A new Mumsnet survey has found that 18% of parents regret the name they chose for their child, though only 2% have actually changed it. Parents share their stories of naming remorse, from unusual choices to unexpected pop culture associations.
One mother, who named her son Rafferty, says she now regrets the decision. 'People think it's his surname, no one can spell it, and when I introduce him to people they always ask me to repeat the name,' she said. 'I hate shouting his name across a playground and inwardly cringe when I introduce him. I wish I had given him a classic name like William or Benjamin.' She added that she did not discuss the choice with anyone beforehand and now wishes she had.
Another parent named her son Scott just before the Neighbours romance between Scott and Charlene became a cultural phenomenon. 'After that I was constantly asked if he was named after Jason Donovan's character, but I have never even watched Neighbours,' she said. 'The worst part was that the name became very popular because of the show. I also realised the name is always associated with bad characters in films and TV, like gang members.'
One mother who named her child Tennessee worries about potential teasing and the abbreviation Tena, which is associated with incontinence products. 'Occasionally I feel pangs of remorse,' she said. 'I worry that from his perspective it will prove a hefty and tease-worthy moniker.' The name was inspired by a honeymoon road trip across the US.
However, not all parents have regrets. One father named his son Bear after meeting a Native American friend called Bear while living on an off-grid ranch in California. 'I have no regrets,' he said, though he noted that his grandmother referred to the baby as 'the baby' for a couple of years, and he often has to explain that the child is not named after Bear Grylls.
