Too late to change baby's name?

[ladybirdees]

She's 9 weeks old now and we've been avoiding using her proper name and calling her everything but. I can't work out whether we've made the wrong choice or if negative comments about the name have influenced me. My Mum has openly said she would rather we had named her our second choice. Either way, I wonder if we should change it but perhaps every name would seem odd as we took 6 weeks to decide in the first place. Mad, I know!

I also prefer Tabitha to Isadora. There's something deep in my brain that likens Isadora to 'wizard' and then I started thinking of Wizbit. I'll apologise now because I think that's just me!

It's definitely not too late to change, I did it. However, you need to work out your reasoning for changing, and if it's just your mum you need to be strong about that.

Tabitha is a lovely name, I know one other baby called that, and her family are not 'alternative' at all, so I don't consider it an 'out there' name in the slightest. There are so many Isobel/Isabel/Isabelles out there that there will be lots of Izzy nicknames, which I'd imagine Isadora would get.

Your mum needs to stop being so passive aggressive, talking to you through your daughter is really not on.

They're both beautiful names. Maybe you could add Isadora (or Dora?) as a middle name?

Thanks for your comments. With my ds I knew what I wanted to name him and just went with it and didn't think for a moment about other people, and my Mother had plenty to say about that choice too. I've probably lost a bit of confidence along the way and she has a tendency to rain on my parade at the best of times and in my hormonal, sleep-deprived state it's definitely not helped with this dilemma. I'm going to think on it, perhaps leave it another week and try to see what feels natural. At least I feel more confident that if I do decide to change it it's not as bizarre as thing to do as I first thought.

I have a Tabitha and have only ever had lovely comments - your DM is so out of order! We planned Abi as a nn but she's actually turned out to be just T.

Isadora is also lovely.

I think the wizard connection may have something to do with an early 90's "wizardora- we adore her". Incidentally I think it's beautiful.... Tabby only has connotations of a cat as much as Minnie does to a mouse etc.

I can imagine your mum (like mine) will have issues with any name!

Nooo it's really not too late. I did it at 6 mo. Please don't pay too much attention to your mum - I remember sounding out a girls name for my first & she was appalled - I actually had a boy, but my brother used the name for his DD & now she introduces her with such pride- she loves it.

I completely understand how all consuming this can be & if I could do it again (esp at 9 weeks, it's really nothing) I would... Take a deep breath, talk to your DP, revisit the whole naming process, DO NOT RUSH, narrow it down to the firm favourites & call her each for a day at a time. Don't make the mistake of asking for opinions because ultimately they don't matter, be true to you & your DP's instinct.Oh and use MN if you really have to.

Ps - it would be interesting to know what your Mum's suggestions are? Chances are you could think holy crap that's bad that's not quite our cup of tea & that would be the end of that :)

Tabitha is lovely. Minnie is much the same as fanny where I am but if you're set on changing it then 9 weeks is not too late.

I know a Tabitha whose NN is Biba which is lovely.

Both lovely names.

We called DD1 "The Bear" for her first year, though. Nothing wrong with a nickname.

You say that you haven't really used her name much, I would try to force yourself to use it for a week, even if you then go back to NN, just so you know what it sounds like, then do the same with the other options if her given name still sounds wierd. Having said that I'm still not quite as happy with dd2 name as dd1, but we searched hundreds thousands of names to find one we both liked. I think that dd1's name is more poignant as named in memory of MIL whereas dd2 is just one we both liked. Could it be because ds' s name was easier that it makes it harder to be sure on dd's?

I'd be inclined to leave it just as it is, if only to spite your mother! can you imagine the smug crowing of 'thank Goodness you've seen sense' if you bow to her pressure and interference?

Sorry for random usage of capitals there!

Ladybird - I have 2 ds and a dd. when dd I didn't have an absolute fav "it fits" name, and I found it really hard to like the name. Took me a long time to really like it. Up to a year later I still questioned it and that's without negative comments. I stuck with it and she's 21m now. It's her name and it does suit her. I think tabitha is lovely and this is your daughter. Your mum had her own children to name and should mind her own business xx

My dd is Jessica Emily x

I love Minnie!

Ladybird Tabitha is a beautiful name.

It's on our list for Dc2 due in December. Yes it does remind me of a cat or bewitched but isn't that probably a generation thing and younger generations won't know it from those associations?

I like Isadora too but not as much and as someone said she would probably end up as Izzie then which is super popular.

Your Mum should but out it's a gorgeous name.

Is there not a name that Minnie is a derivative of that you like? Minerva? Minna?

Tabitha is a beautiful name. I would ask your mum to stop being negative about it as it's upsetting you.
I loved my DS name but took a while to start using it as after 5 weeks of him not having a name a name label just felt a bit odd. After a month or so it just started to fit and it really has become his name.
If you previously loved the name I would stick with it for a while longer, just while you get used to it & your hormones calm down. If it's still not working when she's 12 weeks change it.