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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Toby as a girls name

80 replies

thecatisdead1 · 27/07/2011 23:12

Yeah okay I know. But it was used (a lot) as a girls name inthe 1920s-40s. And on it's own it is both a girls and boys name.

But will they then spend their life getting odd looks or will people just think it's a family nn that gets used by everyone?

But DP and I really like it.

So opinions?????

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Quenelle · 29/07/2011 16:39

It says Denis in the C4 website. I had to check because I thought my hearing was going.

TobyLerone · 29/07/2011 16:40

Ah, fair enough. I just assumed.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 29/07/2011 16:45

Terrible.

Quenelle · 29/07/2011 16:48

They might have spelt it wrong, in which case Denys is probably pretty peeved.

BuckminsterFullerene · 29/07/2011 16:59

boys name, schmoys name!

You like the name? You use it! Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

The way I see it, kids bully each other for anything & everything, better a name (which they didn't choose) than weight/appearance/class/aroma etc. Besides, they can decide to go by any other name they fancy.

Hence why DS has a more normal traditional middle name!

exoticfruits · 29/07/2011 17:13

Why complicate someone's life making them constantly explain they had mad original parents.

Pancakeflipper · 29/07/2011 17:42

I know too many doggies called Toby. All of them boys. It's a lovely name but for a dog or a boy.

anonymousbird · 29/07/2011 17:46

Why complicate someone's life making them constantly explain they had mad original parents.

I concur.

But that applies not just to a gender crossing name but SO MANY awful names.

But that is the subject of many millions of other threads!

OP - No, no and no again. Truly awful.

Maryz · 29/07/2011 17:48

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

joydivisionovengloves · 29/07/2011 19:01

No!!!!!

3ofeach · 29/07/2011 19:02

About 10 years ago there was an american girl called Tobey Torres in an indie/punk group my daughter was into. Like it spelt that way as it looks more feminine. Love it - its cool

Maryz · 29/07/2011 19:15

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

exoticfruits · 29/07/2011 19:15

It is unusual enough for anyone having the DC on a list to assume that she will be a boy.

A1980 · 29/07/2011 22:55

No.

What is it with wanting to give girls a boys name? Would you name your son Sarah or Elizabeth?

EllenJaneisnotmyname · 29/07/2011 23:22

Please don't do it.

superjobee · 29/07/2011 23:26

toby is another word for penis where i live. you would effectively be naming your child penis. on those grounds - no, dont use toby at all ..

stressedok · 29/07/2011 23:38

oh sorry, i see Toby as a boys name, so will most of the kids at the school your child is going to play with. think how your child might have to cope with the confusion....

EduStudent · 30/07/2011 00:43

I like it Blush

But I would have it as a nn rather than an actual name.

EllenJaneisnotmyname · 30/07/2011 11:58

Everyone would think you really wanted a boy. (Joking)

pjani · 30/07/2011 12:14

Objectively speaking I think it's nice! But because it's such a standard boys name, it does seem wrong.

MummysLittleSunbeams · 30/07/2011 22:37

Hahahahahahaha.... sorry Toby as a girls name???? A lady called Denis???? My weakened bladder is in danger of collapsing! Grin

NattersAndMutters · 30/07/2011 23:23

Denis used to be a girl's name way back. I have a god-knows-many-times great grandmother called Denis.

Names do swap gender sometimes - Shirley and Marion are a couple that went the other way.

mskatemc · 31/07/2011 02:34

The more I think about it the more I like it! Might steal it (if I ever get the chance).

EllenJaneisnotmyname · 31/07/2011 11:29

Mskatemc, nooooo, have you not read the rest of the thread!

mskatemc · 31/07/2011 12:19

Ha EllenJane - yep every word! I can totally see the arguments against. Especially the 'todger' one. But I was struck by Lalabaloo and Buckminster's comments - first that it's actually quite a cool name (probably more for a girl than a boy) and second that kids will always find something - I got called Fatima Wittonbred because I was fat and had the surname Witton (and 80s female athletes were all the rage)...