I think this name is far too old-fashioned, should I tell my friend?

[onthepier]

A friend of mine who is due to have a little girl in the next week or so is almost decided on the name "Eileen". I think it's just so old-fashioned for a little girl, poss because two of my nan's friends are called this!

A couple of other friends don't like it but we don't know whether to say anything to this lady, suggesting she changes her mind. I know "each to their own" and all that, but I just can't imagine a tiny baby or child called Eileen! What do you all think?

Several months back she came up with Hannah and Lauren, both far better in my opinion!

I think it is not your baby.

Don't you dare say anything to your friend . It does not matter what you think, and plenty of people love old fashioned names (me included). Just because you don't like it it does not mean a thing.
Hannah and Lauren are dreadful in my opinion, just terribly boring. She has picked a name she loves, and i think it is quite stylish (but then i love Hilda).
Baby Eileen may not be everyones taste, but it defo has nothing to do with you!

Mind your own

I think it is a lovely name. I like old fashioned names.

I like both Hannah and Lauren but there are too many of them.

This is exactly why I refuse to tell anyone our chosen names until they're signed, sealed and delivered.

I think it's none of your business tbh.

It is none of your business - what on earth would make you think it's your place to tell her? Incredibly rude. It's hardly like she's calling the baby shithead is it?
Very strange.
It is your place to smile and say 'lovely' about whatever name she chooses.

I agree, I think it's a dreadful name too but a) She won't listen if it's what she decides on and b) It's not really your place to tell her anyway.

I wouldn't fancy all the 'Eileen Dover' jokes people are bound to come up with, but if she has her heart set on any name, it's your job to be supportive I'm afraid. If she's a good friend, there's no point risking losing her over it.

Her baby, her choice and Eileen is a perfectly nice name. Get over yourself - your prejudices are really not the issue here!

Her child. Her choice.

You get to make decisions for your own child's name, not for your friend's children.

I think you should tell her. She'll never speak to you again of course, but the resultant MN threads will be immensely amusing...

Definitely don't say anything. Nowt to do with you.

Like you said - it's your opinion.
Unless she calls her baby 'spanky-bum' or similar then i think you should keep shtum!
Everyone knows a child whos name they were agast with at first - then the name grows on them, and they find themselves saying the name suits.

Maybe she doesn't have friends of her grandmother that are called Eileen.
There's no reason you shouldn't say you think it's old fashioned, but maybe she likes old fashioned names - when my two were born, Lily, Ruby & Alfred were still seen as 'old-fashioned' - someone always has to be the first to revive a name.

Has she asked your opinion?
If she has, then tell her your views, if she hasn't, butt out.

of course you don;t tell your friend, you loon

Ah I think you know what you should (not) do. While you're entitled to think what you like about the name, it's up to her. I'd only give her your opinion if she asked direct 'so do you think Eileen's a bit old fashioned?'. Then you could be tactful but honest.

But then, my daughter was named after her nan, so her name is possibly pretty old fashioned too...

Say you love the name, when the baby is born and you get to know her you will love the name. Honestly, my bf gave her daughter a name that I didn't get, but now it is one of my favourite names.

Sing "come on Eileen" at her a bit, maybe that will put her off?
Seriously though and whilst I do agree that Eileen is a terrible choice, it is her choice to make, not yours.

Actually, DD was named after MY nan not her grandmother so it's even more old fashioned.

Agree with MrsMerryHenry - this is why I don't mention any baby names we're considering. It's harder for people to be rude about a child's given name.

Well, I don't know. It would have seemed absolutely unusable to me 5 years ago... but now, although I wouldn't use it, I don't think it's the worst name I've heard.

It doesn't surprise me to hear it. It could be Isla for short. or Leena. It's not so bad at all actually.

Let's say you do tell her - what do you think will happen?

Frankly I think it'll just make her feel bad (and maybe like you a little bit less).

You can't expect her to change her mind based on your opinion, that's a bit arrogant.

I don't think it is a dreadful name, I have a cousin Eileen (who constantly hears the prefix "come on.." before people say her name but she still wouldn't change it.) I also have a cousin Aileen.

What difference is it if your friend likes that name - live with it. I don't like Lauren or Hannah as a name but that is my personal taste and I wouldn't dream of dictating to any friend what she should name her baby. You might find yourself uninvited to any christening or naming ceremony if you make a diddy of yourself over this.

Hey! There's nothing wrong with Spanky Bum drinkyourmilk