River

[brookeberry]

I'm finding it hard to decide on a boy's name. We have a strong middle name (my maiden name) and a one sylllable quite odd surname. What do you think of River?

It makes me think of the female character in Doctor Who (who I think I saw in the trailer for the Christmas special). There are an awful lot of Whovians out there, and she's a prominent character.

Love it. I knew a River and was gorgeous.

We are thinking of using this for our girl. It's pretty unisex and I like it.

I see it as more of a girl's name, due to the doctor who character and then the two children I know with the name.

Makes me think of River Phoenix so I'm a fan

I love it, I've heard it a few times recently.

I know a two. To me, in my very honest opinion, it sounds like a name you would use if trying to be very cool and different and original. But others are trying to do the same and coming up with the same name.

It is a pretty name though. Think I prefer it for a girl for that reason.

Thanks for your thoughts! Actually it is beautiful as a girl's name. I do like unisex names.

I know what you mean bendy and that is a small worry. We're not total hippies, but we do love nature names without being too over the top.

Good name for a native american.

Nice, for a boy or a girl. It's the kind of name that a child of imaginative, possibly arty, rather than hippy, parents would choose. Good choice!

I like it for a boy.

I like it.

Like it for a boy and think it has a lovely sound but don't think I'd be brave enough to use it.

Love it. It was top 3 for my ds. It does make me think of river phoenix also so you'll probably get that a lot x gorgeous name x

I know two baby Rivers, both boys, I like it.

Boy yes girl no. And it's seriously over used at the minute.

I love it for either sex, and I know 2 boys with this name.

I prefer Oxbow Lake.

Kelly Clarkson's daughter is called River.

I like it, for either sex.

It's not really a name is it?

I'd assume you were a big fan of River Phoenix, or a wannabee hippy.

I thought of River Song (female Doctor Who character) too, although River Phoenix would be my second association. It must be annoying if you have one of those genderless names to have to keep telling people who you are, but if you like it go for it.

I love it, but I think it depends on a few things. What kind of family you are, a bit quirky? Also if future/previous siblings will deffo have "different" names.

I speak as a parent who choose unusual names for our kids, no regrets!

It's beautiful. I think of it as a girls name, but is very much unisex.

Love it! I think in the last 20 years at least it's become more and more established as a name.