Willoughby - love it or hate it?

[katiemonkey]

We're really keen on calling our first DS Willoughby, but are having second thoughts as we've had quite a lot of negative reactions! What do you think of the name? If you don't like it, can you suggest any other three syllable alternatives?

Sounds more like a girls name to me. Not keen.

Why does it need to be 3 syllables?

It's nice but he'll get called Willoughbooby a lot

I'm not fussy on it, but it's your choice, don't let other people sway you if it's a name that you love. It's your baby. :)

It's a bit OTT. I'd assume you were a fan of Regency romances.

Make me think of Holly, sorry. Um 3 syllable names, what about Benedict? Was on my list but didn't suit DS once he arrived, still love it though.

If its the 'Will' bit you like what about William?

Hate it. Also, he's the baddie in Sense and Sensibility. And he was a right bounder, too. Willoughby's aren't to be trusted.

Makes me think of sense and sensability but its ok. Bit long maybe.

i don't like it sorry.

solomon
frederick
barnaby
cameron
alistair
harrison
jonathan
torridon
ulysses
william
zachary

I actually really really like it, it is a bit Jane Austen but that is no bad thing. (I also like Fitzwilliam but that is going too far!).

If you love it, then go for it!

Oh I like fitzwilliam :)

'Fitz-' was the prefix they used before the names of illegitimate children of kings, wasn't it? Not great!

I quite like Willoughby.

Don't like it sorry- Holly Willoughboobie.
Christopher
Anthony
Damien
Benjamin

Sorry, really don't like it. I'm pretty sure you're DS will grow up not liking it too. He'll be Will very quickly and I imagine he'll be telling people it's short for William.

3 syllable alternatives eh? Ummm...
I'm going to have to think...

Hate it - just sounds pretentious.

I once came across a little boy called Nickelby, known as Nick which seems similar to me (I imagine Willoughby would generally be known as Will). I think because he introduces himself as Nick, people assume he is Nicholas so it takes a bit of explaining, but I dont think anyone generally gives much thought to his longer name otherwise.

I have also come across a child called Wilkinson known as Wilkie (but could be Will), although think it is a family name in that case.

If you want a Will other than William, I do kind of like Wilbur.

Your DS even... Not you're.

I love it. He call always call himself 'Will' later if he finds it too zany.

And hate the way that, if anyone even remotely famous has a name that sounds similar/is the same, it means that it is out of the question. Who the heck is going to know Holly Willoughby in 5 years? I barely know who she is now!

I like it, it fits in with the surname-as-first-name trend without sounding too out there. Nobody'll remember who Holly Willoughby is in a few years' time. If you did want an alternative what about Barnaby?

Willoughby sounds like a fat spaniel who pees up the curtains!

Barnaby is also excellent.

Hate it, sorry. Sounds like a girls name to me too.

Love Will, William, and all other Will sort of names though.

Willberforce?

I love Willoughby...go for it! You only get the opportunity to name a child a few times in your life, its your decision dont let other put you off!

Eeek. Terrible. Sorry