My husband and I have decided that we are going to name our baby boy Walter. We both love the name and it is also a family name from his side. However, some family and friends have expressed that they don't like our name choice and keep trying to get us to change our minds. They say it's a dumb and outdated name and that our child will be bullied if we name him Walter. We know it's not a common name anymore but we really love it. I just don't know how to deal with or respond to peoples rude comments. Any suggestions?
Re: People's Reactions to my name choice
If you can't withstand the pressure, don't share the information. Don't bring it up again, and if others bring it up say to them that it isn't a discussion for anyone but you and your SO
Unless the name is going to hinder the bond between important people and this baby, in the end, when you name that beautiful baby, it is going to be a non issue.
This is why we won't tell anyone the name until the baby is born. We're actually planning to just bring a list of 3-4 names to the hospital with us, so that we can look at her before settling on one.
FWIW i love Walter, and would have really wanted to name a boy that after my grandfather. My married name is germanic, so it sounds awesome with Walter. I think DH may have faught me on it though. I went to high school with a kid named Walter who went by Walt, and that didn't seem weird to me at all. i can't remember him being made fun of for it. I'd far prefer Walter to something uber trendy right now (Jackson, Mason, anything that rhymes with Aiden, etc).
My SIL doesn't like the first name middle name combo we chose because "it doesn't go together" however the middle name was chosen in honor of their sister who passed away. I told her we didn't care if she doesn't think it goes together or doesn't like it we absolutely LOVE her name and aren't going to change it. Besides she's the only one who doesn't like the combo.
LFAF Summer 2016 Awards:
In my opinion, Walter is great. Timeless.
I love the name Walter and am happy to here it's not one of those new "trendy" names. Even if it was, it's your baby Babies need good strong names that mean something. Good luck!
Good luck, they'll come around.
I wasn't going to share our name with anyone I know bc I will take it personally if they don't like it and I don't want to change my mind. People will deal with it if you have already named them. They know they cannot change it. I accidentally slipped up and told my mom. She was polite but I could tell she didn't love it. Now it is totally growing on her. You have to do what you and your partner think is best!!
I love the name
I kind of have had a similar issue, but more dramatic... my Dad's name was James and he passed away just last year. I've always loved the name, but now I definitely plan to use it as thy first name, in memory of my Daddy.
My husband likes the name and his father's name is also James... the problem is, he was a product of date rape. So mother in law ABSOLUTELY HATES that name. And it's a legitimate, ptsd related reason not to name our baby this.
I Just can't seem to come to terms with the fact that my Dad's name won't live on, the one ive planned to be at least a middle name for my son my whole life! And it's a nice, classic name.
But his mother deserves to feel comfortable and see/visit/say her first grandson's name too. She's such a loving woman. Gah.
Sad situation
The name we chose is very much disliked by many as well, as they see it as "dark" etc. At first it pissed me right off.. I couldn't care less anymore. It is YOUR child. Not theirs. Please use the name you feel is right! F what ppl think.
U should just say ur glad that he is ur son and not theirs lol ... That's what I tell people when they don't like my choice for my daughters name which is Pia
I made the mistake of listening to other people with my first son's name 13 years ago... I was fortunately blessed with my 2nd son and named him the name I should of named my 1st son. Do what YOU guys want, don't have regrets.
(Edited for clarity)