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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Gideon?? WDYT?

76 replies

4boyzmum · 28/07/2012 21:19

Expecting DS5 in a few weeks. Thought name was chosen and sorted but just recently i've 'noticed' the name Gideon. Firstly on the closing credits of a tv programme i was watching and then today in a newspaper article. It's caught my attention and im really starting to like it. What are the thoughts? Should mention that i like quirky and different names too, without them being too weird or 'made-up' IYKWIM.

OP posts:
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EllenParsons · 01/08/2012 22:06

I love it OP, I say go for it!

MB34 · 02/08/2012 16:56

I love the name! Totally forgotton about it until this thread.

I had a book when I was younger, which I loved, where the main character was called Gideon - can't for the life of me remember what it's called though - I'll have to ask my mum (she's probably still got the book in her house!)

Caerlaverock · 02/08/2012 17:00

Only works if you are a posho otherwise too pretentious

Panzee · 02/08/2012 17:01

I thought of . :)

Original poster
4boyzmum · 02/08/2012 19:22

I remember a book from when i was younger too with character name Gideon!! Wasnt he a duck????

OP posts:
AlwaysHoldingOnToStars · 02/08/2012 20:08

It's not a name I would choose, but I don't think it's hideous.

It always makes me think of those bibles we were given at school. I try not to think of the Chancellor ever, so he didn't spring to mind. Grin

DS1 also went to school with a Gideon. The only thought I ever had was that it was such an unusual name and his brother had really popular name (I can't remember what now!)

evamummy · 02/08/2012 21:04

"Only works if you are a posho"

No, it only works if people are more open-minded and less judgmental than someone making such a (ridiculous) statment!

rachel234 · 02/08/2012 21:10

I like Gideon. Good, solid name that isn't too widely used (yet?).

Agree with eva that anyone can make any name their own, regardless of socalled 'class'.

Original poster
4boyzmum · 02/08/2012 21:19

And we definitely aren't posh!!

OP posts:
Musomathsci · 02/08/2012 21:23

Like it!

Even if you aren't religious, surely no negative associations to the Gideons - they're only trying to reach out to people, no? As for the George Osbourne thing, not common knowledge, and frankly, who cares?

rachel234 · 02/08/2012 21:25

Excactly, who cares in the slightest as to whether a random politician shares the name. There could be far worse associations!!

Original poster
4boyzmum · 02/08/2012 21:35

TBH i was pretty shocked by the strong reaction to it being the same name as George Osbourne. Even though his given name is Gideon it's been said loads that its not common knowledge. If someone was to say 'what do you think of the name George?' I can't imagine it getting the same reaction that Gideon got.

OP posts:
WithACherryOnTop · 02/08/2012 21:51

I really like it.It's unusual without being ridiculous,strong and classic.

Caerlaverock · 02/08/2012 21:54

I would chortle if I heard a child being called Gideon in the playground.

WithACherryOnTop · 02/08/2012 21:55

That should read 'yet strong and classic'.

yellowflowers · 02/08/2012 22:58

Reminds me if the bibles left in hotel rooms

rachel234 · 02/08/2012 23:32

Caerlaverock, you would really feel the need to chortle Hmm?!
Hope your kids are more open minded Smile!

AlpinePony · 03/08/2012 06:11

4boyz it's bizarre in the extreme - the reaction I mean. Anyone know any Johns, Harriets, louises, gordons, maggies, etc.? Does everyone throw their hands in the air and screech "Prescott! Harmen!" And so forth.

Quite ludicrous.

I'm an Alexandra - are we to suggest I'm named "after" an x-factor winner?

I'm still on your side Gideon is an awesome strong Hebrew name.

AlpinePony · 03/08/2012 06:14

QED, my son is a Cameron . "David Cameron" they say.

What is the reaction to david? Beckham or Cameron ?

:S

Actually I named my son after the orcadian big brother winner. ;)

PipJoy · 03/08/2012 07:36

am sorry - personally couldnt get away from the GO link

George is fine! Many other George's who are nice and who make up for that man, and I never think of him as George anyway, always Gideon.

but then if you have one called George already and have another called Gideon might people think you have a bit of a thing about the man?

If it wasnt for him would quite like it...

rachel234 · 03/08/2012 07:41

Do you really think that Osbourne is still around in 10-15 years as your son grows up? Probably not.
But I actually had no clue about some random politician's first name...

saintlyjimjams · 03/08/2012 07:44

It makes me think of osbourne. Everyone I know (well not everyone) calls him Gideon.

PipJoy · 03/08/2012 08:12

I do honestly think its a nice name - I personally reckon its just because he tried to hide the fact that it was his real name to seem less posh and made himself look a little bit silly when he denied it for a while. so the press now goad him with it and it is said a lot in the papers and on telly.

you're right though - he'll be a distant memory come teenage years - and he will be remembered as George, it's just now that its a stick to beat him with and it's a bit of a joke.

But to be fair, not everyone reads those papers / watches that telly.

and your baby will have an identity and personality all of his own and be gorgeous.

my own personal view would probably be why let that man ruin a perfectly decent name as well as the economy/country?

go for it and be proud!

drtachyon · 03/08/2012 09:29

I'm sure that no-one will think "Ooh. One son called George, one called Gideon - she must really admire George Osbourne!"

All this talk of George Osbourne is completely and utterly ridiculous.

Chunkychicken · 03/08/2012 14:49

My first thought was the character from the US series 'Criminal Minds' played by Mandy Puttenick (I think that's the surname - know the bloke is called Mandy & well, if as an actor, he chooses to keep that as his name, good on him!!). In the series, another character's wife is pregnant & they discuss the name, & she reads out the meaning (which I've forgotten but is a good one) and talks about it being a strong Hebrew name.

I like the name. I make no association with someone else who is actually known in their professional life by another name - I'm sure there are far too many rubbish/negative people that spring to mind to rule out EVERY name just because they are unpopular at the moment. Lots of girls (& boys) are called Frankie, yet when he said 'Relax' the world went into shock...

I would have it on my list but it just sounds odd with our surname.

OP, if you like it & it works with your surname & in the context of the other children's names, go for it.