Invented names?

[southlondonbaby]

We're thinking about giving dc1 an invented name if it's a boy. It sounds like vernon and us the combination of two words that have a strong meaning for us.

Just curious how people feel about invented names or any advice about dealing with people's reactions.

I think the general consensus here will be a thumbs down! But of course it all depends on the name....

Well, all names are invented Newly invented ones can sound daft though, purely because people aren't used to hearing them. Some people will judge you, most I hope will not really give a shit. If it sounds reasonably name like then why not? If it sounds like a ridiculous mouthful of gobbledegook then perhaps think again.
Or maybe give it as a middle name so that there's a choice.

I'm not for them in general for several reasons; you & he will spend the rest of his life saying & spelling the name several times each time he meets someone new; mis-spellings & misprononciations will be irritating; people will always be asking why the invented name and this could be embarrassing and lastly the name will be seen by some as pretentious. There are exceptions that prove the rule of course. Could I suggest you ask someone for their honest opinion ? Best not to ask family or friends - their opinions could hurt

Does it sound like it could be a name? Or does it sound like two words mixed together?

Welim (welcome-him) = sounds like a name
Fleiling (floor-ceiling) = sounds like floor and ceiling

Some names sound like they should be names, eg

Jemily
Redward

But I'd have to hear your name to say yah or nay

I tend to only like invented names if it's been at least 100 years since their invention. What's the name?

What's the name??

It's not vermin is it? :o

Is it vomit?

If so, then no.

Haha yeh I was thinking vomit vermin welim haha.

It's a very small deviation from vernon. Bernan.

Ooh I like that! Although people might just hear Vernon. But I prefer your version

Hmm, It made me think Brendan and of someone in a cable cardigan and slacks - sorry :(

Definitely better than Vermin though.

Bernan does sound quite made up.

What about Bernard?

I've heard of a Brennan if that's any use?

Not a huge big fan of it, but I wouldn't assume it was made up. Just that I hadn't heard it before. It's not too way out there.

Your child will be correcting people forever.

i wouldn't have known it was made up so I think you'd be okay!

I think in today's multicultural society there are such a mix of names that I think a made up name is fine. I meet lots of children whose names I've never encountered before

No not overly keen. Tbh , my initial thought was someone Berrnan up.....as in having a fever. Depends on the regional accent but It could be thought of that way.

Good luck- choosing a name is a task and a half :)

I don't like it, sorry.

Much prefer

Bertram
Bernard
Bentley
Bevan

I was all ready to say invented names ack but Bernan isn't actually that bad :) I quite like it.

Before you have the baby everyone will tell you the name is horrible. Afterwards most will merely say that's unusual or where is that from.

Mumsnet will think you're a "chav" or "from Jeremy Kyle".

Call your child a name you love. And as for spelling, my incredibly common normal name for the era I was born in has a number of spellings & so I have to spell it out constantly even now.

He will get called Bernard.

Every single name was once made up and new names evolve. I think Bernan is easy to say & spell so wouldn't expect any problems. Agree that in an ever global world, I often see new names - generally no problem!

Lots of more common names have spelling uncertainties e.g. Catherine, Katharine, Cathryn, Kathryn etc.