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Baby names

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

Barney or Barnaby (nn Barney)?

54 replies

PurpleFlower1983 · 28/03/2021 18:43

DH and I have been round the houses for boys names and are now seriously considering Barney, I know about the dinosaur, Rubble, Gumble, dog’s name etc. but for those of you who don’t mind the name, would you for for the name Barney on its own or Barnaby (nn Barney).

We already have DD2 who is Matilda nn Tilda.

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BradPittsLeftTit · 04/05/2021 16:55

@PurpleFlower1983 I know this thread is a month or so old but just wanted to say our DS who is 2 is called Barney. We've NEVER met another Barney and his nursery have said they think he's their first (just incase you were after an unusual name)

The thing that I wanted to say that surprises me the most is just how many people comment on his name. If he catches someone's eye whilst toddling about at the park, I'll get asked his name: and I would say 80% of the time I get a comment along the lines of 'oh that's such a lovely name' 'oh what a happy name' or something. I'm not exaggerating - I get it all the time!

And so many people comment on how it suits him: smiley, funny, gregarious, outgoing, confident, friendly-he just sums up 'Barney'. So if you do go for Barnaby, I reckon Barney will be a wonderful nickname!

But I'm obviously biased!!

Edenember · 04/05/2021 17:43

Definitely Barnaby, it’s fab and that way he has options.

ElizabethTudor · 04/05/2021 17:52

Barnaby nn Barney.
Great name.

Flymetothestars · 04/05/2021 18:09

Barnaby! What a great name!

Lalliella · 05/05/2021 11:45

Barnaby. I wouldn’t shorten it though. Barney has too many silly connotations.

Flymetothestars · 05/05/2021 11:58

Barnaby and Matilda are a dream combo to me! Very jealous.

YoniAndGuy · 05/05/2021 17:10

Love it. Slightly prefer Barnabas

babbaloushka · 05/05/2021 19:48

I know a Barnaby, think it's a great name.

ILoveShula · 05/05/2021 22:14

Barnaby. I know 2 and a Barney (Barnabas).

PurpleFlower1983 · 29/05/2021 07:02

We are definitely edging towards Barnaby with Barney as a potential nn. The reactions I have had have been marmite but also mostly positive so I think we will be brave and go with it!

OP posts:
Flymetothestars · 29/05/2021 12:07

Good for you @PurpleFlower1983
(And I don't think you have to be brave to use the name Barnaby but that's just my opinion)

Chilldonaldchill · 29/05/2021 18:51

Definitely Barnaby

GreeboIsMySpiritAnimal · 29/05/2021 20:00

Oh my, Barnaby and Matilda were top of my list for my DC! Sadly DH vetoed both.

I'd definitely go with Barnaby, nn Barney. Gorgeous.

PurpleFlower1983 · 01/09/2021 22:13

Just wanted to update this thread! My little Barnaby (nn. Barney) is 5 weeks old now Smile

OP posts:
whatmattersisthatyoulove · 01/09/2021 23:12

Oh my, Barney is absolutely gorgeous, congratulations. Beautiful baby and fabulous name.

spiderlight · 01/09/2021 23:18

Oh my goodness, he is absolutely gorgeous!! Great name too! Congratulations :)

HonorHiding · 02/09/2021 00:33

What an absolute cutie! His name totally suits him too. Congratulations Star

Crunched · 02/09/2021 00:51

Hello Barney! What a smasher Bear

Heliachi · 02/09/2021 01:22

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BunnytheFriendlyDragon · 02/09/2021 03:53

Barnaby is better but I don't like either. There's one in my baby group and it comes across as try hard, not sure why

octoberfarm · 02/09/2021 04:59

Barnaby, definitely!

bloominglovelyorange · 02/09/2021 13:32

@PurpleFlower1983 he's absolutely gorgeous and a lovely name to match -excellent choice
Love it when people come back to update - thank you!

peppapigfangirl · 02/09/2021 13:33

I really love Barnaby- it's top of my list if we ever have a boy. I would shorted it to Barney.

LittleGwyneth · 02/09/2021 13:41

I love Barnaby, would deff be on my list.

HoldingTheDoor · 02/09/2021 14:07

They're both awful, like comedy names but probably Barnaby at a push.