Ralph

[neverthoughtidask]

I honestly thought I'd never post anything in Baby Names cos I was so sure of my choice - but I've just read on another thread that my chosen name, Ralph, is considered 'awful' by many people !

I am 36 wks pg with DS2. DS1 has very common popular name that was chosen by dh. I absolutely love the name Ralph and wanted it for DS1 but lost out!

I have told no one in RL about my choice except my mum and amazingly found out it was on her short list for my brother and she loves it.

It is very special to me for various reasons, one of the main ones being I knew a Ralph years ago who was one of the sweetest, kindest and loveliest kids I've ever met and have loved the name ever since.

Anyway, does anyone else like it?!

(And what on earth is the Judy Blume reference!)

The Judy blume reference is to a book called Forever - Ralph is the name he uses to refer to his penis.
Would not let this put you off though if you love it. I quite like it actually.
You will get people asking though if it is pronounced Ralf or Rafe.

I know the thread of which you speak.

Ralph is absolutely the better name IMO. Absolutely.

Ralph in Judy Blume not so good I suppose, BUT its a teenage girl's book, I wouldn't worry too much about it.

I really like the name Ralph, if I ever had a boy it's a name we would consider. There will be people that don't like it but then you get that with most names. If you're happy with it then use it. He will be your DS

I like the name Ralph, wouldn't have made the Judy Blume connection myself but recognise it now its been pointed out. Really wouldn't let that stop you.

Know how you feel about having a name you would have loved for DC1

Have just had DS3 and finally used the name that would have liked to give DS1 or DS2. I say go for what you like so you don't regret it!

BTW also like Ralph as a NN for Rafferty, which I really love!!

Thanks for your replies - it's so bloody hard isn't it?!

We didn't have any of these problems with DS1 as dh made up his mind when I was about 12 wks pg and never changed it!

Reality, your post made me laugh - thanks for your honesty! At least I've been warned . .

Seems like Ralph is quite a popular name too, though. It also goes really well with our surname which can't be said for a lot of boys' names. Oh and we live in a poncy area so will fit in well .

Sorry if you want my honest opinion
ralph sounds terrible, it's just a horrible sound

and it has a pathetic ring to it,

sorry again

Actually pronounced Ralph, or like 'Rafe'? The former definitely makes me think of penises as others have said, and the second sounds a bit pretentious but better. Not fond, sorry. But of course it is entirely up to you.

I read Forever more than once as a teenager as did every girl I went to school with and I saw it in the library when I went in a few weeks ago so I'm sure it's not just a generation thing.

Ralph is and forever will be a penis name.

Love it. One of those names that is well recognised as a name but is under used.

i read forever several times as a teen, but didn't even think about it when i saw this thread (have noticed it several times tonight)

so i say go for it

Now I'm even more confused!!

I also read Forever several times as a teenager but never made the connection - I would pronounce it Ralph rather than Rafe though so would be the same.

I think it is such a gorgeous name but really don't want DS teased if that's the connection .

Will have further thoughts but thanks for all your input - it's good to know that lots of people love the name also .

God, I really hate it BUT I agree that kids make a name their own. There is a very sweet little Ralph at DS's nursery who suits it very well.

I would never have made the 'Forever' connection - too old.

The connection I made was the boy in Lord of the Flies - a kind, generous, upstanding, intelligent boy who was their leader.

My father was called Ralph by the way - and I've always thought it a great name (preferably pronounced Ralf)

My DS is called Ralf and I obviously love it!! My DH chose it from our short list as DS puked on him within mins of being born!
No one has ever mentioned Forever to me (perhaps they all giggle about it behind my back!)
If you like it use it.
PS you don't meet many either and I love that as I have a v common name.

I like Ralph and have never, ever realised that there was a penis connection.....

I always thought that Will/Willy had those connections .

I don't disklie the name, but whenever i hear it i can't help but think of the trannie from Priscilla Queen Of Th Desert..

'There goes a transsexual, last seen heading south, We call her Bernie, but her real name is Ralph'

Since when was Ralph pronounced 'Rafe'??

I know a really sweet man named Ralph. It's a lovely name and it's a real shame about the penis connection.

I like it. I read Forever when I was a teenager, and it was a source of amusement as our english teacher's first name was Ralph. I'm sure he didn't care, but we all though it was hilarious.

I don't associate the name with willies now though. The dashing hero of HMS Pinafore (did it at university, I'm afraid) is called Ralph, pronouced Rafe. Ralph Fiennes pronounces it that way, too, doesn't he?

Lovely.

Now I'm swaying back towards it!

Just spent the weekend with my friend's 11 year old Ralph, who really is the sweetest boy in the whole world, and love the name again .

Dh is very very reluctant now though .

Without reading thread...Judy Blume.

i quite like Ralph. i always think of Lord of the Flies as opposed to Judy Blume...