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Original poster

The name Teddy ?

173 replies

August21yellowbaby · 14/11/2023 09:41

I have a little boy named Albie and die another baby boy in April! 💙

I love the name Teddy, but I'm not sure if on the birth certificate I should use a "proper" name incase he doesn't like using Teddy at school or work...?

I mean, I know quite a few teddy's nowadays so hoping it's not seen as "unusual" anymore

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Sholkedabemus · 14/11/2023 09:43

Edward is lovely, he could then choose whether he’s Edward, Ted, Teddy, Ed or Eddy.

Aquamarine1029 · 14/11/2023 09:44

Your child will spend the vast majority of their life as an adult. I would give them a name that will serve them well in their adult years, and I personally think Teddy, as their given name, isn't it.

Bluemoon93 · 14/11/2023 09:49

Definitely not unusual, I know lots of Teddy’s. Don’t know what they are on their birth certificate though. But looking at darker green ‘Teddy’ is the 26th most popular boys name with 1875 born in 2021. So definitely won’t be unusual. You’ll have people telling you he needs a proper name for when he’s an adult but he won’t be alone, and he can go by Ted too if Teddy is too babyish. Personally I’d go Edward as it gives even more options but if you like Teddy go for it.

Artesia · 14/11/2023 09:57

My Edward was a Teddy until he was about 5, at which point he was very clear he didn't want to be Teddy any more- said he got called Teddy Bear at school and hated it. He's just Ted now, and really suits him.

Teddy is super cute but as they get older they might not want that association. I know they could still be Ted/Ed if Teddy on the birth certificate, but school etc will still default to Teddy for the register etc. So I'd go with Edward or Theodore on the birth certificate then use the nickname Teddy.

Shopper727 · 14/11/2023 09:58

My grandad was Edward and he was called Ted so there’s a few options you could use if he would prefer not have teddy as it’s cute when they are little but an 18 year old? Not so much

Constantlybusy · 14/11/2023 09:59

Teddy is quite a common (as in popular) name now. There are several in my grandson's school and 2 in his class.

HoHoHoliday · 14/11/2023 10:08

Teddy is cute and sweet, fine as a nickname for a little boy (or a dog), but give the boy a proper name so he can use a more adult sensible version when he wants to.
Edward, Edmund, Benedict, Theodore can all be Teddy.

Limth · 14/11/2023 10:14

I know a few Teddys. All are dogs.

Samzzz · 14/11/2023 11:40

Teddy is so popular now and I think it’s also overdone.

Whiskerson · 14/11/2023 11:42

Did you not worry about this for Albie? Exact same issue, surely?

ClaireandTed · 14/11/2023 11:45

My ten year old is called Teddy and we put Edward on his birth certificate so that he had the choice, even though at the time I didn't actually like Edward much but now I do. I reckon he will stick with Teddy or Ted as he gets older. I don't know any other Teddy's in his age group but I agree it's getting quite popular now.

SallyWD · 14/11/2023 11:50

He'll only be small and cute for a few years then will have to endure being a teenage lad and a grown man with such a cutesy name.
Call him Edward on the birth certificate. It's an excellent name with so many options for nicknames.

susiedaisy1912 · 14/11/2023 11:53

Teddy is a cute pet name for a small child. As others have said call him Edward or Theodore and have teddy as a pet name.

KirstenBlest · 14/11/2023 11:53

@SallyWD , he'll be one of many Teddys and will be amongst Albies, Alfies, Archies, Freddys etc

BoleynMemories13 · 14/11/2023 12:44

Is Albie just Albie? Surely that carries the same concerns of being a bit infantile?

If Albie is actually Albert I would definitely treat this one the same by calling him Edward or Theodore on the birth certificate. But likewise if Albie is just Albie I would treat this one the same as Albie may resent his brother having a more grown up choice to fall back on if you didn't give him the same option.

Teddy isn't my style as a given name but there are plenty about now so he won't stand out in a class of Alfie, Freddie, Ronnie, Lottie, Elsie etc. Plus he could always just go by Ted, which is more grown up.

Riapia · 14/11/2023 13:14

Teddy whilst he’s little.
Ted when he’s 11 yo.
Edward when he’s been naughty.

Riverlee · 14/11/2023 13:20

Teddy is very popular around where I live for babies and dogs. I’d go with Edward.

NeverAloneNeverAgain · 14/11/2023 13:20

We have a Teddy and that's his name on birth certificate. He goes by Ted now he's older. Pick the name you like. Some will like it and some won't. My parents disliked all the names we picked for our boys - we have a Henry too which my dad thinks sounds pretentious.

ValerieVomit · 14/11/2023 13:22

Whiskerson · 14/11/2023 11:42

Did you not worry about this for Albie? Exact same issue, surely?

It always makes me think of albumen.

MuckyPlucky · 14/11/2023 13:24

Cutesy, twee, and becoming overdone.

It’s the name of a snuggly cute cuddly bear, not an adult man.

Toddlerteaplease · 14/11/2023 13:29

Awful name!

Antisocialneighbour · 14/11/2023 13:30

Teddy is lovely.

I’ve met some older gentlemen (80s+) named Teddy before and it suited them. Names grow with a person.

bunnibee · 14/11/2023 13:34

I like to think we were well ahead of our time when I called my son Teddy in 1990, he was the only one in school. His given name is Edward. He goes by Ted now at 33. I must say I do a huge eye roll when I hear it now.

daylightplease · 14/11/2023 13:53

I know a Theodore who was Teddy as a small dc and Ted once he got to school.