Both granny's don't like the names we have chosen

[Woofers]

We are expecting our first, and their first grand child in summer.

Quickly decided on names (shockingly)

Told his dmum a few weeks ago and she laughed.
Told my mum and she said how awful!

We want Herbert - Bertie for a boy, and connie for a girl.

It's Bertie / Herbert they have objected to.

If it was connie, then we have other names, but no reserve names which we agree on for a boy.

What are the options?

Tell them to mid their own business and name YOUR BABY precisely what YOU want to.

I love Bertie. It's on my list but as Albert with nn Bertie.

The option is to not tell anyone your choices.

Pick a name you like. Use it. Tell people what the babys name is.

Its your choice, not theirs.

Connie and Bertie are lovely! :)

They had their chance to name babies, this is yours.

Too bad for them. They've had their turn at name choosing. This one is yours to choose.

Herbert is awful, sorry.

But once the baby is here you practically forget what they are called they are so lovely.

crosspost zaphod - am I your other head? :o

My grandad's name is Samuel Herbert, but he's always gone by Bert. He much prefers it, and he's pretty fricking amazing, so as far as I'm concerned Herbert/Bert/Bertie is a great name! (I'd definitely go with Herbert though, and then shorten it - I'm not a fan of giving nicknames as actual names - not as versatile).

I appreciate though that it's difficult if both mothers are objecting, especially if you value their opinions. My advice would be to try not to worry about it, and to just see what happens - you may chance upon another name that you all love, or he may pop out and your mothers instantly agree that he's an absolute Bertie, or she may be a Connie, in which case you're sorted! :)

It is none of their business what you name your child.
Use the name you love,they had their turn already.

And for what it's worth,I love both your chosen names.

They'll get used to it. My DNephew has an unusual name. To start with we felt a bit silly saying it but now we're just used to it and can't imagine him being anything else. I think it helps that we shorten it (eg Bertie).

Anyway, you have to carry and push him/her out so I'd suggest saying to them that unless they want to do that for you then they'll just have to get used to whatever you choose!

Whose baby is it anyway? Ignore them.

Apparently my late grandfather was asked about baby names and he said, "Well I don't really like Xxxx, but if you chose to name the baby that then I would think it was a lovely name."

That's pretty much their only option. Unless this is a group decision, in which case do I get a vote too?

Go back in time, and don't tell them until he arrives.

Herbert used to mean "bit of a wally" so that may be putting them off.

I know a Bertie who is Bertram - is that an option?

It is a name that will date, as it has done in the past. Which is why both grandparents don't like it.

If you don't want their opinion, then don't discuss the names with them.

How rude of them!

Irrelevant whether they, or we, like your choices. They are YOUR choices.

It is your baby! Our local baby group actually has an Albert (albie) and a Herbert (Bertie) :)

DH's family all hated DS2s name when he was born. DMiL used to refer to him as 'that one' because she couldn't bring herself to say the name. But the cuter he got, the more they got used to the name and now they love it because they associate it with him. (It's an old fashioned name, like Herbert.)

GPs didn't like the name we chose for DD either because there was an unfortunate namesake about 20 years ago but now it's her name and nobody minds it. Just go with it, your DC will grow into whatever name you pick for them.

Your baby your choice of name. We didn't tell anyone at all - didn't want the opinions debate etc. You've chosen lovely names. Don't forget that fashions change and that they would associate Herbert with a different generation to the current crop of babies.

I love both your names.

"DMiL used to refer to him as 'that one' because she couldn't bring herself to say the name" - that is incredibly rude!

I'm afraid if you ask, they will give you their opinion.

You've two choices really: either you go with the name you chose knowing they don't like it, or you choose something else and present them with a fait accompli next time once the baby is born.

I'm of the opinion that if you tell people before the birth then people will tell you their views on the name, but if you tell them your baby is called xxxx most people don't say if they don't like it (although mothers are often the exception to the rule).

Regarding your choices whilst I probably wouldn't choose Connie I think it is fine,but sorry I think Herbert is awful. I have an uncle called Herbert but he has always been known as as Herbie, which somehow is sort of OK. As someone upthread said it can be used like wally to mean a bit of an idiot.

Love Bertie. They'll get used to it. (Also love Connie)

I do think of Herbert in terms of "he's a bit of a Herbert" meaning daft/ clueless. I presume that's why his mum laughed. I love Bert and Bertie though, would you entertain the name Albert instead?

Alternatively, stick to your guns and use it as a good learning experience for fending off well-meaning but slightly interfering grandparents.

You have to make allowances for fashion.

When I was young (am prob grannys' ages) Herbert was an old man's name, now it is v fashionable.

Apart from a few names which are always around, names come and go. I am [shocked] at some of the names chosen now (not Herbert or Connie) but realise I am just out of date.