Harry... just too popular?

[nenehooo]

Hi everyone, I'm having a massive dilemma with this...
I've wanted to use Harry for a boy for ages as it was my Grandad's name and for various reasons means alot. However both DH and I aren't too keen on having a name that's really popular - which Harry clearly is now!!!
And what's really killing it for me right now is that our neighbours have just bought a dog and named it Harry. DH also likes to point out that my Mum had a cat and called it Harry about 6 years ago although he died soon after she got him.
My argument is the sentimentality of the name for me and also the fact that I'm a teacher in a London school and dont know of any boys called Harry - surely if it were that popular there'd be some around? However we've just moved to a rural area and DH says he's heard a few parents calling Harrys around here - so it's likely it's a more popular name in this area.
I guess what I'm asking is if anyone has used a really popular name and whether it's that much of a problem for you or the child? Any advice appreciated - I've got about 9 weeks to go!

I wouldn't worry too much tbh - a not so popular name now could become hugely popular in a couple of years time. Use what ever name you like (there IS a reason it was number one top name in 2011 - because it is a great name !!)

"there IS a reason it was number one top name in 2011 - because it is a great name"

The reason a name becomes a number one top name is that lots of people choose it because they like it NOW, because it is trendy NOW. It doesn't necessarily make it a 'GREAT' name imo. The names Steve or Dave were all trendy too and everyone chose them but that doesn't necessarily make them 'great' imo.

(op, I think it is lovely to honour your Granpa and you should definately include Harry in his names, perhaps as a middle name)

Jeez wind your neck in - Harry IS a great name - I wasnt talking about any name, I WAS talking about Harry.

I wouldn't do it; they seem to be everywhere here. Harry and Evies everywhere

But even the Most Popular Name was stil only given to around 1% of all.babies.born last year.

So not actually that common

I have a 5yr old Harry, I don't know any others. :)

Maybe swap the names around?
So use 'Darcy' if you have a son and 'Harriet/Henriette/Henrietta (nn Harry) if you have a daughter? They're both nice names for either gender.