Slighty unfortunate initials

[Cwhatyoudidthere]

We're about to have a baby boy, and have a shortlist of names, but keeping coming back to names we love that begin with B. Our problem is that with his surname he'd be BBW (surname B-W). I'm worried this would cause sniggering or worse. Does anyone think this will really be an issue or am I overthinking it? Would having a middle name save him?

I hadn’t threats of that term, but I’d do a middle name regardless.

You are overthinking this. Not everyone knows what this means.

Never heard of those initials until this thread so can’t see an issue

It's a term used in pornography. I think Mumsnet is maybe the wrong place to ask because of the demographics. Many young men will know of this term.

I personally would avoid it.

I agree that mumsnet isn’t going to give you a representative response here. If you’re wondering then others will too.

Name the child what you wish, initials are unimportant
You might name them something else only for it to be considered dodgy/rude in some circles in the future

I can’t say I’ve ever heard someone’s full name, or seen their full name write down and put their initials together. Is this a thing people do?

I thought it was big, breasted woman.

My best friend at school's initials were BJ.

She had a cringy six months where she really tried to make it her nickname, thinking it was sexy and adult 😅 Nobody called her BJ, and she was never teased for it; at least until we all finished uni - and we're loosely in touch now, she got married a few years back, and has never mentioned it.

I'm not saying she means that any initials are fine; but I'd say BJ is much more commonly known than BBW, and it didn't cause her any issues.

It's also unlikely in my experience that his initials will be written as BBW; he'll likely be written as BW anyway - I've found most of the UK adopt the same principle and just use the first initial, even for double-barrelled surnames.

If it bothers you that much then add a second middle name but I don’t think it’s an issue. Especially as he’s a he it’s hard to make a joke about a man having those initials.

I have a J surname and so will avoid first names with B as I think that’s something a lot more obvious and likely to cause issues.

well my sons initials are BJC. When he was born MIL announced- we should call him BJ - errrrr no!

It’s not a middle name, it’s first name, double barrelled surname.

Children definitely notice initials. We had a GP in our class, which was hilarious. My mum is in the days of STDs being known as VD and still goes on about poor Victoria Davidson.

Didn't even know what it meant...I'm 34

Do not use it. People on mumsnet might have never heard the term but it is widely known and he will get teased.
There was a girl in my class at school with the initials BJS. Se got teased daily.

If he were a girl it'd be different ( though I still think most people wouldn't think of it.) But as he probably will never be an overweight woman so that will never accurately describe him, it's fine.