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Baby names

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

What do you think?

36 replies

Nillynally · 24/12/2021 16:54

Barney.

I've woken up loving it, I think it's a really sweet little boys name, but worried people will think it's silly or be reminded of the dinosaur or Barney rubble. Also do we call him barnabus or barnaby or are these worse?

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itssquidstella · 24/12/2021 16:59

I like it, and I also like Barnaby. I’m sure lots of people will be on here to tell you it's a dog's name, or something, but ignore them! It's a lovely name :)

WhoppingBigBackside · 24/12/2021 17:07

Barnabas and Barnaby are both fine. Barnabus is not.

Barney is fine, but I'd probably go for Barnaby as it is so cute

Doidontimmm · 24/12/2021 17:08

Just not sure it’s great as an adults name!

Happenchance · 24/12/2021 17:11

I like Barnaby but not Barnabas.

WhoppingBigBackside · 24/12/2021 17:11

Barney Curley was Bernard on his BC.

Barney is fine for an adult. His contemporaries will be Archie, Tommy, Charlie, Alfie, ...

Ceramide · 24/12/2021 17:45

Barney as nickname for Barnaby is fine. I've never met a Barnabus but it is no worse than some of the other longer Biblical names which are in use.

wingingit33 · 24/12/2021 17:49

It's my dogs name! I

curlymacv · 24/12/2021 17:51

Barnaby is actually really nice! I'd never heard of it until a few months ago when I met a man called Barnaby, and it really suited him.

Nillynally · 24/12/2021 17:52

No idea why I spelt it barnabus! Barnabas obviously, it I prefer barnaby. I did wonder whether you could have Bernard as the 'proper name'.

OP posts:
17caterpillars1mouse · 24/12/2021 17:58

I love Barnaby and strongly considered using it, though we had girls. I think it's lovely

Luredbyapomegranate · 24/12/2021 18:01

I like it.

I’d go for Barnabas as a full name, I do think you need a full name.

Luredbyapomegranate · 24/12/2021 18:02

Not Bernard OP!

STEP away from Bernard.

AdaColeman · 24/12/2021 18:08

The Barney I know is really a Bernard.

Toomanypeople · 24/12/2021 18:17

Barney is fine on its own, if you want a longer version please chose anything but bernard

Buddhabowl · 24/12/2021 18:28

I've always liked Barney but my DH hates it. I've also had awful reactions in real life, people seem to think its a bit of a joke name.
I still love it though, and Barnaby.

mangodreams · 24/12/2021 18:31

Not a fan personally, much prefer Bailey.

ofwarren · 24/12/2021 18:39

I'm sorry but I think it's dreadful.
Instant thoughts of the purple dinosaur.

IamnotwhouthinkIam · 24/12/2021 19:17

Barnaby sounds nice - cute but somehow feels grown up enough too imo. Barnabas is a bit brave for me personally and yes, I'm afraid Barney does remind me of a cartoon/children's character, sorry! (Flintstones, purple dinosaur and Simpsons drunk character).

IamnotwhouthinkIam · 24/12/2021 19:22

Oh no, not Bernard though! Barnabas or even just Barney would be preferable to that!

deadlanguage · 24/12/2021 19:26

I think Barney Stinson which isn’t a great role model! I quite like Barnabas but would have to be a middle name for me I think as I’m not keen on Barney for that reason. Bernard is awful.

whatausername · 24/12/2021 20:22

Barnaby and Barney are not NMS but harmless. I doubt your son would thank you for calling him Barnabas though.

jb7445 · 24/12/2021 20:26

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LadyWithLapdog · 24/12/2021 20:36

Barney Rubble from the Flintstones, who will be long forgotten by most by now.

Marcipex · 24/12/2021 20:40

I like it, especially Barnabas.
Bernard is awful. Look at Not Now Bernard to convince you.

finallychangedmyusername · 24/12/2021 21:05

Bernard is awful, Barney as a full name isn't great, Barnabas is ok, Barnaby, nicknamed Barney is great!

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