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Baby names

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

Original poster

Anyone chosen a name that doesn't 'work' with your surname?

29 replies

Cortina · 26/09/2009 09:33

I mean a name like 'Scarlet' with the surname 'Rivers' or something like that.

Tempted to go for one that is in 'risky' territory. Something like India Summer not quite Teresa Green but edging dangerously (?) towards.

I love the first name so much I am sorely tempted, is this always a crime? Would it really lead to teasing? Do you know any that fall into this category? Thanks

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TitsalinaBumsquash · 26/09/2009 09:38

I really think it depends what the name is, some people just dont twig, i went to school with a boy calle Mika Litorus he and several others were oblivious to the sniggering.

purepurple · 26/09/2009 09:44

DH has a boss called Mike Hunt (I know it's an old one, but that really is his name)
My mum had a friend called Theresa Brown.
I have a relative called Ken Wood.

ninedragons · 26/09/2009 09:49

I wouldn't.

My favourite baby name (since I was about 20) rhymed with DH's surname, so it was ruled out.

Original poster
Cortina · 26/09/2009 10:12

To ninedragons - how annoying!

The thing is some I think are too paranoid about it. For example not having a Sam and an Ella. I don't see a problem with that, just call them Ella and Sam or something...

Is something like Harry Harvey ok for example?

I've mentioned my proposed combination of names and some pick up on it and say 'are you crazy' others don't at all. The combination of names in my case makes something which sounds pleasant if people 'get' it? Does that matter less?

OP posts:
4andnotout · 26/09/2009 10:26

We recieved a few raised eyebrows when we named dd4 Tilly-Grace as dp's (and her's) surname is Lilley.

She just looked like a Tilly-Grace and it was THE name for her even though it hadnt been on the actual list.

We always say that she won't be a Lilley forever and it is very rarely that you are addressed by your full name.

Another name on our list was Scarlett but coupled with Lilley it sounded like a femine hygiene product.

RealityIsAnAuntie · 26/09/2009 10:27

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

purepurple · 26/09/2009 10:28

I know of a little baby called Lily Elliot, even I have trouble saying it.

Original poster
Cortina · 26/09/2009 10:29

I think Daisy Davis is ok. Mavis Davis, ok, maybe not.

OP posts:
smother · 26/09/2009 11:58

Daisy Davis is sweet, Mavis Davis hmmm.....

CarmenSanDiego · 26/09/2009 12:12

After the thread here, I now really want a baby called Boudicca but realised the last two syllables of our surname rhyme with it

Some here will say a lucky escape for imaginary dd3, I'm sure ;)

Original poster
Cortina · 26/09/2009 19:57

Rhyming is one thing is it worse than sounding like a place name or similar e.g. Emerald Forest, Scarlet Pond, India Buys, Rosie Cheeks, Cherry Brakewell, etc. Just not sure if we dare....

OP posts:
CarmenSanDiego · 26/09/2009 20:13

I was at school with a Summer Berry. She didn't seem to mind. And there's a guy in media called Sandy Beech. I think as long as it's a pretty image, it's ok. I'd LOVE to be called Emerald Forest!

But Rosie Cheeks or something is a bit oo-er and I wouldn't do that

Original poster
Cortina · 26/09/2009 20:16

Interesting. I guess the child will always be memorable!

OP posts:
DiamondHead · 26/09/2009 20:22

I knew of a Lee King.

Original poster
Cortina · 26/09/2009 20:25

There are apparently people with the names: Izzy Kidding, Isolde House, Ivy League etc.

OP posts:
bellissima · 26/09/2009 21:09

Knew a Luke Wright (look left, look right again...)

GibberingGinger · 26/09/2009 21:54

I think you are drawn to things you can't have. I love the names Ruth, Rosie and Rory, but they really don't go with my surname Ross. The fact I can't use them just makes me want them more!

JoInScotland · 27/09/2009 00:16

I think if you put thought and feeling into the name, it has to be better than some out there.... I went to school with children named James Bond, Elizabeth Taylor, etc.

Where was the "imagination" factor?

CaptainNancy · 27/09/2009 00:19

As long as it's not Ford Cortina....

smother · 27/09/2009 10:03

or Cortina Storm.

sweetkitty · 27/09/2009 10:11

I wanted to call DD2 Millie but with our surname it would rhyme with Millipede - not good

Also anything starting with R is out for us too

merryandmad · 27/09/2009 10:23

I have a cousin called Charlotte.

Her surname is Shaw. It is a bit of a mouthful, but C. Shaw always got a smile rather than any serious teasing.

BellaBear · 27/09/2009 11:08

There were so many names we couldn't use, with the surname Cox. Even just Rosie, for instance, sounds rude.

snowshoes · 28/09/2009 11:21

[quote]I wouldn't.

My favourite baby name (since I was about 20) rhymed with DH's surname, so it was ruled out. [/quote]

Ditto. Except I'd had my heart set on this name since I was about 5. And it's a boy's name. And of course I have a house full of boys now...

BlueChampagne · 28/09/2009 13:39

We had a comedy names list as well as a serious one. Good to have a giggle when you're stuck for inspiration.