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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Oakley? Too “unusual”?

101 replies

LaceyB1995 · 17/03/2019 18:31

We’ve chosen our baby boys name, we always wanted something unusual but not weird.

One of my friends has said it’s too unusual and American (even though it’s an old English name). Now I’m slightly second guessing whether it is out-there and not just unusual?

What’s everyone’s opinions on Oakley? Smile

OP posts:
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anniehm · 17/03/2019 20:42

It's a surname - very American. Imagine it on a cv - would it help or hinder getting a job when up against a James or Matthew? Cute names for a baby aren't always cute at 22.

Giraffle · 17/03/2019 20:46

@anniehm as someone who has a surname as a first name, and a name that became more popular in recent years. Think it’s funny when people say that as I’ve never had any issue in getting job interviews and actually getting a job! My name is Lacey and also can be linked to other things so pretty sure it won’t affect him Hmm

snowone · 17/03/2019 20:48

I know a girl and a boy Oakley - it's not my cup of tea but he's your baby Smile

RayaJambalaya · 17/03/2019 21:11

Never heard of the sunglasses. Wouldn't worry too much about that. It's not a big deal. I love the name Oakley!

Giraffle · 17/03/2019 21:14

@RayaJambalaya thank you! Good to know I’m not the only one who didn’t know haha
I’m not worried about comparisons, my name is Lacey and have had that compared to several things over the years, isn’t the end of the world haha

leonasa · 17/03/2019 21:19

Immediately think the sunglasses. Some people might not have heard of it but it is a massive brand and has been for at least the last 25+ years, so an awful lot of people would immediately go to that. Also as it's a kind of surf/skate sunglasses brand I think surfer/skater dude.

EdWinchester · 17/03/2019 21:20

Just naff.

Pemba · 17/03/2019 21:21

Sounds like a furniture brand. Why would you?

Sunshinewithshowers123 · 17/03/2019 21:22

@Heratnumber7 Ned Flanders was my first thought too.

Gulsink · 17/03/2019 21:24

Can you imagine meeting a grown man called Oakley? What would you think?
You spend more of your life with your name as an adult than a child, so what seems cute for a baby/toddler may not suit a grown up.

flowerstar19 · 17/03/2019 21:30

Sorry I thought sunglasses too as DH has a pair!

Marmite27 · 17/03/2019 21:31

Goggles or a very vicious West Highland Terrier for me.

Giraffle · 17/03/2019 21:36

@gulsick I would think that’s a good name? Silly question to ask really. I never understand when people say “their name is a baby name not an adult name” you grow with your name, it becomes your identity. Also name trends change all the time, one day the names most popular now like Oliver and Olivia, or David and Alison in a previous generation will seem unusual for a baby. As I said in a previous post, when I was little there were no other Lacey’s about, and more recently it became more popular and I know of a few little girls called Lacey who are under 10.

Thank you for your opinion, we’ve Come to the conclusion we won’t be changing his name, we love it and I’m sure he will too so that’s the main thing. Smile will remember not to ask for opinions in the future as this has proved it really doesn’t matter Smile

fillmyglassplease · 17/03/2019 21:40

Sunglasses

lazymare · 17/03/2019 21:43

It's a not very naice place near where I live. And sounds a bit like a cartoon character.

Sorry!

MaryBoBary · 17/03/2019 21:46

This is what I would call a horse if I had one. Not a child. I know of a boy who’s about 9/10 called this and it just sounds so weird to me every time I hear it out loud.

Whereareyouspot · 17/03/2019 21:48

Noooooo! It’s terrible
Very try hard and yes it’s an overpriced sunglasses brand and EVERYONE else will think of that even if you didn’t

Honestly don’t do this to your baby

GreigLaidlawsbarofsoap · 17/03/2019 21:51

Ooh @Marmite27 I wonder if it's the same one, I also know an anklebiter terrier named Oakley!!

Sorry OP to me it's definitely a dog name!

Giraffle · 17/03/2019 21:53

@greiglaidlawsbarofsoap haha it’s okay that’s your opinion Smile I have a pug named Penny (Penelope) which loads of people consider a human name but I can’t see past it being my dog haha

GreigLaidlawsbarofsoap · 17/03/2019 21:53

And you've had a name change fail I think OP Lacey to @Giraffle ?

SauvingnonBlanketyBlanc · 17/03/2019 21:54

I work in a school and there is one Oakley,I love it tbh.Never heard of the sunglasses

Barrenfieldoffucks · 17/03/2019 21:55

Sunglasses. I know a few though, I have a lot of surfer/yachty friends 😪

Barrenfieldoffucks · 17/03/2019 21:55

Wrong emoji! 😁

Giraffle · 17/03/2019 21:59

@greiglaidlawsbarofsoap it appears I have? I wonder what happened there Hmm

@barrenfieldofffucks I’m from Cornwall originally perhaps that’s why I like it so much!

EvilTwins · 17/03/2019 21:59

Surname.

Loads of kids at my secondary school (Shropshire) were Oakleys (surname that is) It’s a common local name because of the number of oak trees - it means clearing (ley) in the oak trees/oak forest.