Teddy as a standalone?

[Marrilou]

Hi would appreciate people's opinions on this; I posted on here about my previous son's name and some of the comments really helped me make my mind up! I'm currently pregnant with what I'm pretty sure is another son. I love the name Teddy, it's currently my favourite boy's name, but I'm not sure whether to have it as a standalone or short for Edward? I don't love the name Edward but am just wondering if it'll give him more versatility with his name as he gets older. I know Teddy can be short for other names such as Theodore, but Edward is the one I like most, albeit not all that much. Would you go just for Teddy or make Teddy a nickname for Edward?

Imagine a hulking teenager who would probably cringe at being called Teddy.

I know people are saying "There'll be lots of men called Teddy in his generation!" but bear in mind that the "cutesy-poo-names" fashion (Alfie, Albie, Teddy etc.) is almost exclusively a British trend, and outside a UK context these names sound odd and a lot of Americans in particular tend to assume that any name ending "ie" or "y" is likely to be a woman's name. If your son travels outside the UK for work or ends up living somewhere else, he's going to feel a bit of a prat with a name like "Teddy," honestly. He could go by "Ted" I suppose, but why not give a name with more options?

all you want as a new mum or mum to be is a warm response

If you just want a warm response, put your name choice on your Facebook page or group. The whole point of the Names forum is to get honest opinions about a name. It can feel a bit harsh, but the kid themselves is the one who has to live with the name.

Edward is a great name, Teddy is too! And Ed, and Woody (hm) and Ted.

I like names with lots of choice - you may love Teddy now, and it's super cute, but it's your son's name to carry through all the stages of his life.

Granted you may never use it, but if he later wants to use a name with a bit more perceived gravitas, you have given him loads of legitimate options.

I'm saying this as someone who went by their shortened cute name for years, then changed when I started full time work. Im glad I had the choice left open for me.

I think Teddy works for girls longer term but not girls, saying that you can always shorten to Ted like most people do with Edward and Theodore

Teddy stand alone is number 32 in the names rankings with 1704 babies called it last year- so it’s going to be pretty a pretty commonly used name and won’t particularly stand out- he might be one of a couple in the class! It’s more popular than Joseph, Daniel or Adam.

I’m definitely one for a full name for the BC personally - I’ve for years loved Edward shortened to Ted.

There’s still Edmund, Edgar, Edwin...

However if bear in mind if you give him Edward as a name there’s a chance at school he will end up Ed/Eddie, as the Teddys will be Teddy iyswim.

No, I just think of a cute cockapoo.

@Kokeshi123 your right the whole point of a name forum is to get opinions. However, if your read the first post the PP has never asked what do you think of the name teddy. She has simply asked about whether to use a long name or use teddy on bc. They may not want to share on ‘ Facebook’ where people will know them!
It doesn’t have to be harsh when giving your opinion.
Yes you do have to think about what the kid will feel with the name but it is the parents choice to name them in the beginning.

Go with formal name or smart casual on the bc.
Ted would do the job.

According to Dark Greener, Teddy as a standalone name is number 32 in the England and Wales name charts, so I don't think it would raise any eyebrows when he is an adult.

Definitely Edward.

Thank you for all the comments - lots of food for thought! I'm veering now towards either putting Ted or Edward on the birth certificate as the comments about giving him choices struck a bit of a chord.
@rainbow40 thank you for your kind words; I did consider putting: 'am already set on Teddy so no Teddy trashing please' in my original post but figured am bound to get negative responses regardless so didn't bother! You're right though; it's only people's opinions on the name Teddy as a standalone that I'm really interested in. (And @Nightmanagerfan I can't find anything about 'Teddy blue'!)

I have a Theodore nn Teddy. I don't know any other teddy's! There is a detective Teddy Daniels in Shutter Island which made me think it sounds good on a grown man

Teddy is adorable for a young boy but I agree with those who said it sounds a little childish on a grown man and is also so popular at the moment it might date badly.

I understand your feelings OP as I'm having the same debate myself (love Sam, not bothered for Samuel); but personally I'd stick with the longer version (Edward) on the birth certificate, even if you don't love it. Going with a classic, traditional name means it won't date, will suit all ages and will give him options when he's older (even if he still chooses to go by Teddy as an adult!).

As Teddy has a cute nickname feel to it I think it would be wise to have a more conventional name on bc, DS might appreciate that when he's older.

No sorry . Give him a proper name so he can choose to use that if preferable when older

@Nightmanagerfan

I really hate it and consider it a bit chavvy.

Look up “teddy blue” on Munsnet!

😂

I've just called a dog teddy! 🙈

Please don't call your son Eddward5. As in, Eddie the eagle edwards, rock steady eddie,etc etc. It's a really horrible name.

Sorry OP. I hate it.

Teddy is ok though .

Edward

Oops, pressed post by mistake. Edward is a more versatile name, useful for him as he gets older and Teddy can still be a lovely baby name.

Eddward5????
Not seriously, surely??

Imagine a 45 year old bloke in a professional capacity having to sign his name 'Teddy'.

Is his best mate called Mr Bean??

I really don’t like it

I’m not a fan of any of the cutesy names like Albie, Alfie etc but I think teddy is worse because its like teddy bear

Would you go just for Teddy or make Teddy a nickname for Edward?

Just put Edward on the BC, and then he can be Ed, Ted, Teddy or Edward.
Please remember that you are naming an adult. Teddy is cute, but it is hard to picture a straight-laced middle aged man called that...

I know a woman whose original name was Posy Willow. I can just imagine multiple MNetters swooning over that! My friend wasn't so keen, and even less so as she grew into a very tall, very serious Miranda Hart lookalike. She changed it as soon as she could, as she was intent on building a serious professional career, and felt her name was just ridiculous.