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

I think it is a bit distant from Frederick. If you like it use it as his name - it is not a nickame. You child will then be King Alexander.

nickname.

I like the long versions (love Alexander, DD would have been James Alexander if she'd been a boy), but not keen on Rex as the shortening. I do think of dogs.

Btw... you got the Rex Manning reference and you still think it's a good name?

Love Rex - wish I'd thought of it for one of our boys! I don't think dog at all and like others have said, dogs are given all kinds if 'normal' names these days so it barely matters anyway!