Opinions?

[joybaxter]

I met the sweetest old man a few weeks ago; he was 91 years old and still active. He runs a public swimming pool with his wife, and I must say, for some odd reason he left such an impact on me. He was kind, calm, and chivalrous, and I felt an immediate kinship with him. I've always been the type to make connections with people, and I've decided to name my son due in a month after him: Clare. I know it's regarded as a girl's name, and my husband's pointed that out, but I've met a few male Clares throughout my life, and it doesn't seem all that far-fetched. Opinions? Thanks!

Awful. Poor kid.

I like it. It's a classic name that was overused in the 70s but it's still nice. I prefer the Claire spelling.

It is not at all well known as a boys name anymore. It is a nice name, and the sentiment is wonderful, but I would be inclined to use it as a middle name and use a name more commonly used for boys as a first name. I grew up with an unusual name (at the time, very popular now) and it was the source of a lot of teasing at school.

Oh. Gosh. I’m 27 and have NEVER even heard of a male Clare.

Personally, I think it’s asking for trouble for your DS. Sorry, but you did ask...

Don't be silly OP, you're just teasing us aren't you?

As an aside, what is it at the moment in this topic with so many threads about boys potentially being given traditionally female names, or boys being teased because their name sounds feminine? There have been several of them lately

A lovely idea but I would avoid using it as a first name, your child will have to live with that for the rest of his life and may not be too pleased when he grows up!x

I’ve never heard it as a boy’s name before, but I like it. I would associate Claire with a girl so think Clare would be best for a boy.
Bit like Francis or Kelly can be both.

Could it actually be short for something like Clarence or Claremont?

To me the problem is that your child will go to school with plenty of children who have a mother/aunt/grandmother called Clare (it's those generations) so his class mates will think of it as a girls name.

He’s your husband’s son too don’t forget!

I know a male Stacey - it's just his name and doesn't raise any eyebrows at all! A name becomes the person once baby is here in my opinion. I do love different names x

Oops! I missed the 'son' bit. How about Sinclair?

I went to school with a male Kelly.
Grief every day ..

Whilst it's a sweet idea, your son will probably get a lot a teasing at school for having a 'girls' name... I'd maybe use it as a middle name if it means that much to you and let your DH choose the first name

but I've met a few male Clares throughout my life

Doubt it.

The only Clare I've heard of for a male is Angel Clare from Tess of the D'Urbervilles.

Really wouldn't OP.

I know a male Clair but spelled this way.

Bloody awful. What about Clarence or Clary maybe?

Er...no.

Why would you intentionally wish so much grief on a child?

Not good

Clarence is a great suggestion!

eek!

Awful. Have if as a middle name if you must but don’t inflict it on your child as a first name.

No.

I know a male Sinclair (I'm guessing the origin would be from St Clair). I wouldn't call a boy Clare.