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Original poster

Completely negative real life reaction to baby name....

108 replies

curiousgeorgie · 24/01/2013 19:58

I've posted about this name before on here and usually get a good to mixed reaction.

I desperately wanted a girl just so I could use it, and found out we were indeed having a girl and couldn't believe my luck that I get to use my favourite baby name.

But telling both sets of parents the gender and saying the name, my mum said.. "no, really? That's awful" and I just let it go.

But today DH's parents and a few friends and our siblings have all been really negative about it with DH's brother even saying "Please don't call your baby that."

I truly love it so much, is it really so bad??

Its Seraphina.

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Cantbelieveitsnotbutter · 24/01/2013 20:03

What's wrong with that?
I think it's pretty.
It will be shortened but I guess you can pick what that will be

teachpeach · 24/01/2013 20:03

I love it ! This is why I kept my DS1 and DS2 names a secret until they were born - but that's not helpful to you !

silverfrog · 24/01/2013 20:03

I think it is a lovely name, but not very useable imo. Depends on the circles you move in though, I suppose Grin

It's a bit flowery for my personal taste, but not dreadful.

VBisme · 24/01/2013 20:04

I really like it.

Why are people so rude? (I think it's just your families who'll react like that, I remember being fairly scathing about my sisters choice of Otto - I love it now)

silverfrog · 24/01/2013 20:05

Oh, and my dd2's name got a fairly universal negative reaction.

And ds' ne wasn't that popular either, come to think of it (most think it is 'ok', but he is only known by a shortening anyway, which is universally loved)

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 24/01/2013 20:05

Has the baby been born? Tbh I would never tell people the 'chosen one' until the baby was born. It's not a name I like tbh, but it's none of my business, nor anybody else's.

EmaZR · 24/01/2013 20:05

Ah what a shame they reacted like that. I think its a very pretty name. Hindsight is a great thing I know; but I think that's why some people don't say what the name is until the baby is born - nobody is going to look at the named baby and say anything bad about the name. You could just tell people you haven't made your mind up and then call her seraphina - I'm sure they'll keep their opinions to themselves once she arrives. Also, if they don't like the name they'll probably shorten it to sera - which you might find annoying... Good luck.

lazydog · 24/01/2013 20:06

I wouldn't choose it myself but I certainly don't actively dislike it. I think you should ignore your bloody rude family members and call your daughter whatever you like.

silverfrog · 24/01/2013 20:07

Agree with not telli g the name until the baby is born. Not that that stopped my family telli g me what they thought!

scarlettsmummy2 · 24/01/2013 20:09

It's a lovely name, but I don't think we are posh enough to carry it off!

scarlettsmummy2 · 24/01/2013 20:10

I should also say- we had lots of negative reactions to dd2 name- Florence Ottilie but everyone accepts it now.

MrsPresley · 24/01/2013 20:11

It really doesnt matter what other people think.

I dont like it, the previous posters do. I've seen people on here saying they dont like my DC's names, so what, I liked them when I chose them, I like them now years later.

I have 6 grandchildren and only really like 4 of the names chosen for them but it wasnt my choice it was up to their mums and dads.

Go with what you like and stuff everyone else!

Crikeyblimey · 24/01/2013 20:11

I used to work with a truly lovely, serene and talented woman called Seraphina. Stick to your guns. If you like it then sod 'em.

Harpsichordcarrier · 24/01/2013 20:13

pretty name imo.
Stick to your guns. other people will get used to it and suck it up.
congratulations :-)

ArbitraryUsername · 24/01/2013 20:14

Never tell anyone your chosen name until the baby is born. It's much harder to complain about if it's already someone's name.

Tell them that since they all hate it, you're going with drusilla instead. Then call her seraphina when she's born and don't worry about what people think.

Clarabumps · 24/01/2013 20:16

Stick to your guns..They'll come to love it. I was convinced I was having a Matilda( my favourite name) and EVERYONE hated it. I cared not a jot.. turns out she looked more like a Martha and this was hated marginally less. My dad especially hated it. Now he likes it.. as he's had no choice. Your baby..your choice!
Congratulations!!!!

ArbitraryUsername · 24/01/2013 20:16

In any case, children take ownership of their names as they grow. It stops being something you chose/gave them an just becomes theirs. Your family will get used to the name and come to love it as they love her.

shesariver · 24/01/2013 20:18

I dont like it, but please dont listen to anyone else if you love it. I do like Sera though!

meltedcreditcard · 24/01/2013 20:23

It's a lovely name - she can always call herself Sera if she wants to. My mother had some odd comments about my DCs names but they are what we picked and they have grown into them. (Wish my mother had called me Seraphina!)

zipzap · 24/01/2013 20:31

it's a great name and if you've always loved it, use it for your child. They have had their own go at choosing names for their dc and now it is your turn - use it and enjoy it and don't let anyone else spoil it for you.

Just out of interest - your name, your dh's name, your siblings names, names that have been chosen by your friends - how many of them do you like and how many of them do you think hmmmm?

In fact, regardless of what you think of the names they have chosen, what would happen if you were to turn around and say 'well seeing what you've chosen as names, you can hardly have a go at me!!!'? . If they get all uppity and defensive about their name choice(s) then you can point out that it really doesn't matter whether or not you like the names that they chose as it was their turn to chose the names. And you have merely said to them what they said to you - if they can't take it, they shouldn't have said anything to you. It might show them exactly how hurtful their comments have been!

pettyprudence · 24/01/2013 20:32

Aw I think its lovely!

When I was pg my work colleagues would always laugh/mock my choice of name if I had a ds - the usual "you can't call a baby that" etc.....

I had a ds and apart from one rude random lady in a park I have had nothing but compliments.

I think when you are pg people will be very forthright in their opinions and unless its a name they would personally choose, they will not like it no matter what. Once baby is here they tend to shut up and be less rude about your choices because its happened/real iyswim?

Oh and my ds is called Arthur - not particularly radical!

Sashapineapple · 24/01/2013 20:49

It's a lovely name. My friends 3 year old is called Serafina, it never gets shortened. Ignore the grandparents, they had their chance to name their own kids.

Lastyearsmodel · 24/01/2013 20:51

One of my favourite shortenings - Sephy or Seffy. Just sounds lovely. And so unusual.

ShipwreckedAndComatose · 24/01/2013 20:56

I know a seraphina

She calls herself fin

It's a lovely name Smile

ninipops · 24/01/2013 20:56

I love it but couldn't use it for either of my DD's as it would have made their initials SS. As others have said 'sod them' your daughter your choice.