Name wobbles

[Monkeytownten]

First time poster here, looking for support/reassurance! We recently welcomed our fourth boy ( 5th child) and for the first time ever I’m feeling some baby name remorse.

This baby was by far the hardest to name (which isn’t surprising, given that we’ve already had to name four others!). We had a short list of quite traditional/classic names, but ended up going with my husbands pick—Hugo. We live abroad, where it isn’t at all popular, and loved that it’s classic but quirky, has a lovely meaning, it’s easy to spell, travels well, etc..

However, since my son arrived, I’m just not sure that it feels right. I know I shouldn’t be overly concerned about what other people think (and I know too, that names are completely subjective), but reactions from friends and family have been lukewarm, and it’s really bothered me. As well, I recently read a few threads on here about the name where it seemed that Hugo was almost universally disliked, which has only added to my uncertainty (and confusion: it’s a popular name, so there must be people out there who like it?!)

Anybody else dealt with this and got over it? I’m really not keen on going through all the paperwork to change the name (It’s a process where we live).

Please be kind… I’m already feeling like I’ve messed this up!

I really like the name Hugo.

Is it just that people haven't been enthusiastic about it or because you feel it doesn't suit him?

Wondering if lack of enthusiasm about the name is blurring with a perceived lack of enthusiasm about him?

Sometimes it takes people a while to get used to an unfamiliar name but in time they won't bat an eye at it and he'll just be lovely, gorgeous Hugo!

Handsome Hugo :)

There's nothing wrong with the name. It's popular in the UK in te top 50 boys'names (1325 Hugos born in 2021 in England & Wales)
Relatives might think it's a bit 'posh' but it is mainstream.
I like it, and it works in other languages.

Welcome to mumsnet. 😃

Is it easily pronounced where you are living? Maybe they just haven't heard it before so its unfamiliar? In the UK I 'think' the name can be changed up to 6 weeks, without having to redo the birth certificate- but I might be wrong. Also- it might be different rules where you live.

I don't mind it, and have certainly heard much worse. The only bad thing I can think would be being called 'Huge-O' when older. Does your DH still like it?

@CC4712 , in the UK you can change a baby's name up to the baby being 12 months old. The 6 weeks old is when you need to register the baby.

It will be different where you are @Monkeytownten . Don't listen to your friends and family, it's a nice name and a classic. Makes me think of Victor Hugo - I like the name Victor too!

It might be worth having a chat with your GP, as name regret seems to be linked with PND.

They might dislike pronunciation of name Hugo - maybe they already have established rules how to pronounce name and it clashes with British way of saying it?

Just to add - pronunciation of name Hugo doesn't travel well - I'm not British and that's way it isn't very high on my list, despite me loving it.

Thanks all; this is helpful! There’s no issue with pronunciation… We find it works well, both where we live and back in the UK.

I think I just need time to warm up to it again. I loved the name before we gave it to a real person!

You can call him Hugh or his second name if the boy suits those better.
Hugo Horton on The Vicar of Dibley has made Hugo a sweet and familiar name. It is popular, meaning that lots of people do like it.

You could nickname him Huggy.

I like Hugo! Can you call him Hughie instead?

I know three Hugos and they're all lovely!

I love Hugo and think it is a good baby , child and adult name :)

Sometimes it really can clash with a surname... And a bit pretentious tbh...

Its in the top #50. All those little Hugos can't be pretentious, surely.

It's a lovely name you will warm to it I'm sure ☺️

I’m just glad you didn’t call him Wobbles

Hugo to me is classic (Victor Hugo) middler class but I like it.
Taught a few, they're usually nice kids from naice families.
In terms of name wobbles I had this so bad with my first (had pnd though) and now I love his name, as do all the grandparents who initially rebelled and tried to nickname with a traditional not really similar enough name.
I now have similar with my second baby, although we did go with my husband's choice so that may be something to do with it. Also responses are bizarre (it's unusual but not a silly made up name)
However, was thinking about switching to her middle name and decided that's not her, so if you want to switch I'd advise sooner rather than later. That being said, I expect second child's name will become as beloved to me as first child's name (guess I'm just a slow burner) so don't do anything rash.
I think one of the issues I had with both mine and people's reactions to them was that they're not unusual for now, but not classic names like James and William so in that way others, particularly the older generation are wrong footed.

Your husband obviously liked it but did it catch your eye or did you just get swept up? That to me would tlbe the crucial change it or don't for me.

It’s nice and maybe used to be posh but isn’t anymore. You’ll get used to it!

Thanks so much, all! I’m already feeling so much better about little Hugo’s name. He’s our last baby, and I think I was just feeling the pressure of picking the perfect thing. It’s really reassuring to read so many positive and lovely comments on the name.

Incidentally, just watched the movie Hugo with my older boys and hearing it out loud made me love it again. Thanks for the support!

i love the name Hugo!! Not everyone is going to agree with a name but I always see comments suggesting names as ‘better’ that I really dislike so it’s personal taste. Hugo is gorgeous name!

It's a fabulous name.

I know a Hugo whose nicknames are Hug and Huggie.

As per a PP, you must give him the NN Wobbles.

It's a lovely name