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Baby names

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

Original poster

A divided household - what do you think of Ernest?

58 replies

helpivegottogivebirth · 01/03/2009 08:24

Or Ernie for short?

Husband likes it, I'm okay with it, the grandparents think it is forcing a lifetime of teasing on him. What do you think?

Other boys names we have thought of are Robert (Bert or Bertie for short). Er... that's it really - a bit unispired for the boys.

Girls are easy - Tabitha, Nancy or Marina.

We have a few months left so just testing the waters really.

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MrsMattie · 01/03/2009 08:26

Not keen on these 'old man' names and think Ernest is particularly awful. Ernie as a nickname is marginally better, but still not great. I think Robert/Bertie is a little bit better.

Nancy is a fab name for a girl, though

DeeBlindMice · 01/03/2009 08:26

Hate it, sorry. Robert much better, but bertie not so much.

Tommy · 01/03/2009 08:30

prefer Robert

Ernest seems to be one of those old names that hasn't quite made it back into fashion - and for good reason

mrsruffallo · 01/03/2009 08:31

Sorry, but I agree with the grandparents!
Bertie is better

Original poster
helpivegottogivebirth · 01/03/2009 08:34

that made me chuckle Tommy!

I quite like old man names - I can't help seeing him as a 40 year old airline pilot already and I'm trying to think of names that would instill confidence in the passengers. A strange way of thinking I know, but I can't get the phrase "Good morning ladies and gentleman, this is Captain ...... speaking" !

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Original poster
helpivegottogivebirth · 01/03/2009 08:36

meant to say I can't get the phrase out of my head when i'm thinking boys names.

OP posts:
hercules1 · 01/03/2009 08:40

Awful. SPeaking as someone with an unusual name please dont do it. Love your girls names.

Original poster
helpivegottogivebirth · 01/03/2009 08:43

Thank you all for your honesty! I shall report back to DH that the decision is pretty unanimous!

And thanks for the positive vibes on the girls names - I feel pretty pleased in that direction. Am convinced I'm having a boy though so I still have some work to do.

OP posts:
piscesmoon · 01/03/2009 08:45

I think it is the most dreadful name and hopefully will never come back into fashion!

Podrick · 01/03/2009 08:49

i love it

oopsagain · 01/03/2009 08:54

nope, not good.
asorry!

VeryAnnieMary · 02/03/2009 12:53

I love it - def considering.

TBH if Albert and Violet are acceptible I don't see why Ernest isn't.

MumOfBaby · 02/03/2009 13:10

Ah, alas, it is so important to be called Ernest

I don't like it at all, but sod what other people think, go with what YOU like.

MumOfBaby · 02/03/2009 13:11

BTW love Nancy for a girl but please don't call her Marina, that's just mean

MaryAnnSingleton · 02/03/2009 13:13

Marina is beautiful - have you though of Marnie ? similar and very pretty..Nancy is sweet. Ernest is just wrong.

seeker · 02/03/2009 13:16

ernie is awful. Robert is brilliant because if/when he rebels against the bonkers idea of being called Bert, he can call himself Rob or Robbie and join the real world!

PortBlacksandResident · 02/03/2009 13:21

If you were having twin boys - they could be Bert and Ernie .

Tortoise · 02/03/2009 13:25

My friend has a Ernest, know mainly as Ernie. I like it.

PersephoneSnape · 02/03/2009 13:28

it's my DS1s middle name, as it was my granpas name and i absolutely adore it, so nyahhhh pftt! to everyone on thread who doesn't like it.

Alfred? Sidney? Victor? Albert?

Hassled · 02/03/2009 13:29

Sorry I hate Ernest and I hate Ernie. Robert is a good strong name.

DeeBlindMice · 02/03/2009 13:30

LOL @ seeker

yep, that's pretty much my take on it.

Pasiphae · 02/03/2009 13:36

Nancy is gorgeous.
Ernest is on the heavy side. It's "old man" without the chic.
Not keen on Robert either.
If it is to use Bert/Bertie then Gilbert or Bertram are much nicer...

Fimbo · 02/03/2009 13:36

Not my personal choice...

Nancy66 · 02/03/2009 13:43

I think it's a great name. Very cool.
love your girl's choices too.

TheThoughtPolice · 02/03/2009 14:01

Ernest not really my favourite, if I'm honest.

I think Gilbert and Bertram are much more likely to induce bullying though