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Original poster

Initials...BJ?!?

34 replies

Jo11319 · 24/02/2019 04:36

Hi, we really want to call our son Benjamin however our surname begins with a J and one of our friends said we shouldn’t give him the initials BJ 🙈 Do you think we should still go with it, or will he be teased later in life?!?

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Sessy19 · 24/02/2019 09:43

This issue is recurring, and you will likely get a 50/50 split on opinions as to whether it is acceptable.

I really do not think that it is. Yes, there may be teasing about it periodically, but bratty kids will find anything to tease a child about, and initials like BJ are far from something to worry over.

Benjamin is a brilliant, strong name.

Original poster
Jo11319 · 24/02/2019 09:58

Hi, thanks for your comments. Are you saying the name Benjamin with a surname J is acceptable or not? X

OP posts:
AuntMarch · 24/02/2019 10:01

I'd add a middle name, so he could use that
as well if he ever needs to use his initials- signing things off at work or something. A BRJ I wouldn't look twice at.

ThanosSavedMe · 24/02/2019 10:02

I wouldn’t. Yes kids will find anything but there’s no need to hand it to them on a plate.

Holidayshopping · 24/02/2019 10:02

This was done on here a few weeks ago, I think.

I absolutely wouldn’t. Kids at secondary school can be total shits about things like this.

llangennith · 24/02/2019 10:08

I wouldn't do it. Plenty of other names to choose from that don't start with a B.

123Flopsy · 24/02/2019 10:37

It's not just kids, in our office we always use initials to identify people, and BJ really isn't great, sorry

123Flopsy · 24/02/2019 10:38

Nobody uses their middle names regularly

PotteringAlong · 24/02/2019 10:39

As a secondary teacher I wouldn’t go with the initials BJ. They will pick up on it.

Cupcakecafe · 24/02/2019 10:41

Depending on if he goes to university or what job he gets his email address or logins could be "bj@" or something similar too.

Pishogue · 24/02/2019 10:44

It wouldn't cost me a second thought.

Mn seems to me to take a weird pleasure in coming up with the most unlikely sexual innuendo about the most innocuous names ('Orla? She'll be called 'Oral' at school! [shocked]') under the guise of 'you know what kids are like' public service.

Alittlebitofthis · 24/02/2019 10:59

I went to school with a Barbara Jane and she did get teased for it so I wouldn't

Ribbonsonabox · 24/02/2019 11:06

Yes. If it's not one thing then it's another... bullys find anything to pick on, dont try and live your life avoiding it. It doesn't work... if it's not the name it's the height, the size, the likes and dislikes....
Absolutely no point in not naming a child something to avoid bullying.
I'm called Lanna and at school I got called Man-ergh.... my friend had the surname Holmes and got called homo... my other friend just got called piggy for no discernable reason... you can literally pick on anyone for anything.
If you love the name then go for it... a parent giving you a name out of love is more valuable than a parent studiously picking the most boring non rhyming name they can to try and save you from a few taunts maybe...

grinningcheshirecat · 24/02/2019 11:06

My first thought was of a character named BJ in the television series MASH. I'm either getting old or boring...

Whisky2014 · 24/02/2019 11:08

No I wouldn't

Bumblebeesmum · 24/02/2019 11:43

I’m amazed someone would even consider this - absolutely no no no no - I knew someone with those initials who got teased relentlessly

Bumblebeesmum · 24/02/2019 11:44

Also I agree that kids should behave & bullying is nasty whatever the cause - but how would you feel as a parent if your child hated the fact you gave them a name you love at the expense of their feelings? I wouldn’t be pleased if my parents set me up like that.

123Flopsy · 24/02/2019 17:54

At work and on documents we're known by our initials. Someone called BJ would definitely be noticed!

daisypond · 24/02/2019 17:56

Boris Johnson seems to have survived... But I agree, I would find another name.

Pishogue · 24/02/2019 18:05

At work and on documents we're known by our initials. Someone called BJ would definitely be noticed!

Surely only by someone with a Carry On film sense of humour? We're all minuted at meetings etc by our initials, and I can honestly say that 'acronyms for sex acts' has never been something that's occurred to me as I've been reading.

Honeybee2928 · 24/02/2019 18:40

Boris is actually is middle name

daisypond · 24/02/2019 18:51

Honey Is it really? I had no idea!

Smiler88 · 24/02/2019 21:27

Dont do it. Why set the kid up for bullying? Because people will take the mickey out of him - children and teenagers can be relentless. He will not thank you for it!

Antonin · 26/02/2019 15:09

Use Benjamin as a middle name and call him by that. Do not give him a first name beginning with A, though.

queenofkale · 26/02/2019 15:14

I really wouldn't. I know a BJ... he didn't enjoy school.

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