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Original poster

Assumptions based on child's name Robert

76 replies

Dogadviceneeded · 18/02/2016 18:51

Of course I know that no one should form assumptions based on a child's (or adult's) name, but I'm sure lots of people do (even if they don't act on it). What assumptions would you make about a little boy named Robert/Rob/Robby? Or if you wouldn't make any, what assumptions do you think others might make?

Yes, I know I am being ridiculous, please humour me!

OP posts:
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unicornthong · 18/02/2016 20:08

I just can't imagine looking at a tiny newborn and bestowing the name Robert upon him. Shock same with Bruce, Keith, Colin and other 'dad' names.

However, I really like Bobby and Rob.

MrsJayy · 18/02/2016 20:10

If i was to make assumptions I would assumed Baby Robert was named after Dad Robert the robs bobbys and robbies i know are named after dads and grandads but its a fine name

KenDoddsDadsDog · 18/02/2016 20:11

Family name here - Roberts for generations ! All Rob not Bob.

SonyaAtTheSamovar · 18/02/2016 20:13

Like it. Hear it more in Scotland.

OlafLovesAnna · 18/02/2016 20:42

I like it a lot. It's solid and has good 'adult' potential (not in a weird way) with Rob.

I do not like Bertie as a nn though, bizarrely infantilising on an adult.

ApocalypseNowt · 18/02/2016 20:46

Inoffensive....nothing wrong with it. I just find it a bit boring if I'm honest...

CityFox · 18/02/2016 20:51

I'd assume it was a family name, possible Scottish connections. But that's only because you ask, I probably wouldn't think twice in RL. Robbie is nice.

Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g · 18/02/2016 21:03

Robert is a lovely name. Lots of history, will never become dated. Everybody can pronounce it on sight. Everybody knows how to spell it. These are good qualities in a name.

Lots of Robs about these days, fewer Robbies/Bobs/Bobbies (under 50 and outside Scotland, anyway). They're all fine too.

StDogolphin · 18/02/2016 21:04

Good solid name, a Robert would be reliable, friendly person, Rob would be a good mate, Robbie a cute cheeky son.

EnriqueTheRingBearingLizard · 18/02/2016 21:13

I think it's a very positive boys' name. Very adaptable for child and adulthood and any kind of walk of life, lots of short forms to choose from.

NightWanderer · 18/02/2016 21:16

DS's middle name is Ribert. Yes, named after a family member and yes, a Scottish connection.

Is this one of these social experiment threads?

thegiddylimit · 18/02/2016 21:18

DS's middle name, DB and DDad's name. I love it, although all the assumptions above are correct: we're Scottish and the eldest son is always called Robert in my family.

228agreenend · 18/02/2016 21:19

A good solid name.

I know a 13 year old and 18 year old name.

DragonboysMum · 18/02/2016 21:30

I'd assume Scottish roots too.
And also good taste - but that's because I have a 13 month old one but we all call him Bob Smile

girlintheriver · 18/02/2016 21:32

I have a Robert, Bob as he's known at school. He's 7.
It's a good strong solid name

KatieT12 · 18/02/2016 23:13

Robert - I'd think 'upper-class'.

Rob - not particularly fashionable (it's a dated name, IMO) but nothing terrible!

Robby - nothing, I went to school with one and didn't think anything! Mind you, I'd assume he was cute...

I think Robert is a good name, Robby is lovely for a kid and Rob is great for an adult!

pickmeupputmedown · 18/02/2016 23:17

Lovely traditional name. Have an uncle in his 60's with this name and know of a 2 year old Robert nn Robbie

Absolutelyfabulously · 19/02/2016 03:12

Solid, nice, normal name, but really don't like the nn's Rob, Robbie or Bob which he'd inevitably get. (Unless it was Bert which is cute!)

ddeemummy · 19/02/2016 06:34

Its a nice name I know a few adults called it including my brother and my husbands late father so its my sons middle name. Never hear of a child called it although Bobby and RObbie seem to be getting really popular.

Robert should deffinately make a come back

Original poster
Dogadviceneeded · 19/02/2016 07:07

Thanks all!

The little boy in question would have a Scottish dad and be named for his grandad, which I guess goes to show that sometimes assumptions are correct Smile

OP posts:
throckenholt · 19/02/2016 08:04

As long as the second name isn't Titchner then I would have no real assumptions.

I have a Robert (Robbie) - it is also his dad's middle name and his grandad's name - plus other more distant family names. But actually it was the only name we both agreed on (so we used it despite family connections rather than because of them).

To me it is traditional, but fairly classless and never one of the most popular names. It works in a lot of cultures, and has lots of variations of nick names so is a flexible name.

Bottom line though - if you like it, use it :)

Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g · 19/02/2016 08:37

throckenholt Grin I was thinking that last night! It's an Archers reference, for those who don't listen.

ThroughThickAndThin01 · 19/02/2016 08:39

Really nice name.

littlepinkmouseofsugar · 19/02/2016 12:56

It's a great name as it's not too wacky, well known but not top 10 or too trendy either. I like it's versatility re nicknames as well - throws in Robin as an option as well as Bobby, Bertie, Rob, Bob etc. It's a good solid name.

Meeep · 19/02/2016 13:24

I'd probably think "That makes a nice change from all the Arlo and Noahs."

I don't dislike Arlo or Noah. But Robert would be quite refreshing!