Have I saddled my baby with a chav name?

[KateBeckinsale]

My DS is 2 and as soon as I found out I was pregnant, DH picked the name Kaeden for a boy. I really liked it and we stuck with it.

I chose to spell it this way for the following reasons:

1. Kaiden would get Kai and he has a cousin called this. 2)Kayden would get Kay 3)I didn't like Kaden as thought it loooked like kad-en rather than Kayden and it is arabic and I have no arabic connections.
2. Caden means round lump and is usually the girl version.
3. Kaeden is sometimes shortened to Kaed and we just like it.

But since then lots of people have called their kids Kayden/Jayden/Hayden/Aiden/Brayden, etc and people have started calling it chavvy.

This really upsets me as neither DH or I are chavs, we're teachers with a nice house, etc and we DS going to be judged on his name for the rest of his life and is it really a horrible name or are people just being snobby and trying to label others?

Oh dear OP, I fear you will regret starting this thread, as you were probably hoping for lots reassurance but you are likely to get a good mixture of very direct opinions as you've asked a direct question.

I would say, don't dwell on it, he will not be judged by his name, he will be judged by the little boy he is and the type of people you are.

And how he's dressed of course.

I agree avoid football tops unless actually playing football, and if you are really concerned about being 'chavvy' insist on rugby instaed, and you'll be fine.

My son is a aidan and I couldnt give a monkeys what other people think because we like it and its special to us.

If you are happy with the name thats all that matters you dont need to justify it with your proffesion or possesions.

Yes, my Aidan is a rugby player!

But he does wear a Barcelona football top that he got from the bigger boy next door. In Glasgow, that's classy!

v true a barca top fae a bigger boy.stoating

Some names are particularly popular amongst particular parts of society so they get associated with such people. It doesn't mean that the name per se is posh/middle class/chavvy it is just peoples' associations with the name. Once they get to know your son they will make stronger associations based on his character and background. So although a few people may expect your son to be a certain type before they meet him, they will soon forget those expectations.

I actually like it alot and like the spelling. I like Caelan too. I know a baby Kaden too and they are not 'chavvy'. You have given him a nice name, unique but not weird. Don't listen to the bad comments, no-one likes every name or we'd all call our kids the same.

Weegiemum hee hee I will make sure that when we come up to see my brother in glasgow that my aidan wears a barcelona footie top !!!

I have a lovely friend with a baby Caiden. He gets called Cady for short. He is very cute and the name has grown on me. I find that I start liking the names of people I'm fond of even if I wasn't too keen to start with.

I think a lot of people would consider that name chavvy.

But I am sure when they get to know your DS they will realise he is not.

DD2's name has been described as chavvy on MN before, it's a name from the Old Testament, Hebrew in origin.

If you like the name then sod what anyone else thinks.

In another 10 years' time it isn't going to matter - things will have moved on, another bunch of names will become "chavvy", if that term even still exists by then.

It wouldn't have been a choice on my list but if you like it that's all that matters.

Wouldn't worry about it, tbh.

I have 4 dd's all have names that have been slated on MN, I still love the names regardless to anyones else's opinons and anyway what's done is done.

4andnotout just had a sneeky peek at your profile and I think your girls names are lovely.

I guess you're really wanting people to answer honestly, seeing as you've asked. Personally, I don't like the name and would, on face value, associate it with trackie-wearing burberry-capped types. But, it's the person that counts and he's 2, so it's not as though you're going to change the name now, is it? If you like it, so what??!

Since you ask yes agree looks like a made up name and therefore chavvy to me sorry

Agree with others who said as teachers surely you must have known this, they are supposed to be the worst for judging the Edwards to be middle class well behaved high achievers and the Kaedens for being not so!

Maybe the two of you are secret chavs?

(not meaning that rudely)

pmsl a bints comments.
SHe is spot on I'm afraid.

Im a bit put out actually - i have an Aidan and i never ever thought it would be considered chavvy

Its not - its a lovely name

Why have you put Hayden and Aiden in your list of 'chavvy' names? They are both traditional, respectable names that unfortunately have a similar sound to Jayden/Brayden/Kayden (I blame Britney Spears for the unwelcome connotations of these names).

It's a bit like slating the name Ben just because it sounds a bit like Ken, Len, Den - middle aged men names that aren't so popular these days.

sciencebit the last line of your comment was very rude and hurtful to this lady, you sound like a real witch!!

Aidan is not remotely 'chavvy'.

A name can be chavy but that doesn't mean the child is. I have been accused of using the C word on Mn, and I have used it, but I do take children in real life as they are iykwim. I don't think, oh, bad name, must be a delinquent.

Unfortunately my children will fit some negative stereotypes as well. Their parents didn't marry, and now we have split up as well. SO I understand your fear of having accidentally ticked some box that is a negative stereotype. You feel like you've let your child down before you've started! But probably, if you analysed any child's life on paper you could find something that might make some people come to an erroneous conclusion. Just make sure you prove the few people who lazily believe the stereotypes wrong.

Aidan/Aiden is a very popular Irish name, not "chavvy" at all. Hayden is a lovely name and the one I know isn't remotely "chavvy".

settle down, lucy - sciencebint wasn't any ruder than the OP's implications on the status of these names or who has them.