Is there such a thing as a Chav name

[MarySA]

I'm quite interested in those name theories. And how names go in and out of fashion. I've read on here about Chav names but is there such a thing. I see names that make me cringe but is it right to think of Chav names. And also upper class names. I must say I regard some names as a bit upper class like say Octavia and Benedict. I'd expect them to sail into Oxford University on their name alone. (Only joking) Anyone got any thoughts on this. And stereotyping by name.

Coming back to this a bit late, I know, but DH reckons that Victoria and Becks are the ultimate "chavs", so I think we're with Jaffacakeeater on this one.

Naming DS, we deliberately chose a name we thought would blend anywhere, a bit like the "Adam" poster above. Our choice, each to their own, though.

I've now got "Frogmella, because it's exotic" stuck in my head.

ive been told my son has a chav name do i care no i chose it :)

Jajas it would be short for something like Susannah Rosamund so I think I'm okay. :)

I think this post is very funny and anyone pretending they don't make class judgements is a fibber.

I'm originally from Gravesend but managed to escape when I was 18. Gravesend is full of chavs and there are names that make my skin crawl. That having been said, they need to be being shouted down the aisles in Asda by a Chav mum.

I admit to being a massive snob given that I come from a chavvy place and have a fair few chavs in my family. I'm a bit like an ex smoker who now hates other smokers.

Msfickle

I definately believe that 'chavs' exist.

But identifying them by their name is a very British thing. Having studied/lived in Germany and the US I think people abroad are more open minded about names, not judging someone purely on their name.

Some interesting points on this thread. I admit that there are some name styles I just don't like - hyphenated names, alternative spellings and made up names, but that is just a personal preference.

In an ideal world we wouldn't judge people by their names, but unfortunately it is a fact of life that people do whether we like it or not. I have a very unusual name and got teased a lot as a child. I wasn't very confident and resented the fact that my parents made it easier to give the teasers something to use. As a result I gave DD a name that couldn't be used as a teasing tool and is easy to spell.

I apologise for the source of this article, but it explains why people are so judgemental about names. This is interesting as well.

I am obviously conservative and sentimental as DD has an old fashioned family name.

Yes bunbaker is an unusual name, I can see why you got teased

atreegrows and usualsuspect aw thanks.

It's true. It is impossible not to form an opinion about someone based on their name. We all do it. BUT: Do we all JUDGE? They are two very different things, no? I dunno. I just feel, on the whole, quite comfortable about our society as a mixed group of people with differing backgrounds and heritages. I don't feel alienated from any group or class so don't feel the need to distance myself from anyone (unless they wear Boden and drive a 4x4)

I love this thread too, it is indeed hilarious. Especially the bit about "believing Chavs exist". They've been elevated to almost mythological status now, like unicorns or something.

Remember this:

"Every time someone says 'I don't believe in Chavs', a Chav somewhere drops down dead, so clap your hands and shout: 'I believe in Chavs!'"

I know a very posh chap called Kyle. It always sounds like he should be a chav. But that's probably jeremy' s fault!

I think you should be able to name your child anything you like without some people judging you for it.

Even Taloola does the hula in Hawaii?

The French aren't allowed to give their children 'silly' names!

Neither are the Germans.

Nor in New Zealand. I found out when I looked this up.

Looked what up MarySA?

Anything with a bastardised spelling

(Almost) Anything with a hyphen

Plus all the Jayden/Kayden/Teagan/Kai type atrocities.

Looked up which countries had banned certain names and had name lists for the parents to choose from. Not sure if I think this is right. One site said Pluto and Monkey had a lucky escape!! Apparently they were on the non-acceptable lists.

Gah, MN ate my epic post!

There are certainly names that draw up stereotypes in my head although I do try to get past them.

Not just chav names though - many names have religious or ethnic overtones, sometimes as well as socio-economic.

That said, I would not name my kids Pinot or Rioja despite my penchant for both I also pity the kids whose parents either cannot spell or are tying be 'unique' and thus appear as though they cannot spell