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 think it’s suits the two of you from what you describe of your life style So go with it. People grow into namesx.
personally, I am not sure I would have my daughter marry a man called River… too whimsical for me!

River Avon
😃😃😃

Sorry op it wasn't you that said Avon
Crossed wires

Be different!! Go with River

river, very Slow Horses.

The majority of the previous responses really shock me, they’re almost acting like the name ‘River’ is super rare, avant-garde and unheard of.

I would say it’s obviously not as traditional as ‘James’ or ‘Alexander’ but it also wouldn’t create a second look. Especially amongst the names of his peers I think it will just blend in, so if you love it then I don’t think you will regret choosing it long term.

I love River. A Beautiful name. The nay sayers are just old fashioned. I also love Storm ❤️

I'm sorry, but River is plain silly, not even a proper name.
It may be popular in some circles now, but it won't endure. Just ask pensioners named Ethel, Beryl, or Cuthbert, and don't even mention Brooklyn.
Best chose a traditional name which stands the test of time.
But if you are set on this course, why not Loire, which is an actual river. Sounds nice and sophisticated, and as far as I know isn't used by anyone.

Love it 💛

See now storm sounds like a porn name. But River will always be River Phoenix to me. Totally cool.

I like what you did there with River being "wet".

I will always associate River with River Phoenix. There doesn't seem to be other Rivers. If you do name him that I hope his surname isn't Thames or Tyne.

Personally I love Alexander. It's a solid name, that everyone can spell and pronounce, with a range of potential nicknames.

I think these posts show that River would be a controversial choice - would you be happy with that?
I think the combination with the surname is important. If you have a common surname River would be less contentious -eg River Jones would be fine, but if your surname is quite unusual I’d go with Alexander.

I'd check that the surname isn't the name of a river.

I like River, it's a great name and it's not weird. I know professional people called all kinds of things, including some nature type names which are much less common than River.

Alexander is a nice name but I know SO many men and women called Alex. I was at a conference this week and three out of seven people at dinner with me were called Alex.

I do know a River - no one comments on it but he’s still a toddler so it’s hard to know if that will change or if he’ll hate the name when older.

It’s a toughie as I do really like the sound of River, but imo it’s the sort of name that suits a particular personality type - arty, bohemian, eccentric, a bit wild and romantic. But we have no idea what our childrens personality type or interests will be - and it’s hard to have any preconceptions for a popular international timeless classic such as Alexander (as everyone knows a few).

Personally I think it’s our job as parents to try to make our kids lives as easy as possible if we can - and a name like Alexander can have big benefits as no-one can make assumptions about his age, social background or nationality. Whereas rightly or wrongly I’d guess a River to be from an English speaking heritage, from likely middle class “arty” parents and born in the last 10 years or so.

Personally for all those reasons I’d go for Alexander (maybe with River as a middle?). If he wants to fit in, he can be Alex, Al or maybe Xander. If he wants to stand out he can be Lex, Xan/Xand, Sasha etc ; so many possibilities to make the name his own/suit his personality. River will be cool on the right kid, but it’s potentially more limiting.

Storm is a name for a horse.,

Yes definitely. It's got tragic associations for me @NeedmorelegoFunnily, I like it more for a girl

Instead of River, which personally I don’t like, go for Avon or the Welsh form Afon

Makes me think of the Avon lady. Ding Dong! Showing my age there.

It also sounds far too much like Yvonne for me. And yes there’s Blake 7. It’s one of the worst name suggestions I’ve heard and that’s saying something. River is better.

Ouse? Severn? Actually Severn! That’s not bad.

I like it. It's strong.

Interestingly around here it has none of those assumptions

The rivers I know via working in a primary school tend to be working class, and quite rough and tumble.

I'd almost assume the opposite

Sick of these daft names.

Imo it's dated and sounds better on a girl. The nature type names have moved on a lot since River.

I like Alec for Alexander.

You asked for opinions so my honest one is River has become popular and overused. If you are artsy and creative and want something to show creativity and uniqueness I wouldn’t use River. However I don’t actually dislike the name, and if you do not care about popularity then I say go for the name you love - who cares what your family says at the end of the day!

@heffalumpwoozle it’s not a double r sound, though, in Alexander River. It’s an “er” sound followed by an “r” sound. Sorry, my linguistics knowledge is long forgotten. I’m sure someone will be along soon to explain this better!