HELP - I’ve had a name wobble.

[jennifersarah]

Honest opinions please on the name:
Herbert
Yes or No (and reason too if you have one)

Herbert is awful sorry. I think the old man /lady name trend is going to far.

Are you going to shorten it? Bertie and Herbie are both ok. DS has a Bertie in his class, I have no idea if it's a nn for Albert or Herbert (or if he's just a Bertie)

I have heard herbert used to mean numpty/idiot though which would put me off

I'm not keen on the name but don't think there's anything intrinsically wrong with it. Just another old man name to me and not a style I like. Hate Arthur, George, Edward etc too.

"I know I shouldn’t really care what people think if we both love the name"

Yes you should. You are naming someone else who can't consent. It matters a lot what other people think-your child will be dealing with what other people think for 90 years.

Herbert is awful. Bertie is sweet for a little boy though.

I don’t like it I’m afraid. Also think of calling someone a ‘right Herbert’. Sorry.

Awful

@kimjong no I really don't think it is.

Herbert is a perfectly valid name, if it's not offensive or weird then why shouldn't the OP use it? I have a very 80's name that I'm not overly keen on but it's hardly been a huge issue in my life!

My DS and DD have plain, safe names because that's just the style I happen to like but DS' often gets absolutely slated on here should we have an approved list perhaps?

My DS has suffered extreme bullying for 7 years and not once have I worried that it's my fault for naming him wrong 🙄

Surprised at all the Herbert hate! But after reading up, and your comments, I understand why it might not be a good idea. This is going to be a tough conversation with DH...wish me luck!!

I know two Herbert’s under five, both in liberal urban neighbourhoods. One known as Herb the other as Bertie. Both named after family, I like it.

“Herbert is a perfectly valid name,”

Of course it is. It is also a widely used word to describe a bit of an idiot.

And no, I don’t think kids get bullied because of their names much either. But they do get teased. Which gets very tedious. And having a name which means people hide a smile gets very tedious too. Why do it?

Who's giving birth, you or him? Do not agree to a name you don't love.

I had a neighbour who used to refer to the neighbour on the other side as "a right Herbert". He meant idiot.

It's a shocking name.

Sorry OP but no !

No, I just think there are so many names and Herbert is just awful. Sorry.

Wally is a valid name too.

No (sorry)

Do you like Gilbert?

Definitely not Herbert, but I like Herbie.
How about Harvey ?

No.

I've never heard of Herbert being used as an insult. But the fact that it is in some places, means maybe it's not a great name to choose.

In the same way that the names Dick, Gaylord, Fanny, Gaye etc. are perfectly good names... except... no.

Well I love it! Traditional, unusual and great nickname potential. Family link, too. I was put off a name for DS after googling but have regretted it ever since.
So i’m going against the grain and saying use it! You could always use as middle name if you really have been put off but not quite the same, I know.

You and your OH aren't going to be the ones lumbered with this shocker for the rest of your lives! Poor baby. It's like Albert or Cyril or Wilfrid!

To really don't like it sorry. I do like Bertie though

@TheKimJongUnofFeminism well someone got up on the wrong side of the bed today

If you and you're oh love the name then go with it! It's SO tough choosing a baby name but they are YOUR child. So many babies have unique names now and I love it!
Everyone grows in to their own names and makes it their own. They won't get bullied because of their name. I have a unique name and have never once been picked on for my name. My DS has a unique name and it's just funny when people ask what his name is and to see them respond.. but most of the time you get amazing responses as it's something different! Who wants to have a baby that's got the same name as everyone else in their year?!

If you're going to shorten the name as well then it's great as it's a name that can grow with him. He can be herby/Bertie while he's little as that's cute! And then Bert/Herb/Herbert when he's older

Don't worry about him being picked on because of the name. Kids won't think anything of a name as they have no understanding of if a names 'different' or whatever reasons are behind a name.. they're more likely to be picked on for other reasons