Would you choose a name based on meaning?

clyoungsey

Ok, I know that this name has gotten the response NMS, but I can't get over thinking it is cute and the meaning is important to me due to the circumstances.

We are going to have a baby that is at the oldest gestationally 34 weeks.  So he will be a preemie.  I want a name that says he is a fighter and is going to make it.

The name Gunner, which I also like because my other son is a G name too, means bold warrior...which is exactly what this little guy is going to need to be.

What do you think AND would you have any suggestions for a middle name?

 

CourtneyRDH

No, I wouldn't choose a name based on meaning, but I know a lot of people who do. Meaning of names aren't really important to me, positive or negative.

ETA: I will be praying for you as well. ?

shindylahoe

 I would absolutely choose a name based on meaning.  There are other names that mean warrior though if you don't like the name Gunner. Gabriel i believe is one of them.  But I don't mind Gunner all that much. My foster nephew is named "guhner" and it's actually pretty cute on him!

hope this helps and I will be praying your baby will hold on a few more weeks!

(oh- and for a middle name I like Gunner John)

brightning

I like it, actually. (For some reason I thought it was spelled Gunnar, though.)

MNs are tough. How about Gunner Andrew?

clyoungsey

brightning:

I like it, actually. (For some reason I thought it was spelled Gunnar, though.)

MNs are tough. How about Gunner Andrew?

It can be spelled either way...both sound the same.  I am trying to talk DH into Gunner Austin, but unfortunately our last name starts with a "Y" so he is not so into the initials G.A.Y.

DMDavidson

I've thought about this a lot too. I think I've decided that while the meaning is really important to me - it won't determine whether I use the name or not.

DH and I really like the name Kella and one of the main reasons is b/c it's Irish (my heritage) and it means "warrior." DH says that my strong personality is bound to rub off and the meaning just seems to fit.

However, if I get a lot of negative responses to the name - I might not use it b/c the name will be what people know and hear. They won't be so aware of the meaning.

amoureux

I personally wouldn't pick a name based on it's meaning but it is your baby.   I just feel in day-to-day life no one is going to know or care what the meaning is.  That being said, the meaning is appropriate in this situation.

However, I don't like the connotation the name Gunner brings to me.  Gunner sounds like a military position - like the name of the person on the aircraft who is firing the automatic weapon.    I am a pacifist and wouldn't want to name my child something that brings up images of war but once again, this is not my baby. 

There are many, many names that mean warrior including Duncan and William/Liam (strong-willed warrior).    Or you could look for names with the meaning 'strong'.

brightning

clyoungsey:

It can be spelled either way...both sound the same.  I am trying to talk DH into Gunner Austin, but unfortunately our last name starts with a "Y" so he is not so into the initials G.A.Y.

Ooooh, yeah, those initals wouldn't work! How about Gunner Matthew?

clyoungsey

brightning:

clyoungsey:

It can be spelled either way...both sound the same.  I am trying to talk DH into Gunner Austin, but unfortunately our last name starts with a "Y" so he is not so into the initials G.A.Y.

Ooooh, yeah, those initals wouldn't work! How about Gunner Matthew?

I like that one...

DMDavidson

Does your last name have two syllables or more? Just curious, as that might make a difference in choosing MNs.

Here's some names I got off of babynamegenie.com:

Gunnar Nathaniel

Gunnar Levi

Gunnar Nicholas

Gunnar Clay

Gunnar Ethan

 

shanBmcg

I think in your situation finding a name with special meaning would be especially poignant. I liked the name Gunner before and like it even more now that you've told us why the name would be important to you. Go for it! And tell your bold little warrior to fight on; he is in our prayers!!

Sept17.05Bride

One of my cousins named their youngest boy Gunner James.

clyoungsey

shanBmcg:

I think in your situation finding a name with special meaning would be especially poignant. I liked the name Gunner before and like it even more now that you've told us why the name would be important to you. Go for it! And tell your bold little warrior to fight on; he is in our prayers!!

Your post made me cry...thanks for the input though ...emotional mess here!

getnmarried910

While the name isn't my style, I think the meaning is great.  We don't choose names based on their meanings, but we do look them up and if the meaning sucks, we change it.  I think bold warrior is a great meaning for your little one.  I will say a prayer for him.

EmmaRain

I might choose a name based on meaning, but it would depend on the name.

I don't think there is anything wrong with Gunner except that some people associate it with guns (the noun "gunner" means a soldier who operates guns or one who hunts with a gun).

Here are some others that have similar meanings if you're looking for ideas.

Ethan = strong, firm

Everett = strong

Wyatt = brave, strong

Nolan = fighter, champion

Garrett = strength, strength of the spear

Finlay/Findlay/Finley = fair warrior

Andrew = man, warrior

Good luck choosing! You should go with whatever you like best, regardless of what people say. I'll say a prayer for your little guy.

ttmccoot

EmmaRain:

I don't think there is anything wrong with Gunner except that some people associate it with guns (the noun "gunner" means a soldier who operates guns or one who hunts with a gun).

Good luck choosing! You should go with whatever you like best, regardless of what people say. I'll say a prayer for your little guy.

i agree with what emmarain says here, and for that reason i would go with the 'gunnar' spelling, but i think it's a wonderful name.

warm hugs and thoughts for you and your little warrior!

lisa5201

I love that you are picking a name that has a special meaning for you and your family, and I think your son will enjoy hearing the story of why you picked his name?

I love the name Gunner (Gunnar too)

jsillyfun

I like it, but would only use the Gunnar spelling to make it less like a gun shooter. I think it is important to take meaning into consideration, but it wouldn't be my only deciding factor.

squeakerabudhbabi

Yes!  Meaning is really important to us.  We used to love Lola, but it means "sorrows" or "sorrowful" - ugh! 

I think Gunner is super cute, plus the meaning is perfect for your little guy!  As for mn's, maybe:

Gunner Thomas

Gunner Marlow

Gunner Elias

Gunner Elliot

Gunner Lucas

Gunner Adam

EmilyBowes

i don't like gunner. it sounds militaristic. surely you can find other fighter names? something that means brave/strong?

mrsc720

I like looking at the meanings but wouldn't use a name I didn't love just because of the meaning. I can understand what you mean though. What about Gabriel, which means "God is my strength"? If you are set on Gunner, I would use a common middle name. James, Christopher, Thomas, Robert, etc.