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Baby names

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

Original poster

Is this a bit brave?

80 replies

newroundhere · 30/07/2016 01:39

DS1 was born 3 days ago and we still need to agree a first name. Most of the names we like are quite traditional / conservative (James, Alexander, Benjamin, Adam, Thomas) and the middle name is definitely going to be Robert.

However, DH and I both randomly like the name Torben, which is of Danish origin - no family links, we just like it. We're worried that it's a bit unusual - will people know how to spell / pronounce it, does it sound a bit trendy, are we brave enough to go for something out of the ordinary...??

So, any thoughts on Torben? With Ben as the nickname? Thanks! Smile

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scoobyloobyloo · 30/07/2016 06:18

I am a big fan of original names which are still names but really don't like Torben. Round these parts Tors relate to the peaks of the moors which I always think of as dark, wet and gloomy. I also know two grown up Tors and I find it a really awkward name for an adult.

BUT! If we all went for the same names, the world would be a very boring place!

SkydivingFerret · 30/07/2016 06:20

Torben not torrent!

blitheringbuzzards1234 · 30/07/2016 06:34

Torben sounds reasonable but would your child complain/ever forgive you for giving him a name that he has to explain every time he has to mention it? It could get tiresome after a while.

My friend has an unusual Polish name which is pronounced differently to how it's spelled. She has to explain it so often it's annoying to her. When her baby sister was born she begged her mother to give her an English name so she was given an English first name with Polish middle name.

CatNip2 · 30/07/2016 06:34

I think it's lovely, and now you gave posted it on MN there will be 100 little boys called it do not that unusual Grin

Seriously, it's very nice, unusual and with the Ben option and a sensible middle name, go for it!

dippywhentired · 30/07/2016 06:59

I think it's nice, and I like traditional names usually. If you wanted something similar, but English, how about Tobyn?

Original poster
newroundhere · 30/07/2016 07:36

No name is going to be universally popular but it doesn't sound like a weird choice Grin

Thanks for the reassurance! Think we just need to be brave....

OP posts:
SpecialAgentFreyPie · 30/07/2016 07:56

Well I have never, ever, ever liked a 'speshul' name or most regular ones but Torben is fab!

neonrainbow · 30/07/2016 08:00

It's really not that out there. Your traditional choices are just a little bit boring. I like it.

PotOfYoghurt · 30/07/2016 08:12

It's very unusual that the majority of a baby names thread is positive, so trust that you've picked a good one Grin

user7755 · 30/07/2016 08:15

Isn't there a character on game of thrones called Torben?

HettyB · 30/07/2016 08:19

I love it. It's on my list for no2 but DH isn't keen. Also DD has a Scandi name and another one would definitely mean people assumed we are Scandinavian!
Use it for me!

TheVeryHungryDieter · 30/07/2016 08:22

I love Torben. I also love Scandi-drama, so it feels familiar to me.

And I live in London, so I don't see anything wrong with having a name that isn't classic British. Most people here are from just about anywhere and even a "Dave" you meet could be short for David or Davinder - it doesn't matter in the least. I know any number of small children with British accents and unusual names.

That said, I don't like my own ethnic name but that's just because it's Irish and extremely unpronounceable to just about everyone. Torben has no such problems. Simple and classic, just not obviously British.

NiceCuppaTeaAndASitDown · 30/07/2016 08:25

user7755, I think you're thinking of Tormund. No Torben as far as I know, and I've read all the books and watched every episode.

I absolutely love the name, but with a surname of Roberts I don't think I would use it for anagram reasons - although it might be entertaining to see if people spot it or not!

SlinkyB · 30/07/2016 08:26

I like it! Be brave Smile

MrsJoeyMaynard · 30/07/2016 08:31

Is it pronounced as it looks? Tor-Ben?

If so, I can't see many problems with spelling or pronunciation. It's unusual, at least in the UK, but if I met a Torben (or interviewed one), I'd assume some Scandinavian family links rather than parents picking an unusual name for the sake of being different.

ExitPursuedByABear · 30/07/2016 08:37

I like it. Invent some Danish ancestry just for the fun of it.

ineedamoreadultieradult · 30/07/2016 08:37

I like it but I never understand people choosing the nickname. Surely nicknames are something that evolve naturally We have a Thomas we call him Thomas as that's the name we chose his Grandparents call him Tommy and his friends call him Tom. If you like Torben call him Torben and see what his nickname becomes it might be Ben but more likely Tor. Or it might be both. But if you name him Torben and call him Ben he will always be Ben and he might prefer Torben.

CarlGrimesMissingEye · 30/07/2016 08:38

I think it's a great name.

Sophronia · 30/07/2016 08:48

I think it's ok, I prefer the similar Torin though

user7755 · 30/07/2016 10:14

Aah yes, Tormund - thats him. Big hairy fella?

NiceCuppaTeaAndASitDown · 30/07/2016 10:24

That's the one!

SteviebunsBottrittrundle · 30/07/2016 11:35

Lovely! If definitely go for it.

SteviebunsBottrittrundle · 30/07/2016 11:35

*I'd

mummytime · 30/07/2016 12:34

The only problem I have is if you use it with Robert - it would bug me as being an almost anagram.

ThroughThickAndThin01 · 30/07/2016 12:37

I like it but prefer Tor to Ben as a shortening. Many Bens around from Benjamin and Benedict. If you are going for brave then be brave! He could always use Ben if he really feels he wants to.