Active discussions

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Baby names

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

Original poster

Help, I've chosen the wrong name!!!

41 replies

Newcy2014 · 27/08/2014 11:49

Hello, I'm new to mums net, and even new to online forums, but I need some opinions/advice! My little boy is 14 months old and I really regret the name we gave him. We couldn't agree on a name, and in the end, hormones surging and pressure to name him immediately (mostly from my mum), I went with my husbands choice - Stanley. I really hoped that the name would grow on me, but still after all this time, I still hesitate briefly when people ask me what his name is, I call him pet names when we go to soft play as I almost feel embarrassed by his name. I know that this is ridiculous, and that many retro names are making a comeback, but I can't help this gut feeling I have, and I've almost given up hoping that it will grow on me.

There have been many opinions on the name, but most of the ones I read are from a few years ago now. What are peoples thoughts, now that older names have been making a come back? Should I look into changing it?

Thank you

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
MyGastIsFlabbered · 27/08/2014 12:06

I know a Stanley & I think his name is awesome. How do you feel about either Stan or Lee? Does he have a middle name you could use instead?
I'm sorry you feel like this.

squoosh · 27/08/2014 12:11

What is the pet name you call him?

Does your husband know that you feel this way about your son's name?

Wailywailywaily · 27/08/2014 12:34

I love the name Stanley! Not Stan though, sorry.

I went through a phase like this when DS1 was a toddler, it didn't help that non of my family liked the name my ex had chosen either. I tried to change it but DS (aged about 2 at the time) dug his heals in and insisted that his name was staying. He is now 14 and has had the odd wobble about his unusual name but I and he have grown to love it.

manicinsomniac · 27/08/2014 12:40

I don't like it but I don't dislike it either. And I think it's definitely on the rise in popularity. It doesn't seem odd to me at all now and I've taken a long time to accept the older names coming back for boys (though I like a lot of the girls' ones).

I wouldn't change it now. He's 14 months, he knows his name.

babyblabber · 27/08/2014 13:18

I think it's really cute on a little toddler

Ludways · 27/08/2014 13:28

Stanley is a fabulous name. I know of two, one is a friend from uni and he is a truly lovely person, the other is a super cool handsome teenager.

Stick with it.

What name would you prefer?

winkywinkola · 27/08/2014 13:34

Stanley is a great name. I love Stan. I also love Frank.

Why don't you like it? It's a good solid strong name.

Does he have a middle name you prefer?

If you ever have another baby, do not let anyone put pressure on you about anything again. Tell them to buzz off.

DitzyDonkey · 27/08/2014 14:57

I like it! Though it must feel awful for you to be slightly embarrassed to call out his name Sad

If you really don't like it, would you consider changing it, would your dh agree to it? A snow would be the time before it gets too late.

For what it's worth I used to feel s bit weird using m sons name but got used to it, I adore his name.

tacal · 27/08/2014 17:19

Hi, I changed my sons middle name when he was around 14 months. I was so much happier after it was changed. If you really don't like it and want to change it then I would look in to doing it now.

But, I do like the name Stanley. It is a lovely name.

Username12345 · 27/08/2014 18:23

I like Stanley.

But if you hate it, you should change it ASAP whilst he's still only a baby, the longer you leave it, the harder it'll be.

birdofthenorth · 27/08/2014 21:01

I really love Stanley. I know two, one about 6 and one aged one. Nothing at all to be embarrassed about, older names are the norm in our school and nursery!

But I agree that if you are desperate to change it, the sooner the better. Does he have a middle name you like? Or is there another name that appeals to you?

Fairywhitebear · 27/08/2014 21:04

ooh..you need to change it now if you are going to change it! Maybe keep Stanley as his middle name?

I don't believe it is too late. My earliest memories are from being aged 3..don't remember anything from 14months! Yes, he knows his name now, but he'll quickly learn a new one Smile

What name do you like?

MamaDoGood · 27/08/2014 21:04

I love the name Stanley.
I called my dog Stanley but regret it as I wish I saved it for any potential children.

If you are unhappy,change his name. Life is too short for regrets!

Coolas · 27/08/2014 21:06

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

SunshineEski · 27/08/2014 21:13

I LOVE the name Stanley! I remember meeting a toddler with that name at a restaurant and he was the most adorable little boy. I heard it again recently and thought the same! To me it sounds really fresh and I would use it in a second. It's a gorgeous name.

AgathaPinchBottom · 27/08/2014 22:14

I could have written your post! My Husband chose Stanley too and for all sorts of reasons I went along with it at the time and then panicked and regretted it. I did all the same things as you including using pet names instead etc. my Ds is three now And I have begun to be at peace with it and to be proud of his name. Now he's a boy rather than a baby, he Really suits it and has grown into it. He also really likes it too! People are also very nice about it and say how great it is and how much it suits him.... It also means a lot to my husband that he got to choose the name. Hope this helps in some way .

burgatroyd · 27/08/2014 22:18

Stanley is a good name.

If you change it do it now. If after a year you are certain with change then deed poll it.

I was very uncertain about dd2 name. Changed it to a name I prefer but I still am trying to get used to it. There is no name I prefer and its a perfectly great name so I am being positive about it and it works. I am no longer wondering if she suits other names.

What would you change it too?

maggiethemagpie · 27/08/2014 22:32

Could you change it to Lee? Great name not too retro - but keeps a bit of the original.

DramaAlpaca · 27/08/2014 23:24

I don't usually like 'old man' names, but I do like Stanley.

I know a teenage Stan & it really suits him.

BeyoncesCat · 28/08/2014 01:48

Felt the same as you but dd was 8 months. Her name was changed the day after posting on here. It's really horrible not liking your own child's name. I know the whole pet name hesitation when people ask scenario!

The second I signed the documents I felt like a weight had been lifted! I kept the second part of her name with the new first name and used the old first name as a middle name.

CarriMarie · 28/08/2014 10:43

I like Stanley, agree Stan may not suit a toddler, but he could grow into it. For now nn Lee could be stretched to Leo.

halfdoneharris · 28/08/2014 11:12

If you don't like the name, you need to change it. Have you considered what alternatives you may prefer? Does ds have a middle name that you could use officially? Definitely best to change before school starts.

My grandad was called Stanley and my mum asked if we would use it, but it is not to my taste. He was a lovely man though. Strong, down to earth, and gentle.

PacificDogwood · 28/08/2014 11:14

It's a most excellent name, I love it, but that's neither here nor there if you don't.

Does your DS have a middle name you could start calling him by?

PacificDogwood · 28/08/2014 11:15

x-post, harris Grin

Acolyte · 28/08/2014 11:18

Stanley is a great name. I know 2 Stanley's, one of 12 and one in his 20's. They are both really, really cool people. Both confident, assured and good looking, which I know they would be regardless of their name, but somehow the name is associated with their characters.

My dog is called Stanley and he us awesome too Smile