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Baby names

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

Original poster

None of my friends like the name i've chosen...

78 replies

Deemented · 16/12/2009 18:25

I know the important thing is that we like it, and we do, but i've had nothing but negative comments from friends about babys name, and i'm feeling all hormonal and upset.

It's taken ages for us to find a name that we like and and can agree on, and that 'fits', and i don't know what other name we would use if we didn't use it.

The name is Seth Elijah, btw.

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BellaBear · 16/12/2009 21:29

I have a Seth and we (obviously) love it.

Interestingly, the reactions from people when we introduced him were either 'wow, interesting name, I LOVE it' or a bit confused because they couldn't launch into that automatically because they realised they didn't like it. But I found that amusing rather than upsetting - it was interesting to listen to what they said, while trying not to offend.

Oh, and the third response was 'like in Emmerdale?'!!!! (NO! we got inspiration after seeing Seth Lakeman in concert while I was pregnant)

kimlouiseb · 16/12/2009 21:54

I love the name Seth, and had Elijah on short list for DS2.

We had lots of negative reactions when we told people about DS1's name (Fyfe Jacob) when I was pregnant.
My Dad wouldn't call him by his name for the first few months (just called him 'the baby') - but thats quite typical behaviour for him and a whole other thread.

We ignored them (I just knew it was the right name if you know what I mean) and I'm so glad we stuck to our guns because I still love it, and the people who disliked it have grown to like it anyway.

mum2all · 16/12/2009 22:09

How dare people comment negatively about your choice of name (think they are fab by the way!)do people have no idea how hormonal/homicidal pregnant women and new mums are. Plus what business is it of theirs if you name him 'Hesta Tiger Manmade Zoomer' or wotever it's your choice and not theirs - don't always agree with the choices our friends/family make but there are times when you need to respect the decision!

jemart · 16/12/2009 22:25

Thats a lovely name - don't be a sheep, you do not need your friends approval, he is your son not theirs!

Just curious, what names did the critics suggests as more suitable?

Original poster
Deemented · 17/12/2009 03:44

Thanks all

I had intended not to tell anyone our name choices for this very reason, but went out for a meal with the girls, and felt pressured into it. It was mainly the 'Oh like in Emmerdale' response i got, and a couple came out and said plainly that they just didn't like it.

But i feel much more empowered now - i know my family are going to hate the name so i need to get used to this reaction really!!!

OP posts:
SkinnyLattePlease · 17/12/2009 05:25

Dee,
I know what you mean. When we tell my mum what we will have called DS2 (due in April) I can practically guarantee that it will be met by silence and then 'Oh right'. Once we get off the phone our name choice will be slagged off like nothing on earth and my ears will be burning from 10,000 miles away!
Just as well I don't let my mother bother me anymore.
Except when she can't be bothered to send a card or present for DS1's first birthday, but that's a whole different thread on a different board!
I second the 'took your comments on board' tactic and present them with a truly outlandish name!

ben5 · 17/12/2009 05:42

i like seth but not so keen on elijah but it's not my child. choose the name you want. he is your baby and no-one elses.

AussieSim · 17/12/2009 05:47

I think that is a great name. My husband actually asked his parents for their ideas for DD1 - so that was great when we hated them all and chose a name they didn't like. Please don't worry what other people think - wasted emotion ...

sunshinejanuary · 17/12/2009 09:16

LOVE both names, both on my list!

I cannot believe they would make you feel bad about your name choices! You are not naming them or their children. Do what you and DH want

dreamingofsun · 17/12/2009 09:23

i would have had a seth if my dh had agreed - lovely name. at least your friends won't copy you - which is what ours did - despite knowing we chose a name that wasn't especially common.

AmazingBouncingFerret · 17/12/2009 09:24

I think they are great names and if I was having a boy Seth would be on my shortlist. Just smile sweetly and nod when/if people make the Emmerdale reference and if they say outright they dont like it then go with the mumsnet classic and ask them if they realise how rude they are being.

skihorse · 17/12/2009 09:35

It's awful, but it's your choice.

magbags · 17/12/2009 09:37

Follow your heart, that would be my advice. I have just changed my ds name (he is 3 months) to the name dh and I loved in he first place. We were "talked into" picking a more common name and then regretted it. Good luck

YeahBut · 17/12/2009 09:40

It's a lovely, strong name and you shouldn't be remotely worried about the reactions of people who think it is acceptable to be so rude!

dinoroar · 17/12/2009 09:47

If you were my friend in RL, I would not have told you I didn't like it or mentioned the Emmerdale connection. However, since this is an anonomous internet forum, I will tell you politely (I hope) that I don't like it. I suppose it is one of those names which people either love or hate, not many with feelings of indifference towards it.

There are some people who are quite rude in RL so to a certain extent, you can ignore these comments. However, if everyone is negative about it, I'd consider rethinking personally.

We'd decided on both DC's names before they were born and we did tell a few people. Nobody reacted negatively to DS's name, one person reacted negatviely to DD's name with everyone else liking it. So we stuck with our choices, which were straighforward, easy to spell etc.

dreamingofsun · 17/12/2009 10:41

forgot to mention in my previous mail - i do think its important that you try and pick a name most of your child's agegroup like - i hate my name as its so old fashioned - not so important that our age group like it though.

Skegness · 17/12/2009 10:50

Seth is a lovely name.

purpleduckUnderTheMistletoe · 17/12/2009 11:02

Love love love Seth

But everyone DH included, said "Like in emmerdale"

I hadn't been in the country long, so I didn't really know, and ended up caving. I wish we would have used it - ds could easily have suited being Seth as well.

LOVE IT

purpleduckUnderTheMistletoe · 17/12/2009 11:02

Love love love Seth

But everyone DH included, said "Like in emmerdale"

I hadn't been in the country long, so I didn't really know, and ended up caving. I wish we would have used it - ds could easily have suited being Seth as well.

LOVE IT

sowhatis · 17/12/2009 11:04

adore the name Seth, beautiful xx

ThumbleBells · 17/12/2009 11:05

s'funny, DH said he thought Seth was a chav name today - I disagreed vehemently (dunno where he got that idea from, but then he is an Aussie)! I think it's a great name, and I quite like Elijah too (although I don't think I'd use it).

Go for it if you love it - your friends are not only unimaginative but really quite rude as well. Ignore them.

ChickensHaveNoTinsel · 17/12/2009 11:13

Nothing wrong with either name.

MamaLazarou · 17/12/2009 12:39

Tell them all to piss off, the rude gits, and don't let them have a hold of the baby.

They will get used to the name in time, don't worry.

LizzyLordsALeaping · 17/12/2009 12:41

Lovey names, really lovely.

Go with your choice, this is your baby, not theirs.

TulipsAndTinsel · 17/12/2009 12:43

i love both those names... elijah was on my list for both ds' and seth is another one i love.

your friends are idiots, and rude obnoxious idiots to boot!