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Baby names

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

Original poster

Reeva

58 replies

Girlsgirlsgirls08 · 28/01/2023 22:42

My DH and I have struggled to think of a girls name for our DD who is due in April.

We've just thought of the name Reeva and both really like it. I understand the potential links to Reeva Steenkamp, but it feels a shame to penalise a name because of what someone evil did.

Interested to see if people like it? Also any middle name ideas? Thank you!

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MrsMikeDrop · 21/06/2023 02:35

housemaus · 29/01/2023 05:21

I know a Reeva, named very shortly after Steenkamp's death was in the news. Found it really odd - even if you personally think the name deserves a second chance, when it's that strong an association why would you want a murdered woman to be the first thing people think think they meet your child??

(A PP said we don't do the same to Oscar so why should we for Reeva - I know personally about 6 Oscars and can think of plenty more famous ones. The name Oscar by itself doesn't make anyone think of Pistorious, I'd put money on it. Reeva is not a common name - in the UK anyway - and as you can see from this thread the association is strong!)

That's a good point, maybe it's becaue it's rare. And for some bizarre reason I feel it's worse being called someone who was a victim, even though that isn't really logical. Almost like the name is cursed or something. I felt the same about a friend of mine who died in tragic circumstances, it's like the name is tainted

CurlewKate · 21/06/2023 07:30

I made the association too. And I don't think it's a particularly nice name either. Back to the drawing board you go!!!

Ballycunneen23 · 21/06/2023 13:35

Yes totally agree. Thanks 😊

Ballycunneen23 · 21/06/2023 13:37

Yes totally agree. If you like a name why not use it. Can't please everyone. We all have different taste. Each to their own. Thanks 😊

marmitegirl01 · 21/06/2023 13:39

Lovely name.
I have a Holly. Not one person has said anything to me about it.
You can't not use a name that you love because other people might make an association to something else.

narrichi · 22/06/2023 09:30

It's not French. I'd think it's probably an invented name (my ex was from SA with a similar background to Reeva Steenkamp and he told me invented/combined names are fairly common there).

Reeva Steenkamp does come to mind but at the same time I don't think she's a reason to avoid the name. She did nothing wrong. Plus kids today probably won't be very aware of the case.

sunshineday223 · 27/06/2023 09:39

@Ballycunneen23 I'm sorry I only just saw your message.. we actually didn't end up using Reeva, but only because we landed on another name we both liked slightly more.. after the comments on this thread, I would have been happy to use the name :)

Ballycunneen23 · 27/06/2023 10:37

@sunshineday223 Thank you for the reply. I was curious. I'm sure the name ye picked is equally as beautiful.

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