I don't like my son's name

[Izzy82]

So, baby was born 2 weeks ago. we named him Edward (but will call him Ted). This was on our short list from the beginning (along with Tom and Josh) and I initially loved it. it just doesn't feel right now and I can't get to grips with it- I feel pretty meh about it. Should I change it to Tom or leave it and see of it grows on me? Not registering his name until mid September

I'd change it. Probably put Edward in as a middle name so you can revert back if you think you have actually made the wrong decision after all.

I really love the name Edward.
It's a good, strong, real name that can grow with a baby, through child and teen years into adulthood.
It doesn't remain a cute child name that then can not fit a man.
I personally prefer Eddie as a baby, Ed as a teenager and to friends and see Edward as a professional working man.
Not keen on Ted, which is what you've settled on as a nn...

Do you prefer another nickname? Maybe Woody? Or is it Edward itself you don't like? Does he have a middle name?

I don't know what it is I don't like. It just doesn't feel special.

I work in a school and we have Tom W, Tom S, Thomas T, etc. We have one Ted at the moment and I know of one other.

There is a Edward too but he's a bit older. I love the name Ted, it's cool.

I'm not a fan of Josh either. What does your DP think?

Husband said I chose ted over Tom initially so should stick to it

I do think you should change it if not happy, but keep Edward as a middle name just in case!

Why should you though? (stick to it)

People are allowed to change their minds.

If the name doesn't feel right, then change it to one that does.

We did a last minute change of our first son's middle name, because it just didn't feel like it was meant to be his name, daft as that sounds

Does your DH prefer Ted?

Seems a bit odd to say you have to stick with it because you picked it first unless he likes Ted better than Tom.

Anyway, if you've not registered the name yet, then I can't see a problem with changing it to a name you like better, provided that your DH also likes the new name.

Of the names you mention Edward/Ted is my favourite. I also like it when it's shortened to Ed.

Ted and Ed are names that would suit throughout childhood and adolescence, through his college years and beyond if he wants. He also has Edward as a name that can be formal and used when he's a professional.

Not keen on Josh at all and Thomas/Tom is just too popular like a prvious poster mentioned.

However, saying all that it actually boils down to what you and your DH want. Don't make any rushed decisions.

I think Teddy is lovely

OP IF popularity matters, in 2013 in England and Wales:

Thomas = no 6 with 4,591 babies
Joshua= no 12 with 3,373 babies
Edward = no 33 with 2,273 babies

source: www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/re-reference-tables.html?edition=tcm%3A77-318125

I hate the name Edward , we had a family friend called Edward when my Dd was a toddler and she used to call him " F Word", that was her toddler mispronunciation lol very embarrassing .

I much prefer Edward to Tom or Josh. I know so many Toms and Joshs. No name IMO suits a tiny baby and it takes time to get used to their name. Edward has great nn potential; Ted, Teddy, Ed, Eddy, Woody, Ned. If I were you, I'd leave it another few weeks and see if it grows on you before you get him registered. I used to feel silly call my DS his name at the beginning but love it now.

What?!?!

I have a Teddy ( on the birth certificate ) and his nickname is Ted.

It's only the best name ever you know.

I have an Edward (known as Eddie). We never come across any others so it's not too common. It's a great name!

How are you feeling? I had massive name regret and it turned out was the beginnings of a pnd diagnosis. Not saying that's what's happening here but it's worth examining your thought processes a little. You can change bc name up to a year after birth so you have plenty of time :)

I agree that no name really suits a tiny baby. It takes a while for them to grow into being called anything other than "the baby", I found

If Edward doesn't seem special enough, then (IMO) Tom and Josh are even less special because they're so commonplace.

Thank you everyone for your comments... You're right, no name suits a baby. he goes by Little Man at the minute! I'll leave it until 22nd September (when I register him) and see how I feel then. You have made me feel better about Ted though
Xxx

I promise you, Ted is bloody brilliant! Cute for a baby, cool for a teen. Not stupidly common. What's not to like?

I know I'm biased but really... It's a fab name

Ted is a great name. Love Edward too. Was delighted to come across a wee Ned a while back. Suited him down to the ground. I think you can use Ward too as a nn if you want to.

I think you have the right name, plenty of nn options too.

I love the name. I love Ed as an adult but also love Ted and Teddy. On the other hand, if you really have changed your mind then I would change it. It may seem a big deal now but something that you will look back and laugh about. However, do you like Theo (shortened to Ted) as a bit different - but similar?

I'm totally biased as well! DS (2yo) is Edward on the bc, but is only ever called Teddy or Bear. He totally suits his name now, but we took a month after his birth to decide on it, and it did feel strange for him to have any name at all at first.

One reason we chose the name was it had so many nn possibilities and there didn't seem to be too many boy's names that would work on baby, child, teenager and adult. Although FWIW, I think Thomas and Joshua also have that nn flexibility - we considered them, but decided they were too popular.

I also love the Bear connection - DS now loves anything with bears (TV shows, books, toys), especially if it involves a bear driving a car. Pooh Bear is also a favourite. He totally 'relates' (for want of a better word) to bears. DH and I have wondered if he thinks he actually is a bear!

If you are not sure, maybe try calling your DS Tom or Josh for a few days to see if that feels more 'right'. And don't register any name until you have to.

I also love Edward, Ted & Ned!

God I love Teddy. So cute. Oh, and Ned. Edward is a great name.

[adds nothing to the fred]