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Baby names

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

Original poster

Brian. Am I mad?

37 replies

catsofa · 30/10/2015 01:24

Not having another one so purely hypothetical, but I just found myself thinking how nice the name Brian sounds. What do you think of Brian for a baby boy?

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reuset · 30/10/2015 01:54

Ooh, I still think it's a bit on the dated side, personally. Though, and who knew, 108 baby boys were named Brian last year. That's not wallowing in obscurity by any means.

WishIWasWonderwoman · 30/10/2015 04:04

You're not mad.

Would I personally choose it? No.

But it is a well known name and easy to pronounce.

APlaceOnTheCouch · 30/10/2015 04:27

I like it but it's one of our family names so I am biased towards it. My only issue with it at the moment is that advert with the blooming robot called Brian but I'm sure that will pass Grin

NadiaWadia · 30/10/2015 05:03

It's OK, but can't really see it coming back into fashion. A lot of people think of it as dull and slightly silly maybe?, which is why I suppose Monty Python named their film 'Life of Brian'. It tends to be thought of as a dated name for older men, in the same way as say Trevor, or Keith. Although I suppose it is better than those really.

helentheheron · 30/10/2015 10:02

Yes

ImperialBlether · 30/10/2015 10:06

Sorry, but you are mad! It's so dated.

MrsBalustradeLanyard · 30/10/2015 10:08

It reeks of middle age, nose hair clippers and polyester shirts. Don't do that to your tiny beautiful baby!

calzone · 30/10/2015 10:08

Truly dreadful.

EmpressKnowsWhereHerTowelIs · 30/10/2015 10:13

Tbf though you are asking on MN, where the name Brian raises visions of steaming yonis in Hull.

ImperialBlether · 30/10/2015 10:15
Grin
VashtaNerada · 30/10/2015 10:18

No way. DH suggested Brian when I was pregnant with DC1 and it was the moment I realised he wasn't mature enough to be involved in any more baby name discussions.

QforCucumber · 30/10/2015 10:19

I don't think you're mad OP, but then DP is wholly in love with the name Bruce for our baby if it's a boy.
I can't bring myself to love it quite as much though.

ImperialBlether · 30/10/2015 10:25

Bruce as in Bruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuce, Q?

QforCucumber · 30/10/2015 10:37

Bruce as in Wayne Hmm
also likes Alfred,
I see a batman theme in his choices!

Rollermum · 30/10/2015 10:39

Not a fan. My brother in law is young and called Brian and it seems odd and dated.

ImperialBlether · 30/10/2015 10:42

Oh okay, thought he was a Springsteen fan!

Alfred? That's awful!

Floggingmolly · 30/10/2015 10:42

Why not Brian? If you'd asked for opinions of Zebedee or Xanthe or Jezebel or Bubbles; Mners would fall over themselves to tell you how on trend you were,and how of course your little darlings chances of becoming a QC wouldn't be affected in the slightest.
Brian is relatively inoffensive. It was also my favourite uncle's name Grin

MitzyLeFrouf · 30/10/2015 11:10

I don't particularly like it but it doesn't massively offend me either. It doesn't have the same sad image in Ireland as it has in the UK. I doubt Brian Boru was a man for the polyester shirts or the nose clippers! Grin

Brian. Am I mad?
SchnooSchnoo · 30/10/2015 11:23

It still seems very dated but I actually think it's a beautiful name. It will come back into fashion soon, I'm sure.

susurration · 30/10/2015 12:01

Well it would rule out the career path of Messiah for him.

IsadoraQuagmire · 30/10/2015 12:21

I immediately think of Brian Boru too.

FurryDogMother · 30/10/2015 12:26

I love it, it's my best friend's name, so I may be a little biased.

celtictoast · 30/10/2015 12:35

I think it wouldn't sound dated to the younger generation. Not much different to Ryan.

twinjocks · 30/10/2015 16:09

I think it's very .... beige!! Having said that, there are two little Brians under 5yo in the school where I work. I have difficulty typing their names - my fingers automatically type brain!!

BondJayneBond · 30/10/2015 16:17

I think it's still too far on the dated and unfashionable side of things.