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Baby names

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Original poster

Dexter??

54 replies

Issie339 · 14/11/2015 19:44

Hi everyone

Me and OH are both keen on Dexter for our baby boy due early next year, but recently I've been seeing online lots of comments about it being a 'chavvy' (not my word choice, hate it!) name and very try-hard and too modern/made up. Until this I'd really thought it was quite a classic and traditional boys name so I'm a bit upset and Confused now. I don't mind if it's a popular, top 50 type name but don't want a name that everyone thinks is a bit stupid and tacky!!

Could you please give honest opinions on this name? I'd really appreciate it.

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kilmuir · 14/11/2015 19:48

love it. How is it made up?

Difficultchoice · 14/11/2015 19:48

If you like I then u should use it. I don't really like surnames as first names but it's not as bad as something like Jayden

villainousbroodmare · 14/11/2015 19:51

For me it immediately and only calls to mind the eponymous killer in the tv series. Sorry.

Original poster
Issie339 · 14/11/2015 19:55

Would you say it's more of a surname then? Is it in the same group of names as Parker/Jenson/Hayden (no offence to anyone!)? I might be being a bit dense but I really thought it was more of a classic, traditional boys name.

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Hulababy · 14/11/2015 19:55

It's my little nephews name :)

Crazybaglady · 14/11/2015 19:56

I have a Dexter. If you like it then use it. I dont think you can decide based on opinion. Ive come across some 'chavvy' families before whose kids have 'classic' and 'timeless' names...

celtictoast · 14/11/2015 19:56

Sorry but I don't like it, it's too surnamey.

Crazybaglady · 14/11/2015 19:57

Issie- i thought the same! I think its rather dapper!

NotAnotherPackedLunchBox · 14/11/2015 19:59

Makes me think of cattle rather than a boy's name but I watch too much Countryfile

MyNameIsSuz · 14/11/2015 20:00

I like it! I don't see it as surnamey either, never met anyone with the surname Dexter. It was on our list for a boy.

Original poster
Issie339 · 14/11/2015 20:00

So glad it's not just me crazybaglady!! It sounds like a middle-aged-barrister type name to me or I think of the cute lead character in 'One Day' Confused Yes dapper is a good word choice

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Mouthfulofquiz · 14/11/2015 20:04

I just can't get past the serial killer series - but that won't be in everyone's mind forever so if you like it then go for it!

Original poster
Issie339 · 14/11/2015 20:09

Yes I've seen a lot of serial killer comments about Dexter too but I've never seen that show myself so hoping it's not too popular!

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Jw35 · 14/11/2015 20:10

I kind of love it and hate it. I love the sound but it reminds me of a precocious child for some reason

villainousbroodmare · 14/11/2015 20:11

Actually, on reflection, can I try again?!
It makes me think of a tv series which is no longer running. That's not going to affect your child's peer group.
It's definitely dapper. Jaunty. A Dexter would wear hats a lot and would be a good dancer. Might wear pinstripes. Would have twinkly eyes.
You better go for it.

PS I know several utter gougers with names like John and Charles!

Crazybaglady · 14/11/2015 20:13

Plus he was a good seriel killer anyway...

MythicalKings · 14/11/2015 20:14

I know 2 dogs called Dexter but no humans

BondJayneBond · 14/11/2015 20:17

I would consider it a surname type name. I wouldn't consider it a classic or timeless boys name because of that, it feels pretty modern as a first name to me.

But I don't think it's chavvy. I think it's one of the better surname type first names.

Original poster
Issie339 · 14/11/2015 20:18

Good to know that show is no longer running villainous, that's good news! Sorry if I'm being dense (again!) but what does 'utter gougers' mean? Blush

So good to hear that more people seem to think it's more classic/dapper than 'chavvy'/ made up at the moment...even if it also brings to mind cows and serial killers!

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Original poster
Issie339 · 14/11/2015 20:21

I just don't want to give my baby boy a name that will make people judge him on a CV or put him at any kind of disadvantage Sad I'm probably totally over-thinking this and I blame the pregnancy hormones so thank you all for humouring me!!

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IoraRua · 14/11/2015 20:24

It definitely = serial killer to me. Sorry.
The others his age won't know, but it was very popular so people will have that association.

I don't mind it as a name, but it has a modern (and American) feel to me, rather than classic.

NickNackNooToYou · 14/11/2015 20:26

I love it! It's a really strong no-nonsense name Smile

MythicalKings · 14/11/2015 20:28

It's not classic - it's American, sorry.

villainousbroodmare · 14/11/2015 20:29

Not at all, I mean that I know several horrible characters who happen to have names that would be regarded as solid or traditional.
I don't think it's chavvy or made up. I do think it has a slight American feel to it.
Like all names, you must like how it fits with your surname.

Having just had a baby boy, I don't think choosing a name is something to be done in a slapdash way! When are you due? He's going to be just lovely if he's like his mammy, and he will make his name his own and make it lovely too.

Original poster
Issie339 · 14/11/2015 20:43

Thanks villainous. He's not due until March but we're really struggling with boys names and this was the only one we both liked until I started reading/hearing negative comments about it. We have one DD and didn't struggle with girls names at all, boys names are so much more difficult.

Thank you everyone for the honest opinions both good and bad, I really appreciate it and it's being really helpful.

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