So, (D)M has just told me she hates our proposed name for DC2.

[Spoutlet]

It is the only name that DH and I both agree on and I'm annoyed that she and F are being so negative about our choice. She launched into a rant about how the poor boy will be open to ridicule at school, it's a dogs name and they just don't like it. They'd prefer a name like Jack or Thomas. We probably shouldn't have mentioned it, but she asked and I knew they'd probably be a bit weird about it and would rather get their weirdness out of the way before DS arrives. The name is Otto, by the way. I did have a little reservation about using it, i.e. we have no German heritage, but I was starting to overcome this as we do really love the name. I'm now wavering! So, thoughts on Otto, please. Apologies for the mini rant!

Depends where you live really, if it's North London, probably fine, anywhere more parochial no. DH wanted to call DS3 Otto but I vetoed it as we live in a small Scottish town and it would have failed the playground test. I am very glad I chose something else. He wanted to call DS1 Dirk, which is another story. Don't know why he likes Germanic names, German was his worst subject at school.

Tell her your other choices are Ludwig and Wolfgang. Makes Otto seem quite tame by comparison

See, I think Ludwig and Wolfgang are MUCH nicer, classier and more elegant than Otto!

I have French names. No one in my family is French or (to my knowledge) has any connection with France. People have always asked me why I have the names I have and I have always said my parents liked them and chose them. It's never bothered me not having a connection with France. Hope that helps. I like the name, it's very sweet. Good luck!

I also have never heard of a dog called Otto!

For what it is worth, I have a swedish name as I was named after the midwife who delivered me. I have never had anything but positive comments and all I have ever had to say by way of explanation was that my parents liked it!

I dislike Otto - but I'm probably of your Mum's generation.

Otto Preminger was a great movie director though.

I also dislike all the variations of Fin, Finn, Finlay etc etc

This was our name but had girls. Mil who is German hated it its the name for a "farm boy" apparently! She much preferred Richard or James. So obviously I like but must say find it odd when people choose a name from a culture they have no link with (Amelie and Luca when you not French or Italian. Oh and telling people the name before birth is madness.

well as someone who let themselves be swayed by what other family members thought of our chosen name and regrets it, I think stick to your guns. It's a great name.

I really dislike Otto. Too comical - probably the Otto Waalkes connection.

Just be careful that with names with "t's" within, so many people can't/won't pronounce the 't' sound, so Otto will often be called "oh-oh".

Which may sound like something Beyonce likes to sing about.

Just a thought...

I like the name Otto.
When I am a DM or MIL I swear, I really do, that regardless of the names my DC's propose for my DGC I will tell them that I love the name. I admit this might be hard but it is the RIGHT THING TO DO.

I must admit a pet hate of mine is mixing of cultural names if there is no heritage reason to do so. My Dad has a very Welsh first name which, despite being proudly Welsh, he never uses as it sounds borderline comical with his distinctly English surname so I suppose I'm sensitive to this. BUT that is my opinion and you are completely within your rights to ignore those who express similar views, including your DM. She's had her turn!

I love Otto! The only dog named Otto I've ever heard of was a dobermann on some talking animal style film, whereas look how many dogs there are called Toby, Oscar, Luca, etc!

Whatever the case, it's a traditional name and it's YOUR choice. I can think of at least a dozen names I would use that my mum and nan would probably stay far away from!

Also, love Hugo and Caspar too!! :)

Getting trendy I think. Never met an Otto until recently and now it's suggested a lot on MN. Could be the new Arlo/Milo I think.

Well, we had to have another scan and sonographer reckons it's a girl this time . We're going to tell DM that we're calling her Affability, if it's a girl - DH's several greats aunt .

Well if it's a girl, instead of Otto, tell your MIL you're going to call her Ottilie with Bottilie as a middle name. :)

I think it is a great name and your dm will get used to it. DS has a marmite name (Conrad) but I love it as does dh and it suits him so my dm can just get used to it (plus he is 10 so we aint changing it)

I think Otto is a lovely name, just because you aren't german doesn't mean you can't use it.

If you both like it why worry what other people think.

This is why you should never ever tell....... If you like it stick with it, she'll just have to get used to it!

Tell your m that her advice is very unhelpful and she has no right to influence your choice. Tbh my mil is the same so we no longer tell her our suggestions.

My Ds is Otto. It is a lovely name and he is a lovely boy!

I have never met a dog or cat or any other animal named Otto.

I have a friend who was given a very very spanish name - he has no spanish family his parents wanted to give him an unusual name and one that wouldn't be repeated at school etc.

He loves it and is now in his 40's and thinks he has a great name as no one else in his little market town or county has the same name as him.

Go for it and let your M just get used to it, she will

I like Otto. And I love Otis.

Stick with Otto

Affability would be a fantastic name :o

Otto reminds me of otters though.

I like otters.