Can we call our baby boy this with our surname?

[Blursula]

First time posting.

We love the name Gabriel, and assume it will definitely get shortened to Gabe (at school/by friends if not by us - even though I do prefer Gabriel).

However, our surname starts with a B, so said out loud as a full name and Gabe gets lost - it just sounds like Gay (think Gabe Brown). Part of me thinks this is bound to invite teasing, while the other wonders if I'm over thinking it. Thoughts?

Children don’t get picked on for their name, they’re picked on because they’re vulnerable in some way, lack confidence etc. It would be the same whatever they’re called.

I see what you mean - I would be less bothered by the 'Gay' shortening and possible teasing than the fact that the sounds don't really go - Gabe Brown doesn't work, so if you do want him to be Gabe then it's clunky. And yes he would have an adult life where he's introducing himself as 'Gabe Brown' in lots of situations, and then have folk assuming he's said Gay.

Everyone seems to put Rafael/Raphael in the same bracket as Gabriel. How about Rafe Brown/ Rafael Brown? Goes better.