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Baby names

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

Original poster

The name Chester - am I the only one who’s told everyone the baby’s name/bought personalised things and now I’m having second thoughts

120 replies

Namesfordays · 08/12/2022 18:32

So I’m due next month and pretty early on in the pregnancy we settled on Chester. I’m a teacher and wanted a name that I hadn’t come across and was a little bit different. But now I’m worrying that it’s chavvy.
Please can you share your opinions on the name

His middle name is James (after my dad) and I do love the sound of Chester James but I don’t want to come across pretentious with a double barrelled name.

we like a few other names but they have been taken by relatives and friends and dogs lol
including; Arlo, Ralph, Charlie and Vinnie
We do also like Reuben

Any advice would be lovely!! (It’s our first baby and it just feels like the worlds biggest decision)

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Original poster
Namesfordays · 08/12/2022 20:13

Right a very mixed bunch!!! It’s hard because the reasons behind the no’s are very strong and not just like Oo it’s an iffy name, I don’t want my child to ever be associated with a molesterer but I did lol at the suggestion of listing him as drawers!!

What are peoples thoughts on Leo, short for Leonard?
OH isn’t that keen but I will have a month to work on it

OP posts:
Wallywobbles · 08/12/2022 20:15

In my late teens I had a thing for a gorgeous guy called Chester.

dream28 · 08/12/2022 20:16

I like Leonard, but isn't this name pronounced Luh-nard? I also like Leon.

Millana · 08/12/2022 20:18

I would never have gone to "molester" and I don't think many people would tbh.

Personally I'm not keen on Leo but that is because I've known a few who weren't very nice people. Nothing to do with the name of course, just my association.

I wanted Jasper if we had a boy.

WhichWitchIsTheWitch · 08/12/2022 20:24

Namesfordays · 08/12/2022 20:13

Right a very mixed bunch!!! It’s hard because the reasons behind the no’s are very strong and not just like Oo it’s an iffy name, I don’t want my child to ever be associated with a molesterer but I did lol at the suggestion of listing him as drawers!!

What are peoples thoughts on Leo, short for Leonard?
OH isn’t that keen but I will have a month to work on it

Leonard pronounced lennard leads to Lennie rather than Leo.

NatMoz · 08/12/2022 20:26

My cat's called Chester, we thought it was quite distinguished! Until this thread I'd never heard of the child molester rhyme!

Hoolihan · 08/12/2022 20:31

I immediately thought chester drawers Before I even opened the thread. Really dislike it.

I like Leo but Leonard is terrible and brings to mind Mr Rigsby.

nothingmuchaboutjerry · 08/12/2022 20:47

It's your decision so go with what YOU want and not just because people have bought personalised items. I'd tell those who have that you've changed the name, but I wouldn't announce the "new" name to save the same thing happening again. My DD was Amber all the way through my pregnancy but this was way before the personalisation craze. When she was born she was absolutely NOT an Amber and it took me one look at her to name her something different.

I disagree with the PP who said a name can affect a career. I'm a very senior NHS manager and I sit in boardrooms with Teddies, Romeos and Mavericks. If they weren't outstanding at their jobs, they wouldn't have been employed. A name doesn't make a person.

calmholly · 08/12/2022 20:51

Chester is a great name. I know one and he is gorgeous, I've only heard nice things about his name.

TheBirdintheCave · 08/12/2022 21:01

Chester is a city and a surname, not a given name. Leonard is a much stronger choice.

RSintes · 08/12/2022 21:05

As long as his surname isn't Field.

Wakk · 08/12/2022 21:05

Chester drawers here too thanks to Facebook market place

MusicstillonMTV · 08/12/2022 21:05

What about Christopher with Kester as the nn?

BeanieTeen · 08/12/2022 21:11

Chester drawers?? Why would you associate it with that?
Chest of drawers… are people just being a bit thick? I don’t get it.
Its a nice name anyway. Unless you live to close to that town, then maybe it’s odd.

Divebar2021 · 08/12/2022 21:13

Chest of drawers… are people just being a bit thick? I don’t get it

yes people are a bit thick.

Eixample · 08/12/2022 21:15

It doesn’t matter that other people don’t like it. You need to love it so much that you couldn’t care less.
Everyone hates my daughter’s name but we love it and don’t care.

MissHavishamsMouldyOldCake · 08/12/2022 21:16

BeanieTeen · 08/12/2022 21:11

Chester drawers?? Why would you associate it with that?
Chest of drawers… are people just being a bit thick? I don’t get it.
Its a nice name anyway. Unless you live to close to that town, then maybe it’s odd.

chester draws

Axahooxa · 08/12/2022 21:21

Just pick a name YOU like.

StamppotAndGravy · 08/12/2022 21:23

I know a Chestermir which I think is a lovely name

SavingKitten · 08/12/2022 21:42

StamppotAndGravy · 08/12/2022 21:23

I know a Chestermir which I think is a lovely name

That is 100% the most ridiculous name I’ve seen on this board so far.

milkandmint · 08/12/2022 21:44

There is one in my ds' class. It's not for me as I don't really like surname names as first names but others seem to really like it.

LulooLemon · 08/12/2022 21:52

Chester = no
Chester-James = you can't be serious 🤣
James = yes
Leo = also yes

Oneofthosewsillydays · 08/12/2022 21:58

Oh I love Chester! I had a teddy bear called it as a child, it sounds cute. I dislike Charlie though as it is so widely used. James is nice but prefer it as the middle name.

Nolosomi · 08/12/2022 22:09

What about Kester?

my friends dog was called Chester. I can’t get past it being a dogs name.

RuthW · 08/12/2022 22:16

James is lovely.

Leonard is lovely.

Cedric is my fav

Chester just no