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Baby names

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

Original poster

Is it ^really^ that bad?

101 replies

EllenJane · 04/04/2008 18:13

The name that we have chosen for our son?

Finlay, nickname Finn?

Just been reading other threads and people seem to really dislike it. Is it dreadful?

We know it's popular but it's not a bad name is it? Would you feel sorry for a wee boy named Finlay?

Confused, and feeling quite depressed about the whole naming thing

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Lomond · 06/04/2008 12:47

I love Finlay as a name (A member of my family is one) It suits him. His mum picked it as it is a Scottish name, he occasionally gets called Fin but not very often.

conniedescending · 06/04/2008 12:57

Sorry but I do consider Finlay to be of a similar ilk to Jayden et al.

Finn or Flynn are much nicer alternatives imo

kayzisexpecting · 06/04/2008 13:00

I like it. I only know 1 Finlay and his mum is Scottish so I dont class it as popular really.

Pen74 · 06/04/2008 13:03

Finlay is lovely and nothing like Jayden. Finlay is a legitimate name with history (and is in fact a royal name, did you know that?). Ignore the PP, she obviously has little knowledge. Flynn is more like Jayden, Tyler, Bailey etc because it is a surname.
Finlay is is a solid handsome name and I urge you to use it!

Pen74 · 06/04/2008 13:11

I just looked the name Finlay up on the Telegraph BAs and this is a BA that came up..

On 21st August 2007, to Bodil (née Wyness) and Paul, a son, Finlay Charles Gabriel, a brother for Edward, Angus and Jemima.

I very much doubt that a Telegraph reader, with children named Edward, Angus and Jemima would choose a name of similar ilk to Jayden.

Mum2b2BabyRoo · 06/04/2008 14:59

I really like the name and if we didn't already have a friend with a child of the same name, we would use it ourselves (if we have a boy that is!)

Stars22 · 06/04/2008 19:06

I really like it, but i prefer it spelt Finley.

Original poster
EllenJane · 06/04/2008 19:24

Oh no Connie, so you do think it's like Jayden? I was kind of saying that tongue in cheek, expecting it to be a ridiculous claim. I know of two Finlays and they come from very middle-class families, not at all the types that would use Jayden!
Stress!

OP posts:
lulabella · 06/04/2008 19:38

I think its a lovely name. you could always have flynn for a bit of a difference

Doobydoo · 06/04/2008 19:41

I have a Finn...so am biasedWasn't popular when we named him[we have been copied]
We now live in Ireland where it is not at all popular...Even in Irish spelling.
Call your ds what you want.Best not to tell anyone in advance really.Everyone[like myself]will have an opinion.

Doobydoo · 06/04/2008 19:47

Love the idea of name changing Fillyjonk.Our Finn anted to be called Bob or Kevin.I wanted to be called Jane when younger as was fed up with spelling my name and people looking at me oddly when I said it.Don't mind it know.and ds1 hasn't mentioned it for a couple of years.

conniedescending · 06/04/2008 19:51

EJ, sorry but I do consider it in that vein regardless of whether it's a legitimate name or not.

Names that I consider to be similar are Harrison, Harvey, Tyler, Riley, Jayden etc

Original poster
EllenJane · 06/04/2008 19:56

Oh yes, I consider the names you just listed to be very that way too. Finlay (to me, and it seems everyone else (but you)), is not in the same league as those names!
I think (and hope) that you are wrong on this one.

OP posts:
dirtygertiefromnumber30 · 06/04/2008 20:08

Hi Ellen, we have a Finlay, and we shorten it to Fin (for the same reasons you stated)

MinkyBorage · 06/04/2008 20:10

I like it, both long nd short

conniedescending · 06/04/2008 20:31

I may be being swayed by the Finlays I know in our area

Just read your other thread - love the suggestion of Hamish

Original poster
EllenJane · 06/04/2008 20:36

How many do you know Connie?

The thing is, I know plenty of ruffians named George, Harry, Thomas, Alex, Henry ('Enry), Sam and Max and I mean ROUGH! But, I wouldn't say this has affected my views much on the names.

OP posts:
conniedescending · 06/04/2008 20:42

5 or 6 of various ages......its a very popular name. If you love it then go with it and don't let any negative comments stop you. Not everyone has been positive about the names of my DC.

I think the problem for me with Finlay is that it started out as a funky kind of interesting name (kinda like Oscar) but perceptions of it have changed. I think Oscar will go the same way as Finlay has (or will). Just my honest opinion.

dirtygertiefromnumber30 · 06/04/2008 20:47

hmm, just to add, My Finlay is 5 and it wasnt popular at all when we named him. I dont think I would choose the name neccesserily now.

That awful 'finley the blardy firengine' cartoon hasnt helped it's case either!

scottishmummy · 06/04/2008 20:49

smashing gaelic name - love it

pinkyminky · 06/04/2008 21:20

Tv shows come and go- Finlay is a good outstanding citizen's name, I would say.

Miaou · 06/04/2008 21:37

I love the name Finn, quite like Finlay, but really wanted Finnian for ds1, sadly dh didn't like it. Am very happy with what we chose in the end though.

There is an MNer on here with a Finnian (have forgotten who, and she may not let on anyway ), just love that name

Original poster
EllenJane · 06/04/2008 21:39

Is Finlay considered chavvy in Scotland??

OP posts:
scottishmummy · 06/04/2008 21:40

NO

scottishmummy · 06/04/2008 21:42

PS we dont do chavs we do neds