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Baby names

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

Original poster

Bear

176 replies

DoctorBambino · 23/08/2021 09:52

Fully prepared for this one to get pulled apart. Me and DH love the name Bear but know it's a bit out there.

We really don't like names like Edward which Bear comes from, just Bear itself.

What do people think?

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Branleuse · 23/08/2021 10:13

its a nickname, not an actual first name. It doesnt need to be a nickname for Edward, Id never even made that connection.
Dont forget your cute baby will be an adult one day. I do love a quirky name, but this is on par with calling a girl Kitten. Sweet as a child, but weird as an adult

Bryonyshcmyony · 23/08/2021 10:14

Gay slang for a hairy butch bloke if that bothers you

Roselilly36 · 23/08/2021 10:14

Not a name for a child, but a lovely nickname if you like it.

Branleuse · 23/08/2021 10:14

I use it as a nickname for a loved one btw

Urghhhhh · 23/08/2021 10:25

@Bryonyshcmyony

Gay slang for a hairy butch bloke if that bothers you
Oh, hadnt even thought of that. Definitely something to consider, @DoctorBambino!
Original poster
DoctorBambino · 23/08/2021 10:27

Hahaha brutal honesty as expected! DH would actually very happily be called Bear. We both really like it for all age ranges but don't want him to be saddled with a name that everyone hates so much and are so judgemental about.

The connections to the gay community don't bother us, we aren't homophobic.

I just think it's so cute for a little one, then by the time they are a teen they will have become their name and it will be cool and unique, then as I said as an adult DH would like it as his name, and as a little old man it's cute again!

There were 114 babies called Bear in 2019 so it's not like people don't do it 🤭

OP posts:
FreeBritnee · 23/08/2021 10:29

That’s a nickname.

PurBal · 23/08/2021 10:31

@DoctorBambino pretty sure Bear comes from Teddy Roosevelt who was Theodore not Edward. The confusion comes from the fact that traditionally Teddy is a diminutive of Edward not Theodore. But language, and names, change organically. I prefer both Edward and Theodore to Bear personally.

djt87 · 23/08/2021 10:38

I really like it but I personally wouldn't be able to have it as it reminds me of that arsehole celebrity.

Don't go off what everyone says though, if you both love it have it Smile

Cbeebiesrehab · 23/08/2021 10:41

I quite like nature names (Forrest, Wren etc…) however I really dislike Bear. I think the fact that ‘celebrities’ have used it makes it a bit cheesy and as the ‘celebrities’ that used it did so a few years ago I think it’s already dated if that makes sense. Arthur also means bear and is far more wearable.

Bryonyshcmyony · 23/08/2021 10:42

I know at least three dogs called it, it's either Bear or Max for new puppies atm

Seesawmummadaw · 23/08/2021 10:43

I like it.

FazedNotPhased · 23/08/2021 10:43

I don't think worrying that your child has the same name as sex slang for a large hairy gay man is homophobic 🤷

That aside, it's completely hideous.

HoppingPavlova · 23/08/2021 10:44

then by the time they are a teen they will have become their name and it will be cool and unique

No, no it won’t.

Nothing wrong with you using it as a nickname but for the love of God don’t put that on their paperwork.

PumpkinKlNG · 23/08/2021 10:45

I like it

Original poster
DoctorBambino · 23/08/2021 10:49

@Bryonyshcmyony funnily enough Max is also on the list.

We don't like using long names we will never call them just for the sake of a birth certificate.

Why do birth certificate names have to be so official? It seems so outdated an idea to me.

But I am taking on board all the hate and honestly do appreciate everyone's opinions 🤭

OP posts:
Bryonyshcmyony · 23/08/2021 10:50

We don't like using long names we will never call them just for the sake of a birth certificate

It's not your birth certificate though is it?

Original poster
DoctorBambino · 23/08/2021 10:52

I appreciate that but I really don't understand why it matters?

OP posts:
Bryonyshcmyony · 23/08/2021 10:54

Call him whatever you like shrug

Frannibananni · 23/08/2021 10:57

@Bryonyshcmyony

Gay slang for a hairy butch bloke if that bothers you
I was coming to say it has sexual connotations.
Original poster
DoctorBambino · 23/08/2021 10:58

If you believe it matters you must have a reason? (Not just targeting that comment at you @Bryonyshcmyony) I think lots of people share that opinion, I just would like to understand some reasons. Anyone?

OP posts:
Bryonyshcmyony · 23/08/2021 11:00

It doesn't matter to you

If you must ask, I think Bear is a ridiculous name but popular among pretentious middle classes. It's a widely used sexual term. But you do you.

GeorgiaMcGraw · 23/08/2021 11:02

@FazedNotPhased

I don't think worrying that your child has the same name as sex slang for a large hairy gay man is homophobic 🤷

That aside, it's completely hideous.

I'm such a gay ally, I'm going to name my child Twink.
PaulGallico · 23/08/2021 11:02

The sexual connotations might not bother you OP but might well provide opportunities for others to make fun of him later.

Original poster
DoctorBambino · 23/08/2021 11:03

Very fair opinion thanks 😊

I mean why does a person have to have a 'proper' name not a name they actually use on their birth certificate.

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