Can we name a baby after a dog?!

[Sranso]

Hi all, DW and I are due in the new year with our second daughter. DD1 is 3 and a half and wants to have a part in naming her sister. She'd like to call the baby Ruby and has been doing so since we told her we were expecting about three months ago. The problem is, neither DW or I are sure on it, and she only wants it because she briefly met a dog called Ruby...once

She's really stuck on it though.

Wanted to get views on the name, whether it's OK to name a child after a dog we don't really know (!), and how to manage her disappointment if not.

Other options we're considering are Isobel and April.

Thanks!

Oh bless her, it's a lovely name!

Your baby, your name! You choose, not a child.

The dog is irrelevant. I like Ruby. Is the baby due in April? I wouldn't call her April if she were born in January...

My DC only got a say in what we called our dog not there siblings. I like Isobel and April btw

Maybe when the baby is born you could treat Dd1 to a doll and she could call that Ruby? Just an idea.

As an aside, I know someone who was very close to naming her dd after a much-loved, lond dead dog. Who was called...Queenie !

Oh, and Isobel is far too popular imo and April...umm...no (April Fool?).

My mum and Dad let me 'pick' my sisters name. After months of saying 'isn't (name) a nice name?' I thought I'd chosen!

My parents changed my name shortly after I was born. When my baby sister was due five years later I was determined that they would use 'my' name for her. They didn't. I forgot about it once they introduced her with her proper name, it didn't make me feel left out. Just being part of the discussion is enough.

Also, I really love both Ruby and Isobel. I would go for Isobel Ruby, then you have a name you love as the first name, and DD's friendly dog features in a less obvious way but she's still chosen a name.

It's funny hearing some of the feedback because DW and I have actually said the only way we'd not consider April is if she was going to be born in April. Too much like signposting for us!

I agree with you about April. It's a bit twee if you name her that if she's born in April. Fine any other time!

I also like Ruby better than Isobel or April, but if you and your DH don't like it then I think pps suggestions of buying a doll for her named Ruby, and calling the baby Isobel Ruby are the way to get your DD onside.

Isobel Ruby would be nice.

April Fool
Isobel necessary on a bike
Ruby ruby ruby ruby ah ah ah ah ah ah
That’s my first thought on hearing all of these names I’m afraid.

Ruby is a good name. Use it as a middle name maybe?

I’d think it was more weird to name a child after a dog that was firmly in your life than after a random dog you don’t really know...

At least it’s a pretty and sensible name! My toddler wants to call his new sister Peter Rabbit...

Isobel is my favourite spelling! It’s an extremely popular name. In the five years I’ve been a Brownie leader we’ve never not had at least two out of 24 girls called Isabelle/Isabel/Isabella/Isobel/Bella. It’s a gorgeous name of course which is why it’s so popular. I really like Izzy as a nn

Isobel Ruby sounds nice

Dh used to have a dog called Toby which is why Toby/Tobias didn't make the shortlist.

DD age 3 should not be naming her sibling. Ruby is OK but she might have chosen Unicorn, Mermaid, Peppa Pig or Tinky Winky.

My dm Had a dog called Dylan when she was younger and one of my sons is named Dylan

A family I know have a sibling and a dog, both called Mikey. The dog has to be called Mikey the Dog.