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Baby names

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

Original poster

Can I call my son...

40 replies

Ilovecake73 · 18/05/2013 09:13

Elmo? Despite the obvious Sesame Street connection or is it too mean? Could it be a nn for something? My OH really likes the name.

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scaevola · 18/05/2013 09:15

Difficult - I wouldn't, because of the elephant and because the only obvious name from which it could be the nn is Elmer (Fudd). But it is a real name (like the saint) and I do like how it sounds.

TiredyCustards · 18/05/2013 09:16

I think parents would still think sesame street, but it's not on anymore in the UK so kids wouldn't iyswim.

Personally I wouldn't do it. How about Arlo, Cosmo, Milo, Bruno, Ezra, Enzo?

OneFingerSjupesUpTheYoni · 18/05/2013 09:41

Oh i would i love it! Ds loves elmo he had millions of teddies i think he'd faint if i gave him a real life baby elmo Grin

It's such a lovely name..

OneFingerSjupesUpTheYoni · 18/05/2013 09:43

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OneFingerSjupesUpTheYoni · 18/05/2013 09:44

Tried to link to wiki and it did not work Blush apparently elmo is short for an italian version of william..

bridgetsmum · 18/05/2013 09:45

No!!! Do you not like him or something? That's a stupid name

UpTheFRIGGinDuff · 18/05/2013 09:45

Yes,do it!

It's lovely.

OneFingerSjupesUpTheYoni · 18/05/2013 09:57

It's not stupid at all Hmm at leadt it's an actual name compared to most made up words people are using so often these days.

bridgetsmum · 18/05/2013 10:04

Yes, I agree it's a real name, just don't think I would give my child a name that's will ensure a lifetime of teasing and "tickle me Elmo" in the playground!!!
Also agree that a lot of names these days are made up and ridiculous.
Or worse, made up spellings of perfectly good names. What's that all about ?Confused

boardingschoolbaby · 18/05/2013 10:11

I teach an elmo and have never heard any child make a comment to him- though admittedly he is 14 now so it could all be behind him. I don't think kids really know elmo do they? It's more our generation. That said, adults do tend to raise their eyebrows at his name, not helped that he has a bit of a penchant for wearing bright red trousers......

MrRected · 18/05/2013 10:14

No

JojoMags · 18/05/2013 12:00

Don't like it. Accept it might be a real name, but makes me think of elephants. Imagine if he became chubby at any point in his life. His name would just seem cruel!

SantanaLopez · 18/05/2013 12:05

No!

Decoy · 18/05/2013 12:06

I like it. Elmer is fine too. So what if there's a character with the same name? It's a human name first and foremost.

miffybun73 · 18/05/2013 12:14

No, he'll be teased.

deemented · 18/05/2013 12:18

No, it's not a name. It's an affliction.

seeker · 18/05/2013 12:21

Oh don't be silly!

carriedawayannie · 18/05/2013 12:22

Do not do it. Within the year you will be regretting it.

When he is older he will hate you.

attilascupcakes · 18/05/2013 14:12

Regardless of whether or not it is a real name, if I heard it in the playground I would be thinking "Are you f*&^%$g kidding??"

Decoy · 18/05/2013 18:16

I think it's a lot less outlandish than many of the names mentioned on MN.

JassyRadlett · 18/05/2013 18:52

If you're planning on raising a kid who resents you, this would probably shorten the process considerably.

I know lots of toddlers with toy Elmos (DS is a fan) despite it not being on here any more. And if they bring it back (which I heard somewhere is under discussion?) he'd be teased mercilessly.

When I was nannying one of my charges had a friend called Oscar (before it was mainstream). That kid had to be quite tough.

JennyEnglishTwo · 18/05/2013 18:56

I think of that skinny comedian. Elmo.

I don't know.... :-/ It seems kind of pitiful. I've heard worse. But it's not a strong name. It's an 'excuse me for breathing' kind of name.

JennyEnglishTwo · 18/05/2013 18:59

After a bit of googling I learn that the comedian I was thinking of is called Emo, not Elmo.

I think the whole 'o' trend is nearly over....

PollyPlummer · 18/05/2013 19:08

I really like it, we have a toy Elmo here but I don't see the problem with giving a child a name that is a character in a tv show children might not even watch.

Is sesame st even on tv at the moment ?

TigerSwallowTail · 18/05/2013 19:08

No, please don't.