own Smile

EverSoLagom · 28/06/2011 11:16

I know a little boy called Cormac (he's Cory for short though) and it really suits. It's unusual but still a proper name, ifyswim. I think it'd be really cool on a teenage as well. Definitely a thumbs up!

KeepErLit · 28/06/2011 11:24

Very common name here (N. Ireland). Not usually shortened either.

suzikettles · 28/06/2011 11:29

Cormac is a lovely name.

Cory, Corrie, Mac, Mick, Mickey - not sure I'd shorten it to Cormy (that is a bit like Korma) but that's up to you.

It's a totally standard Irish name, easy to pronounce, easy to spell.

Original poster
PrisonerZero · 28/06/2011 11:31

Thank you.

DPs family are Irish and DS has an Irish surname so maybe they like the name more because they are used to it, whereas my family and friends haven't really heard the nane before.

OP posts:
MissHonkover · 28/06/2011 11:40

Lovely.

Totally agree with Hedwig, that it's a strange transition when you start applying a name to a person, not a bump!

In terms of the nn ("I keep calling him Cormy, which isn't good as we wanted him to be known as Mac for short, if he chose to have it shortened"), it always feels rather forced to me when people use nicknames for babies immediately. Why not just go with Cormac for now and see what evolves later on?

superjobeespecs · 28/06/2011 11:41

i used to call my daughter my name when she was born!! she just looked so so much like me i'd forever be coming away with it think i finally stopped when she was about 5-6 weeks and became her own name but it just slipped out :) also with the NN, they come naturally you cant force them as you say you call him cormy but want him to be known as mac i just wanted to point that out tho you'll already know that :).

i love the name btw its really lovely

elah11 · 28/06/2011 11:45

Cormac is a lovely name and not uncommon here in Ireland. Honestly people will have an opinion no matter what you call your child, so pick the name you like and to hell with everyone else :)
Not 100% on Cormy though, reminds me too much of 'Kermie' from the Muppet Show all them years ago :o.

Original poster
PrisonerZero · 28/06/2011 11:53

Cormy just slips out when I am babbling baby talk to him Blush I don't even like shortened names or nicknames so don't know why I can't stop doing it.

OP posts:
topsyturner · 28/06/2011 11:56

Cormac is a perfectly normal name where I live (NI) .
Don't like Cormy as a NN .
Really like the idea of Mac though !

SloganLogan · 28/06/2011 14:16

I'd assume you had Irish connections.

candzsmum · 28/06/2011 14:22

Cormac is a great name although I've never really heard it shortened so not sure about the NNs you have mentioned! It took me almost a year to get used to our ds1 name as my husband chose it - he's now nearly 5 and the name is perfect for him!

MmeLindor. · 28/06/2011 14:23

I think it is a great name, a strong name.

going · 28/06/2011 14:26

Cormac is a great name but Cormy is really grating like Finny

GwendolineMaryLacey · 28/06/2011 14:27

Lovely name. I also don't think you can choose a nn, they work best when they evolve.

ShoutyHamster · 28/06/2011 14:29

Do you like it?

It's a nice name, no problem with it at all, but reading between the lines it sounds as if you've been pushed into it a bit by your DH and his family.

If you really aren't sure then you need to sit down and discuss with your DH, and talk through alternatives. I'd certainly cancel the appointment - you've got ages yet. Have a think.

You say you feel silly saying it - is that unfamiliarity or uncertainty that it's the right choice?

You automatically use a short form - that's absolutely fine and it's a perfectly nice nickname, but you feel funny about it - is that because you're looking for a way to 'improve' the name for yourself, or again is it just unfamiliarity with the whole process?

Were there alternatives on the list and did you prefer one of them?

What would your DH say if you said you weren't sure and wanted X with Cormac as a middle name? (Forget his family - they shouldn't be considered in this at all!)

Your question has been answered :) it's a very nice name... but is that really your question? :)

Original poster
PrisonerZero · 28/06/2011 14:47

Thank you all.

I think Cormac is a nice enough name, just so unfamiliar to me and peoples reactions have been a bit Hmm (shop keepers, school run people etc) so I feel daft when they ask. My friend actually said "Oh dear" when I told her his name.

I think I have been/was railroaded into his name, DP didn't like any of my choices and I wasn't overly bothered about any of his and in the end just said 'whatever' and he named him Cormac. We both wanted something Irish, and its nicer than some of the others he came up with.

I wouldn't like to suggest to him now that he changes it as some of his family have spent money having things engraved with his name, and DP and they love it.

Someone suggested Sean on here ages ago and since then I really wanted to call him Sean. But, DPs cousin is Sean, and for some reason that meant I couldn't use it. DP thought it was an awful name.

I think I will get used to it, it just doesn't roll off my tongue easily.

OP posts:
diddl · 28/06/2011 15:36

TBH, if it´s a "whatever" name for you, I´d think again, & maybe have it as a middle name.

You shouldn´t IMO have to "get used to it"

Ihavewelliesbuttheyrenotgreen · 28/06/2011 17:54

Its a nice name, unusual but not too unusual iyswim. I don't think that it matters what you as his Mum call him as a nickname, this probably won't be the nickname that he uses outside of your home. I expect that he will grow into his name and any nicknames will develop naturally.

Prinpo · 28/06/2011 17:55

Shouty speaks the truth, it's worth holding off on the registration until you feel more sure of what you want.

It's worth bearing in mind, as I'm sure you know, that it can feel awkward telling people the name. I'm certain that I love the name we've chosen for DD3 (due in a couple of weeks) but I still feel a bit apprehensive about telling people because it's not a top 10 name and I know some people will dislike it. Ultimately, though, it's a brief stage you go through and then everyone normally just gets on with it and accepts whatever you've chosen. IMO Cormac is a great name and Mac works really well as a nn but you have to be happy with it.

I'd be tempted to just spend some time thinking about it, rather than talking to family members who may try to influence you.

MmeLindor. · 28/06/2011 19:33

"nice enough name" isn't enough, imo.

You have to be at least keen on it. If you loved the name but were put off by the reactions of others, then I would see it differently. But you are not keen either.

What about Connor - it is Irish, similar and slightly more run-of-the-mill. I am biased :) but I think it is a great name.

There are loads of great Irish names. I like Ciaran, Niall, Kilian, Aidan.

mimmymouse · 28/06/2011 19:41

My DD has a very unusual name and people almost always ask to hear me pronounce it again. The fact that it sounds out exactly how it is spelt seems lost on most people. Young children used to sounding out phonetics get it right!!

I get sick if repeating myself and hate the looks people give me, but when I first held her I called her this name instinctively, and it is a lovely name and I won't let anyone take that amazing first moment away from me.

If you don't feel that, have a chat with DP.

FWIW,I think Cormac is a top name.

Congratulations on your boy!

razzlebathbone · 28/06/2011 20:48

I like it a lot, but what we like is not what matters. You're his mother and you are entitled to have more say than 'whatever'.

Please don't make a decision you are not truly happy with. You can always use it as his middle name if he has engraved stuff.

Please take more time and give him a name you love.

eatyourveg · 28/06/2011 21:10

Cormac immediately makes me think of cormac murphy-o'connor the head of the RC church in britain until a few years ago. Are you RC?

Thats the only time I've heard the name but I have heard of a few Macs but have always assumed (perhaps wrongly) that they were mackenzies but I suppose they could be cormacs too

Personally cormy I think is dreadful. Stick to Cormac/mac

UndiscoveredApprentice · 28/06/2011 22:15

Cormac is a lovely name, I think it is very strong, and such a boy name - tis good.

I took didn't like mum son's name when he was tiny, but I didn't have another that I loved more, so went with DH's choice, as he loved the name. I occasionally regret not having LOVED a name of my own, however, my DS's name suits him and I am happy with that.

Hope the naming goes well - how about Sean as his middle name?