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

Is my name a 'brave choice'?

127 replies

rosy189 · 18/04/2015 14:39

First time poster on this board!

Our first baby is due in the Autumn, we are not finding out the sex but if we have a boy we have decided to name him Milton.

I told my best friend and sister and they both said 'ooh thats very brave' but they were positive and seemed to like the name. I know you don't see many around but are we brave for choosing this name?

I didn't think it was too 'out there' maybe a bit uncommon?

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crapfatbanana · 18/04/2015 14:42

It's not what I'd describe as brave. It's not very common, but certainly not bizarre as names go. I like it, and instantly thought of Milton Jones, who cracks me up,

dementedpixie · 18/04/2015 14:42

That's what you use to sterilise bottles/dummied

AbbeyRoadCrossing · 18/04/2015 14:42

I've never heard of it before so for me it would be unusual. Plus I've got a young baby so I have Milton sterilisers etc in the house so my brain leaps to that.
Is it after anyone or did you just like it?

ApocalypseNowt · 18/04/2015 14:43

I quite liked the name Milton when we were choosing names for what turned out to be two DD's. I agree it's uncommon but not really 'out there' - that was basically my criteria for choosing a name though.

If you like it use it and don't tell anyone of your plans ever till the baby is born no matter what name you pick Smile

DevonFolk · 18/04/2015 14:44

I like it in theory but my first thought was the sterilising fluid.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 18/04/2015 14:44

I don't think it's 'brave' to call a child anything at all tbh. It's brave to jump into the river to rescue a drowning child, or to climb Everest or something.

I don't like it though, if you're interested in opinions.

sweetpeame · 18/04/2015 14:44

I thought (in this order) of the poet and then the sterilising fluid Grin. I'm not sure I'd describe it as "brave", it's not that out there! I don't like surnames as first names but this one is ok as they to.

rosy189 · 18/04/2015 14:45

Thanks Banana we love Milton Jones too,

My Mum mentioned the steriliser but because we dont have a baby yet we didnt realise the connection!

We just like the name, but it did come to our attention a long time ago after we both enjoyed listening to talks by the economist Milton Friedman while at university.

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strawberrydaquari · 18/04/2015 14:45

It makes me think of the simpsons but I like the name

sweetpeame · 18/04/2015 14:46

Oops "ok as they GO"

Mumzy · 18/04/2015 14:46

Tbh it makes me think of Milton Haas from the Simpsons

Is my name a 'brave choice'?
rosy189 · 18/04/2015 14:47

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie-

I didn't understand the 'brave' reference either.

And no I dont mind you giving your opinion, it won't change what we think of the name.

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PunkrockerGirl · 18/04/2015 14:48

No, tis a sterilizing solution. Up to you though, if you like it go for it!

WouldYouLikeACupOfTeaTooMate · 18/04/2015 14:49

Makes me thing of the sterilising solution. Doesn't sound like a baby's name to me.

Only1scoop · 18/04/2015 14:49

It's a surname and a fluid and I'm not keen.

As long as you love it.

MuttonCadet · 18/04/2015 14:51

I don't think it's "brave" I think it's a good name. (Anyone that doesn't have a young baby won't think of sterilising fluid).

MrTumblesBavarianFanbase · 18/04/2015 14:52

Paradise Lost.

It's definitely a surname - but it's fairly run of the mill to use surnames as first names.

Ironically even though surely the immediate association is an English poet using a surname as given name has a north American feeling about it even though British people have a history of doing the same going way back if it's a family name rather than a random surname.

I would say it's a little like naming your child Smith as a first name because it's not one of the standard surnames used as a first name... But with the association of the poet (and related religious association).

It's not that out there compared to a lot of names though - it might get shortened to Milly which is a bit feminine :o It will get shortened so maybe think if a short form you'd be ok with.

rosy189 · 18/04/2015 14:53

Thanks Mutton :)

No we had no idea that it is a sterilising fluid! But that doesn't effect our choice, we still really like the name :) We have a backup if on the day he doesnt 'look' like a Milton, and it could be a little girl! In that case she will be a Penelope!

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Only1scoop · 18/04/2015 14:53

Your girls Choice is lovely

OutragedFromLeeds · 18/04/2015 14:54

It's not brave, but it is a name with a lot of not great connotations for me.

Sterilisation fluid.

Milton Jones who is funny, but in a very odd almost clown-like way. I wouldn't want a name that made me think of him tbh.

Milton Keynes.

Your baby, your choice though.

mumofthemonsters808 · 18/04/2015 14:54

I really like this name, it sound good, Ds class is made up of very trendy, funky names. I think the "brave" reference means it is not one of the traditional type names that you hear often,I much prefer a modern,unique name.

rosy189 · 18/04/2015 14:55

Haha 'Milly' would be a bit strange!

We noticed while watching old disney films, quite a few Miltons and Milts in the credits! So hopefully it will be shortened to 'Milt' like walter and walt I assume.
I know Jim Parson's was named Milton and he shortened it to Milt.

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GlitzAndGigglesx · 18/04/2015 14:55

Made me think of the liquid. I'm not hugely keen on it for a name

Only1scoop · 18/04/2015 14:57

It just doesn't sound strong 'Milt' sounds a bit....well Wilt....

AndThus · 18/04/2015 14:57

I can see how pre-babies you don't make the connection, but post-babies Milton just means anti-bac wipes to me.