Active discussions

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Baby names

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

Original poster

Too royal?

32 replies

boynameishard · 09/12/2023 23:06

If we already have a Charlotte, would it be a big no if we were to name this one Louis? My husband is very keen on Louis (and tbh I really love the name too). No other names really stand out to us. I guess if we really can’t use it then we’ll go with James but we love Louis more (Louis James sounds lovely I think). Another name that my husband likes is George which obviously has the same problem ☹️ please help! x

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
ArsenicInTheAppleTart · 09/12/2023 23:09

I'd assume you were Will and Kate superfans but if people thinking that doesn't bother you then it's no big deal.

Original poster
boynameishard · 09/12/2023 23:15

Haha not at all- my husband is French and his favourite singer when he was little has two songs that he really liked called La Petite Charlotte & Ptit Louis. That’s why he wants to use it + it sounds lovely in both English and French. We also currently live in Paris so I don’t think people will make the connection here, but most likely will move to London in a year or two so I’m worried if they’ll be teased in school there

OP posts:
ArsenicInTheAppleTart · 09/12/2023 23:18

I can't see your Charlotte and Louis getting teased in England for their names. More likely that you as parents will get a lot of adults saying 'oh like the royals?' 'are they named after the royals?'. That kind of thing.

ANightingale · 09/12/2023 23:30

I'd go for it. Your children won't always be known as a pair - the older they get, the more their sibling's name will be something their friends find out later, if at all, and pay little attention to. And the royal Charlotte and Louis are destined to slip further and further down the line of succession and away from the public eye.

Spaghettieis · 09/12/2023 23:32

I think with the French background I would go for it - both are obviously French names and people wouldn’t expect foreigners to be massive royal fans. I assume a French surname?

Vexxa · 09/12/2023 23:45

I think they're both lovely names, especially with a French background. But all of my children's names have been used at some point by members of the British royal family - not on purpose, we just like classic traditional names! So I'm maybe not the best judge as to whether the combination is too royal haha Wink

BoleynMemories13 · 10/12/2023 11:49

Personally I wouldn't have a Charlotte and Louis together (or Charlotte and George) as the royal link is so obvious and will be constantly pointed out, but it depends how much that would bother you? If you could just smile sweetly and laugh it off each time someone comments then go for it, there's nothing to say you can't use it.

Personally I think Charlotte and James is a lovely classic combo but if James doesn't make your heart sing like Louis then go for Louis. Just be prepared for a lot of comments!

roombaclean · 10/12/2023 12:04

Yes, do it. People are not as fascinated by children's names as these threads suggest. Why should you expect lots of comments? Charlotte and Louis are classic names, it's not like having twin boys Ant and Dec.

Cosywintertime · 10/12/2023 12:06

roombaclean · 10/12/2023 12:04

Yes, do it. People are not as fascinated by children's names as these threads suggest. Why should you expect lots of comments? Charlotte and Louis are classic names, it's not like having twin boys Ant and Dec.

Everyone knows the royals kids names though, I mean cmon, you don’t need to be fascinated.
I think it’s fine, but I’d also initially think you’d named them after the royals.

theduchessofspork · 10/12/2023 18:11

It’s fine

I have known a few Will and Henry/Harry brothers

They are really popular names

Doublebiscuit77 · 10/12/2023 18:19

Wouldn't think of the royals at all. They're both quite popular names. Three kids called Louis in DC's class. A different Louis at nursery too.

NightTimeRain · 10/12/2023 18:21

I wouldn’t use them together personally

ChildrenOfTheQuorn · 10/12/2023 19:01

I know a William and Harry pair of brothers and I assumed their parents are Royal superfans. I really really wouldn't.

Daisybuttercup12345 · 10/12/2023 22:37

No I wouldn't use them together.
Matthew
Edward
Robert
Michael
Leo
Lionel
Leon
Laurence
Lennie
Luke
Lucas
Lucian
Luca
Joseph

Copperoliverbear · 10/12/2023 22:47

My son is Louis James and is a sweet boy always has been x

Isthisblocked · 10/12/2023 23:17

I am Elizabeth, DH is Philip and DS Charles. Friends joke, that they thought they had received a Christmas card from the Palace….

groovergirl · 11/12/2023 04:30

Go with Louis if you both like it, OP. Charlotte and Louis work in both French and English, so win-win!
My friend named her DS Louis after Louis Theroux, her dream man. 😍

googledidnthelp · 11/12/2023 04:43

Would you consider the spelling Lewie, or go for
Lewis with that as a NN?

Lolly34h · 11/12/2023 04:47

I have a Charlotte and George and no one has ever made the royal comments. My kids were born in the early 2000s so I had them before the royals. Just do what makes u happy

BoohooWoohoo · 11/12/2023 04:56

The kids are unlikely to be teased but you and your h may attract some comments about being royal super fans. I’m guessing that your surname isn’t royal related like Wales, Cambridge, Windsor or Middleton.

garlictwist · 11/12/2023 05:04

It wouldn't occur to me that they were the same names. I'm sure loads of families back in the day had an Elizabeth and a Margaret or an Anne and a Charles.

KirstenBlest · 11/12/2023 13:52

Would you consider the spelling Lewie, or go for
Lewis with that as a NN?
Please don't. Lewie is awful

CruCru · 11/12/2023 17:51

Honestly? Both Charlotte and Louis are solidly middle class names - I know many children with these names. If you love the name Louis then use it. You are not controlled by the Royal family - whether or not they used the names shouldn't matter to you or your French husband.

CruCru · 11/12/2023 17:52

And yes, please don't use Lewie. Your French in laws would be horrified.

purpledahlias · 11/12/2023 20:30

Even though Louis is pronounced without the S in French, it is often pronounced Lou-is (with the S) outside of France. Be prepared for that!