Oakley? Too “unusual”?

[LaceyB1995]

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?

I actually have come across an Oakley before (and I live in London). v pretty imo x

I love it! There was an Oakley on one of the CBeebies programmes. Not sure if it's still on.

I heard a mum calling this name today and thought to myself how awful it sounded! Sorry.

I dont think the sunglasses brand is that big of a deal if you love it. So what? It's not like an embarrassing association.

If you love it, go for it :)

People will think you've named him after the sunglasses brand. Like people who call their daughter 'Gucci'.

Thank you all

@Rachelhaydenberk1 thank you! And definitely not embarrassing at all, I was more embarrassed I didn’t know it was a brand haha

I know a little girl called Oakleigh. I would think.of it as a girls name rather than a boys.

It's also the name of two villages in Essex - Great and Little Oakley

Personally I don't like it but choose a name you like.

@Gulsink Tell us what you’d think if you met someone called Oakley because I’m pretty sure that says more about you then it would about them.
There will be adults called Evie, Teddy, Albie etc, I’m sure we’ll all cope. And I’m sure they’ll all get jobs.

I thought this was a thread about sunglasses. I wouldn't want to be named after a popular brand. If you had another name in mind that you like just as much I would go for that.

@Giraffle I follow twin girls on Instagram called Taytum and Oakley! And another woman who has a son named Oakley. So I'm used to seeing it all the time. My daughter had a name that sounds similar to a brand. My Dad was joking about it, but he is called Alan and I pointed out that you have Allen Keys soooo who cares.

If you do go ahead with the name Oakley (which I really hope you do) people who know him (especially those who actually matter) will associate the name to him and not the sunglasses, even if they have heard of them. And I can totally see the name on a grown man. There are plenty of grown men who go by 'Teddy' which I think has a similar (but more common) feel to Oakley.

That was meant to say my daughter has a name (not had)

Just go a touch down market and go for Foster Grant

I did think glasses, my DH has some!

I know an Oakland which I prefer

How about Foster Grant?

Ah, Tiger, you beat me to it

It's lovely - I know a gorgeous 20 something called Oakley & big shock - he has a job!! Ignore all the negative comments if you like it, go for it.

Unusual but kind of cool - Oak , Oakley has a ring to it .

I know two kids with that name.

I no 3 girls with that name so yes I would say its unusual for a boy but how would he feel when hes at school surrounded by girls with that name but its your choice if you love it go for it.

Sunglasses. I do know a few children called Oakley but they are all girls.

I don't usually like "surnamey" names but this one kind of appeals to me for some reason. I know of two teenage boys called it, and at least one of them is rather cool (I don't know much about the other one). I'm surprised to hear it is also used for girls - it sounds very boy-ey to me!

Sounds like a new build housing estate

Only if he has a sister called Annie...