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Baby names

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

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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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Theironfistofarkus · 18/05/2013 19:12

Don't like it at all

Still18atheart · 18/05/2013 19:18

It's alright for a pet but not child

peacefuleasyfeeling · 05/06/2013 20:56

It's on our list of boys' names for DC2, due in a couple of weeks, and I love it! Lots. I'd say do it. I read on some baby name site that it is a shortened form of Anselmo, and means "to love", "protector" and "God's helmet", which made me smile a bit. I think it really is older and bigger than the Sesame Street thing; St Elmo is a patron saint (of sailors, I believe) for instance. It was popular in the States in the early 1900s until the 30s. I like it as it is not obviously pin-downable to any specific country or language.

Rhubarbgarden · 05/06/2013 21:00

Oh dear no.

Smartiepants79 · 05/06/2013 21:02

No.
Elmo is still fairly well known.
With so many other names to choose from why choose one that has such a high chance of causing your DS grief in years to come.

GoodbyePorkPie · 05/06/2013 21:08

I like it. Cool name, and as peaceful says it predates Sesame St by a long shot.

And he won't get teased, FGS. To all the other kids it'll just be his name.

nooka · 05/06/2013 21:11

I think it is too directly related to the character/toy. If you put Elmo into Google images for example you get hundreds of images of Elmo the muppet and none of anything else. IMO it is too unusual a name and too strong an association (ie what other Elmos can you think of?).

Yes it's not on the TV, but the toys are still pretty popular, and that's the association I'd be concerned about. My friend's little boy (just turned two) is devoted to his Tickle Me Elmo.

OrangeLily · 05/06/2013 21:13

Any chance you watched Lewis recently? I'm watching in on sky plus just how and one of the (dead) characters is called Elmo. I quite like it.

UnderwaterBasketWeaving · 05/06/2013 21:18

Some people name their children after brands of cat food

I think it's ace! Especially the link to St Elmo's fire (the phenomenon, not the film!)

Turniptwirl · 05/06/2013 23:01

Just no

extracrunchy · 05/06/2013 23:06

Oh god please don't...

williaminajetfighter · 05/06/2013 23:08

My grandpa was named Elmer so I did consider that. In the end felt Elmo the puppet was just too ubiquitous.

Lavenderandroses · 05/06/2013 23:13

Give your child a name that won't result in his cv going straight in the bin in years to come. Harsh but true. I know this happens!

Lavenderandroses · 05/06/2013 23:14

Ps I think you would be naive to think he wouldn't get teased

Anjou · 06/06/2013 06:43

Choosing a name is - obviously - a very personal thing. Not everyone will like every name. Some names are more unusual than others, some names have a very identifiable source. When you give your child their name, people then associate the name with YOUR child, not with anyone or anything else. A name that raises an eyebrow in some parts of the country may not even get a batted eyelid in another. (Oscar was considered 'out there'?! Jesus. I know an Oscar in his 70s. Oscar the Grouch is also from Sesame Street and that doesn't seem to have put anyone off).

Long & short of it, if you like it, use it. . Personally I like it. And I think more of St Elmos Fire (the film) than Sesame Street. And I'm a huge Sesame Street fan in my thirties!

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