River

[brookeberry]

Hi all, I've asked about this before but it really is decision time for us very soon!

We are having a little boy and just can't settle on a name, but we both like River. We're not huge hippies (can you still say that word?), but we're not completely traditional either - artistic and nature-loving I suppose, with a toe in the business world.

But of course, it's about him - I think it sounds gentle but strong. What do you think?

I love it, and especially love it for a boy. I know 3. Go for it!

Thanks for all the great feedback, I appreciate it

Do just bear in mind your son may not be sporty, or arty, or cool. I would always be a bit cautious about giving a child a name they had to 'live up to' if you see what I mean.

I don't really like it as a first name but i think it could be quite nice as a middle name x

That's good advice whatthe. We're trying to do that - imagine all the different ways he might be. And yes, you want the name to sit right no matter what and of course we want him to like his own name. I didn't realise it would be so hard to find a name that we're 100% sure about. We are sure about the middle name - my maiden name which is sometimes used at a first name now. So that was easy, but we are finding it hard to commit to the first name.

A girl i know just called her baby River, i think its lovely.

love it, wish i was brave enough!

Thanks all for the feedback. We're 80% decided, and it does help to have general feedback to see if we can get to 100%. Choosing a name feels like such a commitment

I love it.

You will never get 100% unless you go for something along the lines of James or William.

I love the name River. Go for it!

I like River - it's something different, but I do prefer Phoenix!

I love it. It would suit a strong or sensitive man so don't worry about that.

My little boy is called River- Jay. We love it and think it really suits him. We didn't fancy calling our child a popular name or something that's been around the mill a few times.

It's one of those names I secretly like but wouldn't use myself. Its a boy name to me. It's definitely soft and strong. I wouldn't worry about kids not living up to their name, if that was true we wouldn't put so much thought into it! There's power in a name imo.

These are lovely comments, thank you. DH and I discussed it last night and I think both our hearts are set, we do love it. (we're already referring to the baby by his name). It's the only name that we love, everything else is just 'like'.

Thank you for taking the time to comment - it helps to know that in general the wider world doesn't hate it