Why do people say "Ergh... that's a dog's name!"?

[NatureAbhorsAHoover]

First it was Lily and Molly - people would say they knew a dog with that name, like that's a reason it should never be used on a human

Now I see the same for some boys names - Toby and Monty, I'm looking at you

This makes no sense to me. Names take a few years to filter into the public consciousness. I always thought we 'try out' names on our dolls and our pets as children ... and then when we're grown up we get to use the ones we like the most on real live babies!

I work with animals and unfortunately some names have become 'off limits' due to the number of times I see them associated with four legs rather than two. I suppose it's a bit like being a teacher, there are so many associations with certain names which are difficult to get away from. My family have always named their pets 'proper' names, which is all well and good until you're trying to think where you've heard a name before and realise it was a dog or cat! Naming our first was a nightmare, the two girl names I liked I'd already given to the dogs (I got them before I met DH when I was sure I'd never have children), and DH got stuck on Angus which I refused as I'd seen too many Westies and Scotties called Angus and Hamish .

Having said that some names are brilliant with animals, I love dogs called Dave and I've met a couple of cats called Nigel. My next dog has to be a Boris!

I reckon short, snappy pets names are "done" now. Must be time for a new fashion. Here's to a new generation of dogs called Philomena, Esperanza, Dionysius and Vercingetorix :o

Hmm, yes I have had a little girl with the same name as my dog come up to us in the park! I also know of a dog called Dave. That tickles me :)

I have choosen Rex as my 1st choice boy's name with William as a middle name.
I personally think it is a lovely name for a boy, i have never met or heard of a dog called rex, but have known a molly, mable, sally, bonnie, jack, alfie, poppy, max and a frank!

I have always called my pets something non real iykwim, like buster, boo, smudge, rusty etc, so rex doesn't make me think of a dog at all.

children are now named after brands? I know a Diesel, an Armani and a Lexus!

I prefer the country names I've heard of - India, Kenya, Mali

i really want a cat so i can call it Pussy.

i just like the idea of yelling 'Pussy!' out the door at feeding time (immature).

that's definitely not a baby's name.