Gabriel - is it cruel?

[mrsy]

Even though I'm convinced bump is a girl, we want a back up boys name. I like either Noah or Gabriel.
My husband favours Gabriel, but almost everyone we talk to says it's cruel, as he would be mercylessly teased "Gay-boy" at school etc.
What do you all think?

I know a very cool mixed race 17 year old called Gabriel. I doubt anyone has ever thought of bullying him. I also know an adorable toddler, called Gabriel and it is a name I do like.

Perhaps it depends where you live and how broadminded the folk there are??

I know a couple of Gabriels. Neither teased. I like it.

I really don't like it. I think it's quite effeminate.

Like it.

Can't really see the problem, it's hardly the most unusual name.

Thanks everyone - I do really like it, and I like Gabe as a nickname, but i wanted to see what came to other people's minds.

Also, I agree that if a child will be bullied, he will be bullied - for all we know he may be ginger, and then they can use that...

Oh I think it's a wonderful name, it was on our list.
I know a few children with the name, why on earth all this worry about teasing - fgs they'll find a way to tease you if they want to, it doesn't matter what you're called.

x posted!

I love both names. I don't think a boy would be teased for either name but maybe thats just me being nieve(sp?)

DD would have been Gabriel if she'd been a boy and all DP's family pulled cats-bottom faces when we told them. Stuff the 'friends' opinions - people are bound to have comments about whatever name you choose in the same way kids will tease or not about all sorts. I think it's a lovely name.

I went to school with a couple of Gebriels - they were never teased

in fact any of the ppl that were teased had perfectly normal names.

I love both names, but Gabriel more.

Oh bugger bugger bugger. Have been on MN since July and this is the 4th "Gabriel" name thread. Me thinks it's going to be the next Jack / Rose / Grace for 2009 babies. And I soooo wanted a Gabe!

Realy Boobz? I wanted something that no-one else has... Not like Apple, but unusual. GRRRR!!!!

I started my own Gabriel thread (was Gabriel vs Angus) and Gabriel came out on top. Have seen it a fair few times since then.

Have since picked a new boy's name and I know no-body has one (or haven't met one yet) and it won't be the most popular name next year (but it is not made up either -- is an American author's name). Not going to say it though - in case it suddenly gets popular!

Boobz - if I have a girl, will you tell me your boys name?!!

harper?

I really like it. Can see the potential for teasing, but wouldn't bother me particularly. Most names can be butchered for the purposes of teenage entertainment!

Haven't read all the postings but I loved Gabriel and really would have wanted to have called my child it, if she hadn't been a girl! However, got the same reaction as you and was surprised that people thought he would get called "Gayboy". I'd say, go for it and ignore everyone. I think it is getting more popular anyway so less likely to be a teasing point.

I know a Gabriel, he is only 4 though so not sure about teasing. The mum has 2 sons nd she named 1 after an angel and 1 after a saint - she is barking!!

i called my son Jesus - whats wrong with that?

Perhaps the next one will be Lucifer [grin[

The "Gay-boy" thing would not have even ocurred to me.

DH has a theory that kids will always be teased for something. Better for a name than a physical attribute or personality. A useful decoy for buck teeth and cauliflower ears.

Imagine though if you have aGabriel with buck teeth, big ears and ginger hair.....

Jesus has buck teeth and ginger hair - i can't believe you are mocking my sons dental problems - and thee is notheing wrong with red heads - lets make that clear

Good point, but it's a name the church will never turn away. A place on the choir guaranteed surely.