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Baby names

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

Original poster

Gabriel - is it cruel?

70 replies

mrsy · 08/09/2008 18:14

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?

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Janni · 08/09/2008 22:17

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??

jimjamshaslefttheyurt · 08/09/2008 22:17

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

branflake81 · 09/09/2008 09:18

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

frankbestfriend · 09/09/2008 09:23

Like it.

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

Original poster
mrsy · 09/09/2008 09:25

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...

OP posts:
FlightAttendent · 09/09/2008 09:29

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.

FlightAttendent · 09/09/2008 09:30

x posted!

Mikafan · 09/09/2008 09:34

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

miffymum · 09/09/2008 09:39

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.

Pinkglow · 09/09/2008 09:39

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.

MadBadandDangerousToKnow · 09/09/2008 09:44

I love both names, but Gabriel more.

Boobz · 09/09/2008 11:16

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!

Original poster
mrsy · 09/09/2008 11:28

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

OP posts:
Boobz · 09/09/2008 12:02

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!

Original poster
mrsy · 09/09/2008 12:19

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

OP posts:
ja9 · 09/09/2008 12:24

harper?

MrsMattie · 09/09/2008 12:26

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!

pippibluestocking · 09/09/2008 12:32

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.

DrNortherner · 09/09/2008 12:39

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!!

Tortington · 09/09/2008 12:40

i called my son Jesus - whats wrong with that?

pippibluestocking · 09/09/2008 12:40

Perhaps the next one will be Lucifer [grin[

ClosedForCleaning · 09/09/2008 12:42

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.

DrNortherner · 09/09/2008 12:45

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

Tortington · 09/09/2008 12:47

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

ClosedForCleaning · 09/09/2008 12:50

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