Bowie or River

[MrsCharlieD]

Just that really. I want River Nathaniel, dh wants Bowie River. I'm a Bowie fan but ds already has a music heavy name. We're probably considered a pretty alternative couple so these name choices wouldn't be considered out there for us but I'm conscious our child may not be anything like us (although ds is already starting to be). What do you think? Is Bowie useable or will it date terribly?

I think Bowie is terribly wanky and try-hard, sorry. Awful, just awful. I hate names that show that people are clearly trying to instill 'coolness' in their child.

River slightly less awful but still naff. How about Rio?

I think Bowie is really naff. Sorry! River is much better. I wouldn't really describe either of them as alternative though.

David River?

Bowie? Seriously?

People can be really pissy about names that aren't James or James-sequel in real life and here, so my advice is just to have the courage of your convictions because they stop being out there as names and one day they are just your kids names iyswim?

The only thing about Bowie is the constant pronunciation issue.

*James-esque

I'm on the fence. My nephew is called Hendrix and I thought that was massively wanky at first but now he just suits it. But I agree, biggest problem with Bowie is whether you say it like Zoe or Bowie (with o as in out). David??

I want to know the name of your ds

River is a good name.
What about Wake or Rozen?

"really pissy about names that aren't James"

I really like River Nathaniel, but Bowie River is awful, sorry. Makes me think of learning about rivers in gcse geography for some reason.

River Nathaniel is flippin awesome!!

Bowie is not useable, sorry. I'm fine with names that aren't "James-esque" but it literally feels like you're naming your child after your favorite singer who recently died. Unless he was also a family member or close friend, it just feels ... too much.

I like River well enough. It's not what I would use but it's fine.

My friends dog was called Bowie.

John not keen on Rio, to me that is a footballer name and chavvy. It's weird how people perceive things so differently.

We also have Nate River on the list but I don't feel it flows well (forgive the pun)! I'm not sold on Bowie either. I like Beau but dh vetoed. Ah why are names so hard!

I really like both actually, but then my son's name is Marley (after Bob, obv!) so might be a little biased!

David Bowies son had a super cool name who changed it as soon as he was old enough to. You might think the names you think up are great but you don't have to live with them

I'm afraid to say both sound awful. Bowie river is dire.

Howard Donald from Take That named his son Bowie.

Not keen on either but I think you should persuade your DH to call him Beau.

David Bowies son had a super cool name who changed it as soon as he was old enough to.

No. David Bowie's son has always been called Duncan.

Bowie is painfully try hard, River isn't my cup of tea (if we had a boy he'd have been Kit) but River is a million miles better than Bowie. And if he grows up not liking the name then it'll probably be shortened to Riv which isn't bad at all.

Neither.

I would have to say neither as well. River reeks of Jamie Oliver. Bowie, well, is someone's surname.

I just can't imagine when I was out with the DC wanting to shout 'River!' or 'Bowie!' in a public space.

Oh yes Jamie Oliver's latest is River isn't it? River Rocket or something.

David Bowie was a global rock superstar and yet people were still unsure how to pronounce his name. I'd steer clear.

River Nathanial is pretty cool. Not my choice (I have a James-esque 😁) but I like it.