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We want our names as middle name for baby, but my name is awful.

214 replies

Mapricot · 22/05/2023 13:54

We finally agreed on a name for our future daughter. We let go of the parents/relatives names. And I am happy about it. His name's girl version is beautiful but mine is awful. I don't even tell people, I use my middle name.

I was thinking maybe we could use an alternative. Do you know any name that sounds like Karen ? I was thinking of Kerry. But I'd love to hear about more options.

OP posts:
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Manthide · 26/05/2023 06:16

Feraldogmum · 25/05/2023 11:23

Please don’t saddle your kid with a name you hate,you’ll end up not using it which will cause problems.
Give your child a name you like and use your name or middle name,for their middle ( redundant)name if you must and tell hubby to get a grip.
My parents named me Christina Louise but then mum decided folk would shorten Christina to Tina which she hated,hence for 55 years I’ve been Louise and have to constantly explain to folk Drs/dentists etc to call me Louise. Piggin nightmare if someone picks up a prescription for me and I’ve forgotten to tell them.
My eldest brother is Robert David,but has always been David,so my parents were serial offenders. In fairness dad was Robert Christopher but always Chris, grandad Robert William Christopher ,again Kit ( Chris), so something of a tradition , which I ended.

I used to look after an elderly man with dementia and on my job sheet he was always down as 'John'. I normally visited him a few times a day then once I saw the name 'Kenneth' on my job sheet with the same address and surname. I was confused but apparently that was his name but he had always used 'John'.

MargotBamborough · 26/05/2023 07:34

I don't see the point of trying to give your child a family name if you're then going to change it to something similar but different.

Either use your middle name, or just use Karen. I don't think your husband should be able to overrule you on this if he's already had his pick.

For what it's worth I think Karen is a nice name, I'm 99% sure it won't be an insult anymore by the time your daughter is old enough to care about such things, but it will be very unusual in her generation for obvious reasons.

MargotBamborough · 26/05/2023 07:36

Manthide · 26/05/2023 06:16

I used to look after an elderly man with dementia and on my job sheet he was always down as 'John'. I normally visited him a few times a day then once I saw the name 'Kenneth' on my job sheet with the same address and surname. I was confused but apparently that was his name but he had always used 'John'.

I only found out that my auntie Sue was actually called Isabel Susan from the order of service at her funeral.

No idea why she went by Sue, because Isabel is a much nicer name and was really unusual back then.

Ilovegardens · 26/05/2023 11:13

My niece is called Karin, its a lovely sounding name. But as other posters have said, you really don't need to over complicate your child's name - they're a unique human being whatever they're called.

jamdonut · 26/05/2023 12:24

I’m for Karenza , as I know one !😊

supercatlady · 26/05/2023 12:35

What about Keren

ShoesoftheWorld · 26/05/2023 12:35

Tbh, I think there's something a bit narcissistic about parents giving their children their own names. But that said, if that practice is what you're set on, I would not let the stupid trend of 'Karen' as an insult put you off using it.

I always find it a bit sad when someone isn't given a middle name. My children have two each, after friends and relatives (all names we liked, admittedly) - their first names are fully 'new' and 'theirs' (established names, but not after anyone we know/knew).

Crunchymum · 28/05/2023 13:36

Did the OP ever confirm if this is a hypothetical situation or if she's actually pregnant with a DD? Her initial post isn't clear

(And its a whole lot of unnecessary angst if she isn't expecting a DD!)

missb10 · 19/02/2024 11:58

I knew some girls called Karen when I was growing up (still do know one of them actually) and there was absolutely no stigma to the name then and I don't associate it with them. It will pass. But if you really hate your first name why not use your second name for your daughter's middle name? FWIW I think that Kerensa is a lovely name.

greendaisie · 19/02/2024 22:24

Karen is much nicer than Kerry!

Dostadning · 19/02/2024 22:33

Caron, Karin, Kara, Carrie?
All similar but no Karen spelling.

TheOriginalEmu · 20/02/2024 00:22

Mapricot · 22/05/2023 13:54

We finally agreed on a name for our future daughter. We let go of the parents/relatives names. And I am happy about it. His name's girl version is beautiful but mine is awful. I don't even tell people, I use my middle name.

I was thinking maybe we could use an alternative. Do you know any name that sounds like Karen ? I was thinking of Kerry. But I'd love to hear about more options.

Carys or Karys could work? Carys is Welsh, Karys is Cornish.

Princessfluffy · 20/02/2024 07:29

Don't be bullied into using a name you dislike for your child. There are no rules on having to use your own name as a middle name, I don't know anyone who has done this.

NannaKaren · 20/02/2024 10:38

Just saw Karen and had to comment!
it’s the person not the name people will ‘like’ or not but who cares she’s your child - Karen is a lovely name (I my opinion) lol 🥰

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