River

[heffalumpwoozle]

Thoughts on the name River for a boy?

It's a favourite for both DH and me, but a bit worried family might think it's a bit 'out there' or effeminate. Family are quite traditional. I know I shouldn't care about their opinions but as I get closer to birth I'm finding I can't help it.

Alexander is our 'safe' option, we both also love it, but we're both arty/creative and River feels a bit more us.

I don't know what you think "chavvy" means but that's not what I would associate the name with 😂

Avon is a great suggestion.

River is okay, I’d prefer it as a middle name. Not keen on Alex though, all the ones I’ve ever met both male and female have been a bit of a pain!

Avon makes me think of Blake's 7 😂

I think its a really nice name and it sounds like it fits you guys well. I wouldn't even discuss with family - announce the name when he's born and don't entertain anyone's opinions on it. they'll very quickly get used to it and it's harder for them to say anything when the baby is there and you've introduced him as River. As for him growing up and having a professional job - all of the people in his generation will have different names to us. In 30 years I think it would be more unusual to meet a Jessica, David, Joshua etc.

Makes me think of Stratford!

Alexander River + surname is a great name & he could choose which name to use growing up. I know so many people who go by their second name.

I think do. It leaves it there for the taking op.

Both names are nice. However to me you can’t compare Alexander to River. It’s such a strong name and an obvious winner.
Alexander River would be fine, you will never say the full name and they can use River when they get older if they want.

Avon makes me think of Avon ladies/products. I don't think River is particularly "out there" anymore. River Phoenix was where we heard it first, but there have been plenty since. Isn't Jamie Oliver's youngest called River? Not that that is here or there, but it's recognisable as a name to most people under 60. Personally I like it a million times better than Alexander, but River Alexander does sound awesome and give him plenty of options. And I massively agree with the PP who pointed out that names do not limit future careers!

River Alexander does sound lovely

Depressing metric for choosing a name anyway but if somebody walked into a meeting with me and said ‘hi my name’s River’ I would think ‘wow what a beautiful name’

by the time he’s in meetings it will be Mark and Steve that are the weird names anyway, not River.

Was going to call my son River 8 years ago but changed it to Asher.

Pointless factoid but River Phoenix's father's original name was John Lee Bottom.

It isn't awful at all OP but prefer Alexander.

Love it but wouldn’t be brave enough to use it. Would like to see more baby Rivers!

In fairness Mark and Steve are not getting used a lot right now.

River is a perfectly fine and acceptable name thats been in common usage for years. No one would bat an eyelid at it and your family would get over it. Some comments on here will always be idiotic, namely one thread that said Rebekah was a chavvy made up spelling and another that said oscar was a wet and not classic name 😂. People will always talk shit basically.

Well… it’s a forum for discussion and I think rather than “talking shit”, people share their perspective. That’s why it’s useful for people wanting to hear feedback or impressions.

The fact you don’t agree doesn’t necessarily make them “ shit.”

I can, for instance, see why Oscar might have perhaps not “ wet” vibes but definitely puts me in mind of a more aesthetic or humanities style individual, and that’s because it’s so heavily associated with Oscar Wilde. Those sorts of associations are valid impressions.

🙄 I work In a corporate environment and trust me there are lots of non traditional names I encounter and all I think its refreshing.
i would with clients who are CEOs, lawyers, doctors you name it

stop being ridiculous

Also the name is fab!

I think the demographic who are being really snotty are older or stuck up

I can’t understand the objections. I think River is a great name and not too out- there at all

Your family will quickly get used to it once he’s here

I hate this sort of response because that’s just stupid. People don’t become successful in life or get taken seriously because of their name. Especially these days. The generation being born now won’t consider anything a weird name.
Its kind of pathetic that’s you’d immediately dismiss someone based on a name they didn’t even chose.
BTW, I know an adult male River who does very well for himself and even manages to successfully participate in meetings. He’s a very pleasant man who is good at his job which is probably more relevant than his name.

It is an inherently wet name.
"Hey River, cup of tea please and try not to drip in it"

I know a Riverson if you liked this?

No I like it!