Can I get away with this with my surname?

[juicyjuice]

Hi all,
Preggers with dc1 and considering names. Both dh and I both really like the name Robyn/ Robin for a girl, but our surname is Williams. Is that a definite no go? Honest opinions appreciated!

Its a little strange for people of our generation... But I doubt any of the kids that will be friends with your DC will know who he is to be honest.

Choosing a name, well there is always a compromise somewhere!

I don't think it's a problem.

If you are worried about Robbie Williams-the names aren't exactly the same.

If you are worried about Robin Williams the actor, he'll be about 60ish ?years older than her, and not around when she is an adult.

If be more worried about the Robbie Williams sound a like than Robin Williams.

Wouldn't worry at all.

i wouldn't - his films will live on. think people will remember him much more than robbie, long term.

I wouldn't personally.

No

I wouldn't.

I wouldn't use Robin/Robyn with your surname.

I'm not sure if I would but I agree with gunty. It's a great name, if you love it, do it!

I named my son James Brown. I didn't think anyone in his age group would be aware of the the famous JB. I was wrong. However, James loves his name and all his friends think it's cool

I definitely wouldn't do this! Robyn/robin is a nice name but I bloody hate Robin Williams (not keen on Robbie Williams either for that matter) and I definitely think they are way too well known.

That said I went to school with a Julia Roberts so some people obviously don't mind using a full name the same as a celebrity.

I vote no

what about using Robin as a middle name?

Tbh I am inclined to say no (some things just aren't meant to be!) as I think it would be a bit strange, but dh doesn't see the problem!

Don't do it.

(Robin Williams will never be as cool as James Brown!)

I went to school with a Paul McCartney. Born late 60s so the Beatles would have been at the height of their fame, but apparently his mum and dad thought they were just a band of their time and in five or ten years' time no one would remember them

I wouldn't.

don't!

I wouldn't. Julia Roberts is a woman, but if I were naming a girl I wouldn't want her to have the same name as two famous men. It wouldn't be the end of the world, but just, I wouldn't do it.

Namechanger, Julia Roberts only came into the public eye about 1993 so unless your friend from school was named (and obviously born) after 1993 I guess in her case it just happened. It's possible that your friend is only 20 but for some reason I expect the friends of mumsnetters to be a little older!?

Breathing, Julia Roberts wasn't really a friend of mine, just a girl in the school in a lower year. I was born in 86 so possibly this girl was coincidentally named that before Julia Roberts was famous then, not sure!

I wouldn't personally - just because if introduced to someone with the name of a 'famous person', I always have to bite my lip not to say 'Oh, like the actor/comedian/etc?' - and that must get bloody annoying for the person!

I'd probably nickname her Flubber or Mrs Doubtfire.