OK, everybody. Time for a public service thread. Post real names that are unusual but not so bonkers that the poor child will have 80 years of explaining, spelling and justifying to deal with.

[seeker]

Clemency
Timothy
Edith

are my first 3.

Wow! My name was one of the first mentioned, it never gets mentioned normally!
I have had a lifetime of spelling it, repeating it, explaining it's origins, but I still love it, having to explain and spelling really isn't the end of the world. I like being different. At the very least it's usually a good conversation starter. I think a lot of the ones mentioned so far would need spelling.

I love Genevieve too, but it doesn't sound good being bellowed along a beach in a northern accent (my Dad's main criteria for whether a name is good or not.)

Tara
Lorna

BOF says, "I heard a brilliant one this week- it doesn't fit your criteria, because it is TOTALLY out there, but it was awesome, and the child was mega-cute and will style it out, I'm sure. I rather admire the bollocks of parents who really go for it".

This should be copied and pasted by anyone who feels the need to justify their child's name.

You definitely do know it, Artex

Not fair, I need to know what the name is now.

Christopher
Paul
David
Mary
Frances
Ruth

seeker

Admittedly the 3 Rogers I know of are all in their early 60s. But 30 years ago, George, Arthur and Wilfred were all 'old man' names, and they are pretty popular now!

I missed Stephen and Stephanie

But nobody has ever talked about giving somebody a good Georging, have they?

...and Mary and David fit the bill of being unusual?

Hepzibah
Jemima
Sally

Fraser
Conor
Malcolm
Gordon

Lila
Violet
Andrina
Betty
Sapphire

How many Marys and Davids under the age of 50 do you know?

Mary not so much, but I know at least 5 Davids under 50, including my DH and BIL!!

2 Marys in my younger sons primary school of 220 and 1 David plus a neighbour has one who is in nursery. Same school as 2 Pipers (1 M & 1F) and I'd have said that was more unusual.

At work, quite a few Davids under 50 and my friend's cousin (called David) has just called his baby son that.

Not so many Marys tbf - My eldest is in High school and not so sure if there are many of either there - not in his group of friends anyway.

Maybe it's a Scottish thing?

I taught a 5 year old Mary a couple of years ago - it struck me that it was the first child in my teaching career called Mary. There are always a few Davids, but never many. I really like it.

If you're going to raise roger- i'll see it and raise you a Barry.

I know someone who actually called their baby boy Barry. 2 years ago. their surname starts with B, has two syllables. Can you imagine, baby Barry Basket.. (wasn't basket but you get my drift at the awfulness of it)

You don't talk about giving somebody a good Barrying, either!

Lamorna (girl I went to school with, named after a Cornish town)
Audrey
Minette
Camilla
Angela

Can't think of any boys' names.

Natalie - due a revival

At least roger is vigorous
Justin is unfortunate

I know loads of Davids but it is very very common in Scotland (always David not Dave). Also know 3 Marys

I have an Albert nn Bertie which fits I think :)

Hahah seeker and Thisis!

Although dh is called Barry. I'm not impartial to a Barrying.

Threre is a Trevor and a Barry in ds' year 7 class!