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In tears because family doesn't like my baby's name

123 replies

ParsleyCake · 09/02/2015 21:22

It must be the hormones, but I'm completely devastated and in tears because my partner's family don't like the name we picked out for our baby boy.

My own family took a moment to think about it before deciding that they liked it - it's an unusual choice after all, but the reaction from the in laws has upset me so much.

We wanted to call our little boy Gryffin. I understand it's unusual, but it's not horrific, is it? It's Welsh in origin, and I just love the connotations it has with magic and knights and mythology. I always think of it as a laid-back, surfer sort of name.

We picked it out when I was only a month or so along, but then tried to take a few months to think of other names just to be sure we definitely liked it. Nothing else really seemed right. Now I'm twenty two weeks and have already started calling the bump Gryffin, and it just fits so well, but we started telling family to somepositive, but mostly luke-warm reception. Everyone was supportive however, and agreed it was nice but unusual. But when we told my partner's grandmother, she changed the subject, and we told a favorite Aunty and her expression was shock and horror.

Anyway, now I'm just depressed and upset. Is Gryffin really so horrific? There are children with awfully strange names these days, I recently heard of a Storm, a Phoenix, a Leaf, a Branch (not kidding!) and even a Banjo just in our local community. I can't imagine a boy getting bullied for being called Gryffin, it seems like a cool name? Am I wrong?

Do you think it's just that it wasn't to their taste? Or am I being cruel to cinsider calling my child this? I understand not particularly liking a name, but surely it isn't a completely awful name?

OP posts:
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steppeinginto2015 · 09/02/2015 22:11

I am very into traditional classic names.
I love it. really like the sound of it.

My friend has a son called Griff, and I had never heard of it, but it is a really good name. Strong, easy to remember, unusual but not silly.

we all hated my niece's name, we smiled politely when told and now we love it because it is just her.

CuddlesfromChickens · 09/02/2015 22:14

I'm with your folks OP after thinking about it for a minute I like it!

Your PILs have had their chance to name their children, it's you/your DH's choice.

Just refuse to discuss it further.

TheyLearnedFromBrian · 09/02/2015 22:16

Well - bottom line - he won't get teased.

He'll end up as Gryff, and it's a cool, strong, easy to say name. Job done.

Don't worry.

Kittymum03 · 09/02/2015 22:17

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

vortexshedding · 09/02/2015 22:18

This reply has been deleted

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merrymouse · 09/02/2015 22:20

Love it - would have been on our list if I had thought of it.

RufusTheReindeer · 09/02/2015 22:23

Love it

Wish I'd thought of it for baby number 3

I let DH choose that one...

Kewcumber · 09/02/2015 22:23

Another vote for it here too, wish I'd thought of it. Mind you even if they don;t like it, it's hardly bad enough to made a fuss about is it? Confused

PrimalLass · 09/02/2015 22:24

Look, if you are going to choose an unusual name then there will be people who don't like it. You either take it on the chin or call him something less unusual.

Postchildrenpregranny · 09/02/2015 22:25

Does anyone else remember the Archers baby being called Mowgli?? They settled on Mungo in the end...perhaps it was a cunning ploy
I think Gryffin is lovely, but then I'm Welsh. Hope it 'goes' with you second name though.

ChippingInGluggingOn · 09/02/2015 22:28

milkthistle. You didn't call him Nemo did you?

Grin

Parsley. What a shame you didn't get a better response. Still, don't let them put you off. It's not 'out there, artsy, will get bullied' at all. If I'm being honest, it's not a name if choose, but neither is it one that makes my eyes roll and that something on MN Grin. It actually reminds me of the Gruffalo! Ignore them. Enjoy your pregnancy, brook no nonsense from them over the be name you have chosen. None. It's perfectly fine.

Chchchchanging · 09/02/2015 22:28

Gryff is on our short list to go with a very safe royal name sibling...

CheekyWeeGandT · 09/02/2015 22:30

Family members can be such muppets. Mistake to tell them before baby arrives, but they have had same reaction when he was here. My ex's family met our baby for first time and made it clear the name wasn't to their taste. The only sensible response to this kind of rudeness is let it wash over you or laugh. Absolutely nothing to do with them.

MissMedusa · 09/02/2015 22:33

Griffin is my son's middle name and also my father's. I've always loved the name and was very close to choosing it as the first name.

amothersplaceisinthewrong · 09/02/2015 22:36

It's not a name I would choose, but it has nothing to do with your family, it is your choice.

Branleuse · 09/02/2015 22:36

awesome name.

i didnt tell anyone my last two babies names till they were already born because i couldnt be bothered with opinions.

Tell them you hope they wont be so rude once hes here!

Elizabethnaylor1980 · 09/02/2015 22:50

Yep, lovely name, forget what family opinion is, go with what name you love.

Mutteroo · 10/02/2015 00:35

My parents in law were angry with us for picking the name we did because it has family connections to someone my mother in law has taken a dislike to. We chose it not because of the disliked person in the family, (who we never knew), but because we adored the name.

Our DS is now 19, he suits his name & I'm pleased we stuck to our guns. Be strong on the issue if you feel the name is right for you.

NeedABumChange · 10/02/2015 00:44

I think he will be asked if it's short for gryffindor.

But yes it fits in the same bracket as all those other names you listed. The trying to be different but not bracket.

MardyBra · 10/02/2015 00:50

Sorry - I think it's a bit "try too hard". It's the sort of name which would be chosen by people who use lol as punctuation imo.

MardyBra · 10/02/2015 00:51

Sorry. I should just hide the baby names board really.

Viviennemary · 10/02/2015 10:07

Nearly everyone on this thread has loved the name. I think it's totally dire. It doesn't mean it is it's just an opinion. So either don't ask or accept opinions. Are the only responses allowed lovely name hun.

highlighta · 10/02/2015 10:12

I know a Griffin. I like it.

He is your baby OP, you call him whatever you like. Please don't go changing it to please others.

and next time just keep your thoughts on name choices to yourself until baby arrives. Then introduce him with his given name Wink

BreakOutTheKaraoke · 10/02/2015 10:17

I really like it. But when I saw the spelling I did automatically say 'Gryffindor!' in the sorting hats voice in my head.

ClashCityRocker · 10/02/2015 10:23

Opinions are like arseholes.

Everyone has one.

Fwiw, I love Gryffin - and think it's a name that's cute on a littlie, and you can still 'grow into'.