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Baby names

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

Using my guilty pleasure name

40 replies

Elspethelf · 29/07/2022 16:31

Has anyone used their guilty pleasure name and if so, did it work out or did you regret it?

I'm currently 16 weeks pregnant with a boy. This will be an only child, due to previous traumatic losses I’m requesting a tubal during my planned C-section.

I’ve always loved the name Mars, since I was a teenager but never thought I would be brave enough to use it. Now I’m pregnant, I just don’t love any other boy name. My husband has an uncommon name and has had a positive experience so he is all for it. I’ve casually mentioned it to my sister and a few friends and have had all positive responses.

Would it be crazy? For extra context I’m an Australian who lives in America so there are no Mars Bars here.

OP posts:
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ExPatHereForAChat · 29/07/2022 16:34

It's one of those names I think would work well for a confident man but can't imagine on a baby or young child. Also hard to make a nickname out of.

Krakinou · 29/07/2022 16:54

I think it’s great! Nickname Marty? You could always give him a “normal” middle name as a backup.

Hotenoughtoburnasausage · 29/07/2022 16:56

The theme includes rest - of which you won't be getting any!!
A certain red haired singer has used a planet name for his dd so why not you op?. Go for it.

DelorisVC · 29/07/2022 17:00

You don't have Mars bars in the US ?
I'm more shocked about that than the name tbh.
Which isn't really my cup of tea but from my extensive knowledge of naming culture in the US (from watching sitcoms) there are a wealth of more unusual names than in the UK.
If you both like it go for it.

Onlyhereforthebatshitneighbours · 29/07/2022 17:01

I think you could get away with Mars in the UK so it'll definitely work in the US! I kind of like it...

No Mars bars though :(

Amdone123 · 29/07/2022 17:02

I say go for it, too. If you both like it, why not.

KirstenBlest · 29/07/2022 17:02

Could it be a middle name?

BrownHairedQuirk · 29/07/2022 17:03

I really like the name!

dollyblack · 29/07/2022 17:04

I know a guy in his 40s called Mars (i assume its a nick name but it’s what everyone has always called him). I think it’s fine. My ds has an unusual name and we were back and forward on it and we love it, so does he. Go for it!

Primatrying · 29/07/2022 17:06

I think it's cool!

SallySailor · 29/07/2022 17:06

Name your child after a god if war? Not a fan, sorry

Happenchance · 29/07/2022 17:07

It's not a name that I would use, not least because Mar means to ruin or spoil in English, and Mars (bar) features in slang terms for sexual acts.

Hallamus · 29/07/2022 17:08

It's awesome! People use such a wider variety of names these days - thank God. Especially if it's going to be your only one OP you should just go for it, I don't think you'll regret it.

BiscuitLover3678 · 29/07/2022 17:09

Just do it. It’s a real name. Jupiter is currently trendy 🤷‍♀️

I also really like it haha

BiscuitLover3678 · 29/07/2022 17:10

SallySailor · 29/07/2022 17:06

Name your child after a god if war? Not a fan, sorry

Better than the ever popular Hunter imo!

heldinadream · 29/07/2022 17:11

Mars the Bringer of War?
It's lovely - but can you redeem its meaning?

JuneOsborne · 29/07/2022 17:13

Love it! Go for it. Add in a more pedestrian middle name if you're concerned and he can always go by that if he should want to, but I can't imagine he would. It's cool!

Remainiac · 29/07/2022 17:16

I know a father and son, both Mars. They’re American. Love it.

WWRGD · 29/07/2022 17:16

It's a great name, definitely go for it.

For people worried about the US lack of mars bars, they're called Milky Way there. And what Brits call a Milky Way is a 3 Musketeers.

Denny53 · 29/07/2022 17:17

Elspethelf · 29/07/2022 16:31

Has anyone used their guilty pleasure name and if so, did it work out or did you regret it?

I'm currently 16 weeks pregnant with a boy. This will be an only child, due to previous traumatic losses I’m requesting a tubal during my planned C-section.

I’ve always loved the name Mars, since I was a teenager but never thought I would be brave enough to use it. Now I’m pregnant, I just don’t love any other boy name. My husband has an uncommon name and has had a positive experience so he is all for it. I’ve casually mentioned it to my sister and a few friends and have had all positive responses.

Would it be crazy? For extra context I’m an Australian who lives in America so there are no Mars Bars here.

So if DH loves the name as does your sister, friends etc what’s the problem?

Elspethelf · 29/07/2022 17:29

Thank you everyone for your input! I’m definitely feeling more confident now.

@heldinadream maybe we can redeem the meaning. One of the first dates I had with my husband was to NASA. We go to dark spots and stargaze semi regularly and my husband does astrophotography from our backyard as a hobby. I’ve always liked the name, but now there are extra reasons.

OP posts:
SundayTeatime · 29/07/2022 17:29

Sorry, just no. The god of war? In these terrible times? You think that’s a good name for a child? It’s really crass and offensive.

BiscuitLover3678 · 29/07/2022 17:36

SundayTeatime · 29/07/2022 17:29

Sorry, just no. The god of war? In these terrible times? You think that’s a good name for a child? It’s really crass and offensive.

Oh come on she’s not actually calling him War 🙄 and there will always be wars.

AmandaMirandaPanda · 29/07/2022 17:50

I quite like it. As for the meaning/associations, I think Marcus, Marcella, Marcia, and Mark are also related to/derived from Mars as God of War.

I would do a traditional middle with a few short form options, though - Alexander, Christopher, Nicholas, or something like that.

Luredbyapomegranate · 29/07/2022 19:47

I think it’s doable

Just give him a trad middle name, in case he doesn’t agree