The cliches abounding in this topic

[LadyThompson]

I enjoy the Baby names section - I'm interested in names generally, and, furthermore, am expecting a DC2 so the choosing of names has some direct relevance to my life at the moment. However - I am wearing of some of the following:

1. People who claim to have overheard particular names called out in the supermarket (always derogatory in tone, as well);

1. People who say, in an uppity manner - well, it's ok for a BABY but it won't do for a lawyer/brain surgeon (my DP is a barrister and as any fule kno, as far as the legal profession is concerned, they have practioners with ALL sorts of names);

1. People who talk about names being common, 'chavvy' or 'council house'. I think this says FAR more about the people decrying the name than those contemplating using it ;

I could go on, but that's enough for starters. I'm not against robust discussion either, just a bit bored of the same old nonsense being trotted out...

well hide the baby names then if you don't care for them

I have already said above that I enjoy the topic, particularly as I am choosing names at the moment. But seeing the same old tired responses mars it rather.

I understand completely however even after a campain asking people especially NOT to use the word Chav I gave up

am a prolific baby namer through others and now expecting DC4 however according to MN wisdom

DD1 has a name that is common as muck
DD2 has a chav name
DD3 has a name that should only have been given to a boy

goodness knows what they'll think of DC4's name however we choose them because we love them and life would be boring if we all loved the same names

relax, enjoy and have a good old laugh at how seriously some people take it all

DS1 name has been descibed as too popular and overdone and DS2 trying too hard to be
different.

DS1 name has been described as 'posh' and worthy of bullying (unless he goes to a private school ). In fact, he is super happy with his name and very popular at our local state primary too .

Clichés are clichés for a reason though.

I mean would you really want your child to have a name that is commonly associated with people that no-one likes (yes i.e. chavs)? I wonder how many people here would say that the name Jade has been ruined for them.

As far as the whole "can you imagine babyname-x in profession-y", well sorry but this has a point. I mean honestly say what you want but if you think professionals carry on with zero prejudices then you're being naive. My own mother is a lawyer and recently left her company because the higher-ups wouldn't consider hiring her as a replacement for her boss (despite being the most qualified for the job and having the recommendation from her boss) because she's a woman. It's disgusting and wrong but it still happens. Do you really think your daughters are going to find life easier with names like Daisy and Pixie? Do you think your sons honestly will never be mocked or judged for having 'girly' names like Beau or Remy?

I'm not saying these prejudices are right but they unfortunately still exist, and you shouldn't name your child on the off-chance they won't.

As for the whole class system, ditto on the above. It's not right but it happens. An Arabella is going to have a much happier life in boarding school than she would in the local state school. Do you think you would survive a state school as a boy called Rudy, Corin, Quentin or Archibald?

Say what you want but these discussions are something every parent should hear before naming their child.

I'm more at anyone who would seek the guidance of a bunch of strangers before naming their baby. What ever happened to sitting down with your dh/dp and a baby name book, choosing one you both like and to hell with everyone else?

Padraig - you might be happy with the use of the word 'chav', I'm not. I think it's an offensive and lazy term. Really, though, I am talking about the sentiment behind such terms. The hysteria about names which some people term 'common' (for want of a better word) is far more crass than the names in question, invariably...

As for 'can you imagine babyname x in profession y' - let's just say I think it is grossly overstated by some people who post in this topic (usually with vicious glee, and often by people who don't know the first thing about the profession in question, let alone anyone working within it).

I'm interested in people's opinions on names, that's why I read this topic. But people pick up these cliches like bricks and just hurl them, and no, I don't actually think these discussions are 'something every parent should hear before naming their child'. There are some very interesting posters on here, yes. And plenty of mouthy, empty ones who spit out the same, recycled, 'received opinion'.

Tis the nature of the beast, LadyT. You can't expect everyone on any internet forum to post according to your preferences.

It's human nature though, and quite honestly I'm not bothered by the whole chav thing. I 'perceive' chavs to be unpleasant people, and I don't want my children to suffer the same perception.

It is what it is

Oh, I don't, Maisie. I was just remarking that a lot of notions keep popping up again and again and again. The fact that I think some of them are tosh is secondary to the fact that it would be nice to see more original thought and less repetitive knee jerk.

LadyThompson,
I think you have to view the baby names thread as an amusing diversion...the thread is fun and opinions (like all internet opinions) should be taken with a pinch of salt. Enjoy the comments for what they are....whatever the comments about a particular name, it matters not one jot to the parents....the postings are just a means of making conversation, the same as pass the parcel etiquette threads and the like

No such thing as an original thought tbh. Everything's been done in one way or another.

"It is what is is" - not sure I understand what you mean. The word chav is pejorative and unpleasant. I think it's rude to sneer at others about their perceived class, or lack of it (it is also a little insecure) and I will be teaching both my children to behave accordingly (ie treat everyone with good manners).

That's true scurryfunge

After reems of people remarking on how horrible Daisy-May was, it hasn't changed the fact that the OP of that thread is still determined to use it on her DD.

I went to school with a girl called Dolly - she is now a criminal barrister.

Class has nothing to do with being chavvy. What original thought would you like to see on these threads?

Oh and chav is not something I associate with the 'class system'

I went to a boarding school and there were a good few chavs there who you couldn't call lower/working class. Likewise I know people who would self-define as working/lower class who are far from being chavs.

IMO, chav = unpleasant person who speaks badly, wears horrible clothes and is generally unpleasant. Has nothing to do with class (which IMO doesn't really exist anymore).

Yes, Scurry, you are probably right. Ah well. Whilst I enjoy reading, I can't say it's ever changed my opinion on a name. I am more tactful about what I say than when I started on here a couple of years ago, as I think some people get a real shoeing (and I think it can be a little much, especially if the party in question is pregnant).

HF - yes, DP is as well and so Dolly doesn't really surprise me, but then he does have a Tracey in his chambers (probably surprising to some on here). A couple of the circuit judges are called Zoe and Mary-Jane. I wonder whether the MN jury would have deemed them suitable.

Oh - and Maisie - what original thought would I like to see on these threads? Almost anything other than the things I listed in my OP.

Well a good friend of mine has a Maisie!

And I have a friend and a relative with a Hero.

Can I just add that although the baby names topic is fun and often interesting, there really are a fairly limited number of possible different OPs and responses on a subject that boils down to 'do you like this name?'.

So there is always going to be a lot of repetition and cliches.

Pip, yes, I take your point. I think what I really meant was that I was bored of seeing responses which incorporated "that name will ruin your child's career!", the airing of a dubious anecdote about hearing someone call out an unlikely name at the supermarket or people squawking that such and such a name is chavvy (a word which does no credit to those who bandy it about, in my opinion).