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Baby names

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

Original poster

Bracing myself for negative reactions...

40 replies

mamablondie · 17/04/2020 20:35

Advice please!

DH and I have finally settled on a name we love, after a lot (and I mean a lot) of discussion. We have chosen Willow. However, I’m bracing myself for negative responses particularly from my in laws. I just have a feeling they will have strong views - any advice on what to say?

This is my second baby and my first has a fairly common yet lovely (IMO) name. There wasn’t as much room for ‘debate’ with it if that makes sense. TIA

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peperethecat · 17/04/2020 20:36

Are you planning to tell them the name before or after the baby is born?

bridgetreilly · 17/04/2020 20:36

Don't tell them until the baby is born. It's much harder for people to criticise it at that point, and it's obviously a done deal. If you tell them in advance, they'll feel free to share their opinions and persuade you to change your mind.

OhioOhioOhio · 17/04/2020 20:39

Don't tell them until she's born.

Original poster
mamablondie · 17/04/2020 20:39

@peperethecat I can’t decide, part of me feels like if we did then they have some time to just get over it before she is here. But maybe that’s too optimistic?

OP posts:
iano · 17/04/2020 20:40

Nah they'll just moan at you. Wait until she's born. They'll have to lump it

BuffaloCauliflower · 17/04/2020 20:41

Don’t tell anyone till baby is here and has the name. It’s much harder for people to bitch about an actual person

Polly99 · 17/04/2020 20:41

If you tell people your chosen name before the baby is born you aren't giving them time to accept it, you are asking their opinion and possibly their permission. Don't do it.

Tell them her name when they meet her.

ofwarren · 17/04/2020 20:42

Don't tell them till she is born.
Cute name btw

Mmsnet101 · 17/04/2020 20:42

Willow is lovely and quite common for the last few years so not totally out there. As others have said, just don't tell them in advance and if they do say anything just point out they had their turn naming DH, it's now your turn to name your own dc. Lots forget they went through the same when they were in the same position!

Mrsbclinton · 17/04/2020 20:42

I think its a beautiful name.

I wouldnt entertain in laws or anyone else who has anything negative to say about the name you have chosen for your baby.

If you haven’t had baby yet dont discuss the name or possible choices with anyone.

Simply introduce / state baby name.
If they are negative, smile and say something like “we love her name or thats her name” & leave it at that!

nicky7654 · 17/04/2020 20:42

My baby Granddaughter is called Willow and it suits her .

Quartz2208 · 17/04/2020 20:43

I was expecting something far different to willow! Willow is a very nice and lovely name

WutheringShites86 · 17/04/2020 20:43

Willow is lovely! It's on my maybe list. If you and your other half are happy I wouldn't give 2 shits what anyone else says personally. Tell them to naff off!

SavoyCabbage · 17/04/2020 20:44

I would say Willow is a perfectly ordinary sort of name.

I agree with everybody, don’t tell anyone until you’ve had your lovely baby Willow.

Just say
‘We haven’t given it much thought’
‘No, not yet’
‘Mmmm, Helen is a lovely name, you are right, now I must go to the loo’.

LadyMonicaBaddingham · 17/04/2020 20:44

Willow is a lovely name. If necessary, keep it to yourselves and present it as a fait accompli. Then it is already her name and everyone will be so excited about the baby that it shouldn't matter. If it does, they're twats.

whatausername · 17/04/2020 20:56

I feel betrayed by the thread title 😂 I was expecting something like Chanel-Rose or Givenchy-Lou. Willow is truly lovely and I second everyone else's advice.

allaboardthesinkingship · 17/04/2020 20:57

Willow is a beautiful name

WickedlyPetite · 17/04/2020 21:00

I clicked on the thread bracing myself for a horrific name.

Willow is lovely.

If you tell people the name before the birth then you're effectively inviting opinions.

Present them with beautiful baby Willow and they'll just accept it.

justanotherneighinparadise · 17/04/2020 21:01

My cat is called Willow. It’s a cute name!

cushioncovers · 17/04/2020 21:10

Tell them a god awful name and then when baby's born say you've changed your mind and she's now called Willow.

RenegadeMrs · 17/04/2020 21:10

We went for a slightly unusual name. We never gave anyone the chance to discuss it, just presented it as a done deal and no one was insensitive enough to criticise us at the time (even though it was obvious some didn't like it). Months later a few family members have told is how much they like the name once they'd got used to it. Honestly, if you love Willow (and whats not to love) just tell them at birth like everyone has said.

bridgetreilly · 17/04/2020 21:12

They will have plenty of time to get used to it after she is born. Don't tell them now.

eaglejulesk · 17/04/2020 21:13

Willow is a lovely name. It doesn't matter if anyone else likes it or not, it's your baby, your choice. If you get a negative reaction just laugh and change the subject - but I would wait until she arrives before announcing it.

LittleLittleLittle · 17/04/2020 21:16

Tell them Geraldine Queenie with a straight face if they ask.

Then once she is born give her real name and they will be relieved that you haven't tried to name her after a Peter Kay character.

beargrass · 17/04/2020 21:18

Never ever discuss names! Just tell them after.

Also, Willow is very, very far from awful or objectionable!