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Baby names

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Original poster

Is it that terrible?

96 replies

harriet465 · 22/03/2022 09:35

I was at the hairdressers yesterday and was asked what we was calling DS1, I said front runner is Franklin. The hairdresser genuinely looked at me like I had said the name Engelbert or something to that style.
Neighbour also said oh why not Francis or just Frank as Franklin is very surnamey.

Is the name really that bad? It is making me doubt the name choice

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Cocobeau · 22/03/2022 09:38

No, it's not that bad. It's not bad at all and if you love it, don't let other people put you off.

My limited experience on this website alone is that people have very strong and differing opinions about what makes a nice name. For that reason, nobody will be getting told my babies name until they are being introduced.

babynamelover · 22/03/2022 09:39

It's okay it's very American President. I prefer Frank or Francis myself.

Tetherless · 22/03/2022 09:41

Yeah it is a surname, and therefore quite American sounding.

Not my taste at all. If you want Frank then call him Frank or Francis.

Charette · 22/03/2022 09:43

It’s not wildly to my taste, but that’s not what you’re asking (obviously). It’s an absolutely fine name.

For what it’s worth, all four grandparents loathed DS’s unusual name, and it’s often cropped up on ‘names I wish I’d been brave enough to use’ threads on here.

You can’t please everyone. There are people who think that anything other than Jack and Olivia is a bit out there.

MrsClarkandPercy · 22/03/2022 09:47

You have to be very careful with names, because they are usually for life, snd affect how others see snd treat the person.

My honest reaction to Franklin is that it sounds quite harsh and slightly affected and overall, I have a negative reaction to it.

Of course it doesn't matter, and it's your choice. If you like it, that's fine. But I do get why your hairdresser reacted, because I felt the same, even though I'm not sure why. So it may be worth factoring in to your choice.

JodieFoster1 · 22/03/2022 09:50

I knew a Franklin, he was a very charming older man, I think he was French. So it has good connotations for me. I don’t think it’s so odd. When it comes to baby names I think if the Mum and Dad like it then it’s settled. Job done. If you start factoring in what your Mum or friend or hairdresser thinks you are doomed!

Whinge · 22/03/2022 09:50

Neighbour also said oh why not Francis or just Frank as Franklin is very surnamey.

Whilst the hairdresser may have been a little rude with their response, I'm not sure what's wrong with this comment. Confused It sounds like a genuine question, and I agree that Franklin sounds more like a surname.

SisterA · 22/03/2022 09:51

It's a lovely name! Just gotta do what you want. This is why I don't like telling people the name we've chosen before my babies are born. Even if people DO have opinions on a name they're a lot less likely to share them if your baby is already born and I don't think you should let others influence your name choice.

Good luck!

MrsSkylerWhite · 22/03/2022 09:52

What’s wrong with Engelbert?

StillUp · 22/03/2022 09:53

It’s not terrible at all, it’s a perfectly nice name. Don’t let others put you off. I discussed potential names when having DD1 and had my mind changed, and while I love the name we chose I also still love the original name and feel a bit sad I didn’t use it (it’s too similar to DD1’s name to have used it for her sister).

Second time round we kept our name choice completely to ourselves. We were aware it would be a bit marmite but no one has made a negative comment, because she’s here and it would be rude! People either love it and say so, or you can tell they aren’t keen but don’t say so, which doesn’t bother us.

Go for the name you like and don’t discuss it anymore (even on here, as name opinions vary so widely).

Levithian · 22/03/2022 09:55

I don't hate it but I would think that you had an American connection, and had named him after FDR. I do think that the FDR thing will crop up throughout his life, it happened a long time ago and it was still my first thought.

user1471443411 · 22/03/2022 09:57

I think it's fine, much better than Francis. You could call him Frank for short too.

VampireMoney · 22/03/2022 09:57

I don't dislike it, I just think people will default to Frank as he gets older, which he'll probably be ok with, and only you and close family will end up calling him Franklin.

HyggeTygge · 22/03/2022 09:58

I like it. What my hairdresser thought would not factor into my decision about what to name my child.
But, unless you're ready for the person to say "uuuuggghhh that's awful!" I would not be discussing the name until the baby is born...

DoorLion · 22/03/2022 10:00

It is absolutely fine. There are loads of names that started out as surnames which presumably nobody has a problem with - Stuart, for example. Lee. Dean. And in the past men often had surnames as first names anyway, not just in the US - often the mother's maiden name or a family surname.

There is nothing at all wrong with Franklin, it's a great name.

Orphlids · 22/03/2022 10:04

I rather like it. Yes, it was originally a surname (like many other commonly used names) but has been used as a given name in England for hundreds of years. It’s established in history , so for me, it doesn’t have the same modern and potentially fleetingly fashionable feel as many other surnamey names.

I imagine your hairdresser would have pulled a face at any name you suggested, unless it was on her list. Who cares what she thinks? I certainly wouldn’t. Franklin is a perfectly pleasant, usable and established name. Don’t let other, insignificant people change your mind and pick something you don’t love as much, because you’ll always regret it.

narcdad · 22/03/2022 10:04

Not for me and I really dislike Frank / Frankie but it's your baby so.....

ShouldersBackChestOutChinUp · 22/03/2022 10:06

It's not only a surname.

I like it a lot.

Vampirethriller · 22/03/2022 10:06

I know a lovely Franklin. I like it.

deadlanguage · 22/03/2022 10:08

It’s a bit odd - I wouldn’t have thought of it being used as a first name. It’s definitely a surname to me and I wouldn’t use it if you have a surname which can also be a first name (eg Thomas) as people would probably think they had got the names the wrong way round. If you have a proper surnamey surname (eg Jones) he’ll just sound like a law firm.

It’s not in the same league as Engelbert though Wink

TibetanTerrah · 22/03/2022 10:26

It's not odd at all. Two presidents had it (Franklin Pierce being the other), it's nice and unusual in a non-wacky way.

Ime everyone has an opinion pre birth/when baby is born, but then they get used to it. Even celeb baby names like Apple, Brooklyn and North, they're just their names now despite the sneering at the time

Fl0w3ry · 22/03/2022 10:36

I really like it.
Don’t be swayed by other peoples opinions. Call your baby what you want, you will regret it later on otherwise. If people judge your choice of name negatively you should ask them what they called their own children, chances are you won’t like their name choices either.

scandihouse · 22/03/2022 10:37

I know a Franklin. He does often go by Frank but I like both - it sounds very strong to me!

Hoppinggreen · 22/03/2022 10:38

I don’t like it but I don’t think it’s awful

Pieceofpurplesky · 22/03/2022 10:52

I think it's great name. If he doesn't like it then he can just shorten it to Frank or Frankie.

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