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Baby names

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

How Much Should I Worry About What Other People Will Think?

26 replies

glowfrog · 10/03/2015 13:26

I feel a bit of a wimp... Generally speaking, I don't give a fig's bottom what other people think of the choices I make - not that I'm particularly rebellious - but I'm feeling a bit self-conscious about the potential name for DD2.

Basically DH and I jokingly talked about calling her Leia, but having said it out loud, we both kind of like it a lot - especially DH, which is surprising as I'm the SW fan in the family and he also thinks you have to be careful what you call your kids to avoid teasing.

Should I just not care what people will think of our choice? Or do you think it matters?

OP posts:
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FernGullysWoollyPully · 10/03/2015 13:29

Not a jot! It's your baby, bugger what everyone else thinks!

Artandco · 10/03/2015 13:30

It's fine. Or use leila/ Layla for more 'general' version

GingerCuddleMonster · 10/03/2015 13:32

I can't see a issue with the name, its pretty.

if.you said Lucifer perhaps that would have raised a few eyebrows Grin

AugustaGloop · 10/03/2015 13:35

I would not care what people thought from my own perspective. I would though be conscious that my DC may care so I would pay some attention to how others react to the name because my DC may be faced with that reaction if they have the name.
I don't think Leia would trouble me though. She might get called Princess leia at school, but there are far worse nns. Although I prefer Leila

jeee · 10/03/2015 13:39

Actually, what other people think about your child's name does matter. Because your child will have to face new people throughout their life - people who will judge your child on their name before they even meet them. This isn't fair. But it is the reality.

FaktiskDetteErGrunden · 10/03/2015 13:40

I like it. It's a pretty name.

I can't stand star wars though!

Viviennemary · 10/03/2015 13:41

I don't think there's anything wrong with the name you've chosen. Unlike some of the names on here. Even if it doesn't matter too much to a parent what other people think it will matter to theDC if the parents saddle him or her with some ridiculous stupid name. Why would somebody do that to a child and set them up for a life time of their name being pronounced wrongly and or teased and made fun of.

FaktiskDetteErGrunden · 10/03/2015 13:41

Leia is a nice name. If you were going to call her Darth Vader or something that'd be different.

RedToothBrush · 10/03/2015 13:57

Its not a particularly out there name. Its not a weird spelling, its familiar to people, its a 'real name', it doesn't make you out particularly as Star Wars fans even though I'm sure you'll get the odd comment (especially if you had a son called Luke). It doesn't tick the 'offensive box'. I wouldn't be self conscious over it.

DS has a very unusual name and I was self conscious about it, but its just the right name for him!

Everyone will have an opinion about your choice of name so pick something YOU like.

glowfrog · 10/03/2015 13:59

thanks everyone!!

OP posts:
Fatstacks · 10/03/2015 14:03

I was in Wakefield recently at a foodie market.
Met a young fella called Granville, he was 5 and the name couldn't have been better suited.
Such a sweetheart, I mentioned to his Mum how well it suited him and she told me of the Shock when she chose it.
Apparently she saw him in the incubator and thought 'that's my Granville' Smile

itsbetterthanabox · 10/03/2015 17:33

I know a Leia and it's pronounced Leah so I think most people will do that and not laya

Tapwater · 10/03/2015 18:37

It's a lovely name, and it's not as if you're calling her Chewbacca, for god's sake. Go for it.

PenguinsandtheTantrumofDoom · 10/03/2015 19:15

It's fine.

Just accept that, if you ever have a boy, you cannot call him Luke!

dimdommilpot · 10/03/2015 19:50

I know a Leia who was virn on 4th May last year. Planned C-sec, they chose it intentionally.

dimdommilpot · 10/03/2015 19:50
  • born not virn
rockinrobintweet · 10/03/2015 20:46

I wouldn't care. our surname is Harris and we were going to call dd if a body Calvin regardless!

I love the name Harrison however but drew the line there. I would go for it.. wouldn't let it phase me at all!

BugBugBug · 10/03/2015 21:51

We chose an unusual name for our DS. Eyebrows were raised whilst we bandied it about during pregnancy especially by MIL. It suits him perfectly though now. I'm so glad we ignored everyone.

And MIL, who was desperate for a more 'normal' name, is quite proud of it now! Very amusing!

meglet · 10/03/2015 21:54

Leia is fine and the star wars link is cool.

Lunastarfish · 10/03/2015 22:14

I went to school with a Leia (but pronounced as Leah) I don't recall anyone ever making Princess Leia comments to her.

HootOnTheBeach · 10/03/2015 22:27

I have a German friend called Lea - I really don't think it's as controversial as you think it is. Perhaps that's a secret insecurity poking its head up?

curlii103 · 10/03/2015 22:41

I love leia and I really wouldn't worry...and what's the worst that can happen being compared to her!

QueenB14 · 10/03/2015 22:48

I like Leia

My baby's name is met with a kind of an awkward "oh" in RL and has been ripped to shreds once or twice on here but I don't care I love it and can't imagine her being called anything else Smile

CornChips · 11/03/2015 09:19

Leia is an actual name though, so I do not think people will automatically think of SW. I certainly would not. I know a 6 year old Leia and it never occurred to me!

busymummy2boys1girl · 11/03/2015 15:06

My girls called Layla and we call her nickname Leia or Lails more than her name I think its really nice, if ppl screw there nose up at it dont worry its not their childs name its yours. I think its pretty name and most ppl will agree xx