All right, give it to me straight...

[CheerfulYank]

is Rex now and forever a dog's name?

I have never ever known a single dog called this; all the dogs I know are Jack, Molly, Max, etc.

The reason is: I absolutely adored my late grandfather. His name was Frederick and I would like to use it in some form for our (as yet unconceived) DC2, if said DC is a boy. However I think Frederick is a bit much to call a little one day to day, and I'm not hugely keen on Fred or Freddie. (Not really used at all for little ones here in the States)

I read a list of nicknames for Frederick which included Red and Rex. I actually really like Rex; I like short snappy boy's names. (DS is Sam) I'd like to use Frederick as a first name with Rex as a nickname, possibly. Middle name would probably be Alexander, it's DH's favorite.

I like everything about it but for the nagging worry that people would say it was a dog's name.

Would you?

Oh and yes of course I am mad to even be thinking about this so far in advance, but if it's absolutely a no-go I don't want to waste time hashing it out with DH :o

The first dog I ever met when growing up (our neighbour's in Germany) was a huge German Shepherd named Rex. And I have never met a human named Rex, so to me it still has dog connections. But that may change when I meet more human Rexes (or Rex's).

It means King, doesn't it? From Greek or Roman or summink...

If you like it, use it.

Hmm not sure - not so much dog, but definitely 70s lothario. Rex drinks martinis, drives a sports car, has slicked back hair, and enjoys a dubious reputation with the laydeez.

Oh dear lockets - sorry for being flippant!!

I shall leave quietly.

No.

I love it. Doesn't make me think of dogs at all and is definitely on my list which is why I am telling everyone not to use it and make it super popular a la Max!

it's better than Rover i suppose!

Well, that's something. :)

Yes Saffron I'm in another country, but there seems to be the same connotation in both places.

Hi Lockets ! I remembered you had a Rex from other threads. :)

Think it will be a case of having reservations until you actually know one, iyswim.

Eleanora is lovely btw

Oh, he's precious lockets ! :)

Cheerful I'm :( you aren't considering my suggestion on the Gray thread. Goes perfectly with your surname!! :o

I was all for it but DH said no. :( What a spoilsport, eh?!

Men, pah! What do they know eh? It can be your NN for him!

I have a Rex in my class at school next year. He will be 9.

But I admit I raised my eyebrows - dog's name to me, sorry.

I would register him as Rex if you intend to call him by that name, not Frederick.

I like it! I like a lot of names that are supposedly dogs names.

I just can't do it, muminthemiddle ! :) I couldn't bring myself to put down a "nicknamey" name on a birth certificate.

Plus I think the option of a longer name is nice, if you want to use it when you're older.

He's a Samuel. :) Samuel Robert.

I love it. Sounds great with Sam and great as Frederic Alexander.

Frederick

Thanks Zoo ! You're in America too, right? Would it be seen as a dog's name where you are?