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Baby names

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

Bear

58 replies

ginger9495 · 21/06/2022 16:55

Me and my DH both love the name Bear, which will be so cute as a baby, but we are worried people will think it is a silly name for a man. I like it for an adult just as much, but just curious to peoples opinions? By the time he is an adult it might be such an unusual name maybe?

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Ontheflipside_ · 21/06/2022 17:00

I'm really sorry but I don't like it. I really don't think it's appropriate as a first name when he's older for things like job interviews etc. I appreciate this is an old fashioned view though. Ultimately, if you and your partner like it then it's up to you, just not what I would choose. I also know a lot of people who have nicknamed their little boys bear. You could do that with an alternative first name for more formal purposes?

Honaloulou · 21/06/2022 17:06

Not great for a grownup, and it might not suit all men.

It's a cute family NN for Edward though?

BlueShoesKate · 21/06/2022 17:06

You're right, it is cute for a baby (or a puppy). Nickname maybe, but as a grown man he'll definitely feel the effects of having a ridiculous first name.

astoundedgoat · 21/06/2022 17:08

It is a widely used word for a kind of gay man, so as a teen/adult he will need to buckle up for a bit of teasing or really own the name.

It’s doable though.

GrimDamnFanjo · 21/06/2022 17:13

I'd have Edward as a first name. Isn't that bear grills name?

lostinwoods · 21/06/2022 17:16

I know of one child called Bernard nn Bear.

motogirl · 21/06/2022 17:18

It's a nickname not for a birth certificate. Think of a name that will be appropriate for applying for a job, a good job. Fine to have a cute family nickname at home though

motogirl · 21/06/2022 17:19

How about Edward nn Bear

viques · 21/06/2022 17:20

I think the fact that Cheryl ColeWhateversheiscallednow called her child Bear tells you all you need to know about it as a name. Use it as a nickname, but don’t dump the poor child with it as a legal name.

OnlyFoolsnMothers · 21/06/2022 17:22

Use it as an endearing nickname - do not put it on a legal document imo

DotDotDotDotDot · 21/06/2022 17:24

The name Orson means “bear cub”, so Bear could be a cute family nn for that. Sorry I agree with pp, once celebs like Cheryl use a name it does make it a bit naff as a full name in my opinion.

Glitterspy · 21/06/2022 17:25

It’s like calling boys Blue. It’s a nice nickname or a name for a pet.

Paddingtonsmarmlade · 21/06/2022 17:25

Edward or Theodore with the nickname bear.

Etinoxaurus · 21/06/2022 17:36

It’s lovely but as pp have said, not really a name. You could nickname him Bear with given name:
Bruno
Rupert
Bjorn
Edward
Theodore (Teddy bear)

🐻

TheWayoftheLeaf · 21/06/2022 18:18

I'd just check - is he likely to be a skinny or short man? Might be a bit embarrassing to be called bear if you're not big and strong. Calls attention to what they're not.

TheWayoftheLeaf · 21/06/2022 18:18

I know you can't predict that I mean based on your and H frame

ClocksGoingBackwards · 21/06/2022 18:27

It’s awful. I don’t even think it sounds right on dogs, and I know a couple. I just can’t see it as any different to naming your child Giraffe, Rhino, Penguin or any other random animal. Your child will be a human, not a bear.

JLwac · 21/06/2022 18:29

It's awful.

Chaoslatte · 21/06/2022 18:30

Definitely not, far too twee. Use it as a nickname and give him a real name.

roarfeckingroarr · 21/06/2022 18:30

My baby's nickname is bear and I call him by it most the time rather than his name, but I think it's a bit unfair for a proper name that goes on your CV, job applications etc

MajorCarolDanvers · 21/06/2022 18:31

It is a silly name for a man. Or anyone past nursery age.

Sorry.

Marylou62 · 21/06/2022 18:33

Does anyone watch Dr's? There's a character who is called Bear.. I cringe a bit if I'm honest...

ChagSameachDoreen · 21/06/2022 18:34

Daft name.

Berlinlover · 21/06/2022 18:36

It’s a completely ridiculous name.

Galt · 21/06/2022 18:40

Why not a middle name? You can then call him by it but he'll have a first name for jobs/adult hood if he wants when he has that choice

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