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Original poster

Thoughts on Robert/Robbie

27 replies

helentheheron · 28/08/2015 12:30

Dp has suggested the name Robert for potential future ds. I imagine he'd probably be Robbie at primary school, then Rob when older (Bobby/Bert not really our style, though fine if he chooses that later of course).

What are your initial thoughts on hearing these names? Would you have any pre-conceived ideas about a little Robbie or his family? Ideally I'd love to hear what you think and why, rather than just yay or nay iyswim.

Thanks all!

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susurration · 28/08/2015 12:44

I went to school with a nice Robert, (till he turned into a bit of an idiot aged about 16, though thats more to do with teenagerdom) Its ok, bit boring IMO. Don't like Robbie at all.

Original poster
helentheheron · 28/08/2015 12:51

susurration - thanks for the input. Could you explain why you don't like Robbie?

OP posts:
CruCru · 28/08/2015 12:54

Robert is a nice name, my grandad was called that. It may be due a revival.

CruCru · 28/08/2015 12:55

Robbie reminds me of Robbie Williams.

MajesticWhine · 28/08/2015 12:58

I really like it. I am attracted to good old-fashioned traditional names. You can't really go wrong, because as he grows up he can choose between Rob, Robert, Robbie, Bob etc, whatever suits. So it offers plenty of choice, depending on his age at the time, as well as preference and personality.
Robert is associated with being sensible and intelligent. Robbie I associate as a bit more fun, a bit of a lad. Possibly a bit more down-market?

Squooshed · 28/08/2015 13:14

Robert and Rob are fine but I have a strong dislike of Robbie.

Makes me think of that twat Robbie Williams.

noiwontstoptalking · 28/08/2015 13:59

I like it, it's a but like Elizabeth in that there are lots of options.

In Scotland you also have Rab or Rabbie which are also lovely.

squeaver · 28/08/2015 14:05

My Dad is Robert, but known as Robin which I think is nicer.

Also nice as a girl's name - Robyn.

It's quite unusual but with lots of nickname options.

Musidora · 28/08/2015 14:34

Not overly keen on Robert but I like Rob/Robbie

Sophronia · 28/08/2015 15:03

I love Robert! I think it's very underused at the moment. Robbie is a good nn.

Original poster
helentheheron · 28/08/2015 19:49

Thanks all.

It seems that Robert is generally well liked. My concern (backed up by a few comments here) is that nn Robbie might seem a bit laddish (or even thuggish?) - I link it with with Robbie Williams too, and also Robbie from EastEnders with his dog Well 'Ard (showing my age!).

Rabbie or Rab could be a possibility. DP is Scottish, although we live in England so it might get misheard as Robbie anyway.

Robin is really nice, I didn't know it could be used as a nn for Robert... Hmm.

OP posts:
hels71 · 28/08/2015 20:37

The baby Robert I know is known as Bertie.
The adult Roberts I know are both Rob.

KenDoddsDadsDog · 28/08/2015 20:41

My dad is a Robert , he gets Rob . Robbie reminds me of Williams .

RiverTam · 28/08/2015 20:55

Wellllll, Bob.

Don't like Robert or Robbie but Bob us great, even if I always have a Blackadder moment when I hear it.

Original poster
helentheheron · 28/08/2015 21:39

So maybe Robbie isn't as inevitable as I've been assuming..

OP posts:
scarletforya · 28/08/2015 21:46

Robert is ok. Bobby is probably the nickname I'd use.

Robbie is awful. I blame Robbie Williams, he's ruined it. It's the same genre as Darren or Dean or Jason. Dated and thuggy.

mrstweefromtweesville · 28/08/2015 21:48

Good. Nothing wrong with Robbie/Robert/Rob.

whatdoIget · 28/08/2015 21:52

I like it. I didn't think of Robbie Williams, and I am definitely of that era!
I would use it in the unlikely event if another ds Smile

MamaLazarou · 28/08/2015 21:56

Robert is a fine name, as is Robin.

DramaAlpaca · 28/08/2015 22:32

Nice names. Nothing wrong with any of the versions. I know a lovely teenage Robbie so the associations are good for me.

CakeRattleandRoll · 30/08/2015 04:27

Robert is a great name - traditional, not too popular, no probs with spelling/pronunciation, travels well, good meaning ("bright fame").

Personally I quite like nn Robbie, (but I quite like Robbie Williams). I certainly don't see it as laddish/thuggish.

justnippingin · 30/08/2015 04:43

Robert is a great name (even though I've close association with a horrid one), his nn is Rob but I've always called him Robert. Don't like Robbie or Rob particularly but I don't seem to use nn's.

Original poster
helentheheron · 30/08/2015 14:56

Its looking like most reactions are positive which is good Smile. I wasn't totally sold at first but it would mean a lot to dp as its a family name. Thanks all Smile

OP posts:
Samantha28 · 30/08/2015 14:58

I think it's a lovely classic name

MrsGentlyBenevolent · 30/08/2015 15:35

I love it. Simple but versatile - it was on our list as well. I don't mind Robbie, but then again I'm a 90s girl and was a bit in love with Mr Williams. My partner and I would probably have nn Bertie in the early years, Rob later on. Bobby is the worst shortening in my opinion, I've known it for a penis slang so really don't understand why it's a popular name!

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