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!

Thanks for your replies, I see that most of you wouldn't say anything but she has been asking our opinions, didn't mention that in my post, sorry!

I've been non-committal when she's asked me, saying, "Well she'll grow into the name", and the others have said similar. None of us have had the courage to say we don't like it!

I think it is a sweet name. I think you and your friends are totally out of order for even considering trying to suggest she changes her mind.

IT IS HER BABY AND HER DECISION.

Yes, if she loves the name & you say you'll hate it, she'll think less of her. You'll find that when you get to know the child any other associations will disappear anyway - you'll get used to it.

Spankybum is a lovely name !

you'll get used to it....
but it is old fashioned - I know two Eileen's and its not one I would expect to hear for a baby. But then, its not that long since I would have thought that about Henry, Lily and so on.
Isn't it quite popular in America?

DHs Nan didn't like DS2's name and made it very clear. I've never really forgiven her....and she has been dead 3 years!

So thats my answer....sssh!

To be fair when my brother told me his newborn son's name I laughed in his face. Took a while to mend that one. If they had told me in advance I may have tried to persuade him otherwise (not SIL though. hormones. eek). It suits DN and is just his name. Best leave well alone.

She'll think less of you. Brain not in gear...

Thank you tearinghairout. Not everyone appreciates a good name...

spankybum please accept my humblest apologies.
'Twas never intended to offend. HOWEVER I belive you have read my post in the wrong light. I was simply implying that spanky-bum (please note hyphen)seemed a little posh, unless OPs friend lives somewhere noteworthy.

Hate Hannah and Lauren. Don't like Eileen either but it her baby, up to her.

My best friend told me that the name I loved was a dog's name. I felt I couldn't use it after she said she hated it, but I still love it and feel a bit

PMSL!!
I only hyphenate when I'm in the country. It's just plain old SpankyBum when I'm in town.
Close friends call me Spanks...

And BTW, I think Eileen is a spiffing name!

What was this dogs name. We will give you our opinions.

i prefer Eileen to Hannah and Lauren (yawn)

I want to say as I'd love your opinions but it would give too much away as my friend sometimes is also on mumsnet - she would definitely know it was me

I think Eileen i nice too. Infact one i favour myself. Plus - it doesn't inadvertently suggest future career moves, unlike spankybum.

What are you implying?!?

None of your business

Names come back again and again. We have an Archie and a Ruby from our antenatal group. I would have loved to have named my DS Henry, but DH was not keen (although there's next time).

I agree it's a shocker, but don't say anything unless your opinion is asked for.

Just be polite ffs, and say it's lovely. Sheesh.

www.monlog.nl/images/spank.jpg

Shit! Where did you find that? He promised me there was no film in the camera...Lying bastard!

I think that even when she asked your opinion you have to be diplomatic.
I don't personably like it but it is a whole lot better than Ruby, Kitty,Elsie and a lot of the other early 20th century names.
I never know why people ask in advance.

maybe i don't like your DD's name either??