Hello all! I am due in [name_m]March[/name_m] with a surprise gender baby and I thought my husband and I had our names all picked out. I posted on another site asking for opinions on our boys name. I wanted to make sure we weren’t the only ones that liked the name without leaking it to friends and family… So far the name is being torn apart on the other post, so I thought I’d post the same thing here!
We love the name Grainger/Granger (we are still arguing over spelling). It loosely honors a family member. It’s been on my name list since high school. It gives us the initials we want and has the nickname [name_m]Grange[/name_m].
What vibe does the name give you? Who would you expect to meet if you heard this name? [name_f]Do[/name_f] you think I’d be dooming my son if I chose this name? [name_f]Do[/name_f] you find it unpleasant or ugly?
I don’t think any name would be “dooming your son”. The stakes just aren’t that high.
Grainger/Granger is not my style. At all. But you’re the one naming a child, not me, and it sounds to me like you’ve always loved this name and like everything about it. It’s not an insult or a slur, a sexual slang, or the name of an evil dictator, and I think beyond that point no names are wrong to give your kid, and you should choose something that you guys like and makes you both happy. If this is it… use it. I don’t know where you posted about this but on some sites (reddit, behindthename) people can be really rude and say things no one but a really judgy person is actually thinking about a name.
As for the spelling, I think [name_m]Granger[/name_m] works better than [name_m]Grainger[/name_m], because [name_m]Granger[/name_m] is the more familiar spelling and people are more likely to get it right.
I like it! Fits with lots of popular trends right now (surname, occupational, literary, etc.), so it feels familiar even though it’s uncommon. [name_m]Granger[/name_m] feels rustic yet distinguished. Definitely not dooming him to anything nor is it particularly tease-worthy. [name_f]My[/name_f] only possible hesitation would be the strong connection to the [name_m]Harry[/name_m] [name_m]Potter[/name_m] character. I don’t think that association is going away any time soon.
Personally, I like Granger!! I think he’s very rugged, handsome, and is an underused pick. I agree with the previous poster that the only thing that would give me pause is the [name_m]Harry[/name_m] [name_m]Potter[/name_m] connection, but even so it’s still a very nice name
I know someone named [name_m]Granger[/name_m]. He’s very rough around the edges. Sadly, I think the name suits his personality, neither of which are particularly charming.
While I personally don’t like the name though, I don’t think so little of it that I would be caught off-guard meeting another [name_m]Granger[/name_m]. However, if a sibling or close friend of mine named their child [name_m]Granger[/name_m], I would not be fond of the name.
You were not asking for suggestions, but I personally think [name_m]Gage[/name_m] is a much better alternative to [name_m]Granger[/name_m]. Phonetically, [name_m]Granger[/name_m] is a mix between grungy and anger, which is possibly why it receives such negative reactions.
Thanks for responding! I did post on Reddit. I know doom is a bit of an exaggeration, I just don’t want my kiddo to have to explain himself or get made fun of because I made a choice for him that he now has to live with. Thanks for the reassurance!
Good point on the surname trend! I understand the [name_m]Harry[/name_m] [name_m]Potter[/name_m] association many people seem to have, is it really an issue? [name_f]My[/name_f] husband and I are not fans, when I read your comment to him he was unaware of Hermiones last name. Are people likely to bring that up when they hear the name? It’s not something as on the nose as [name_m]Severus[/name_m] or Dumbledore, I feel like it’s not even close?
[name_m]Granger[/name_m] is a very handsome name! It gives me a rugged, academic vibe. I think [name_m]Granger[/name_m] falls in the sweet spot between being a familiar name, but not too popular.
I don’t think you could ever “doom” your son with any name, especially in this day and age where naming traditions have become looser and people are far more accepting. I oftentimes hear people being concerned that their children will be made fun of for a name – but in all my years of living I can genuinely say that I’ve never heard anyone being mocked for their name – especially not one as familiar and lovely as [name_m]Granger[/name_m].
At the end of the day, all that matters is that you love whatever name you choose! And this name feels like a good choice, with the fact that it honors a family member, gives you initials and a nickname you love, and has been a name you’ve liked for a long time.
Thanks for responding! I can definitely see how a person can ruin a whole name with a personality like that! I can’t say I’ve ever met a [name_m]Gage[/name_m] I’ve liked either!
Granger is not my style, but it’s very on-trend if you live in the US! Occupational names and -er endings are very popular at the moment – which means a lot of people like them, and I definitely don’t think someone named Granger would stand out too much! The only thing I dislike about it is the nickname Grange which just reminds me of the word “strange”, but other than that, it’s objectively a fine name even if it isn’t for me! I’d definitely go for Granger over Grainger personally, the latter looks a bit like a misspelling to me. Vibe-wise, it feels American, youthful, like someone extraverted and sporty! It does make me think of Hermione Granger right away, but I wouldn’t assume a Granger was named after HP.
Not an issue per say, but I imagine you might get some comments from those who have read the books. I might personally wonder if the parents chose the name because of HP, but wouldn’t be surprised if they hadn’t. JK Rowling (the author) has become quite a controversial figure in the past few years and the [name_m]Harry[/name_m] [name_m]Potter[/name_m] legacy is not as clearcut as it may have been once. I don’t think the connection is a deal breaker, but just something to be aware of before committing to the name!
Granger is nice; it’s got that cool, on-trend surname-as-a-first-name style; it’s occupational, -with the popular -er ending; it shares the sounds of Grayson, Gabriel, and Graham. I’m not sure who I’d expect to meet, but I’d be pleased to meet a Granger. I guess my only pause would be the HP association, but I wouldn’t assume the kid was named for that and I wouldn’t think to bring it up either.
I do think most people will associate it with [name_m]Harry[/name_m] [name_m]Potter[/name_m], however the name itself feels very cowboy to me. It makes me think of cowboy boots, plaid shirts, confidence and a little cockiness.
All in all I think if you can handlethe harry potter association is definitely usable
Oh I love Granger! So sorry to hear you doubting it so severely. I am a big fan of surname choices and Granger I always thought was cool… and especially with Granger Smith (Grainger?), the country singer, I can’t really envision having problems with it, but maybe he’s not that familiar to people? There is a pitcher on my favorite baseball team whose name is Ranger, so I’ve been especially enjoying Ranger and Grainger/Granger lately. (I also haven’t picked a spelling yet lol.)
I would love to meet a baby Granger, I think it’s a lovely name.
Good luck!
ETA: oof, vibes. I envision a little boy in cowboy boots and jeans a button-up plaid flannel shirt tucked in and a big cowboy hat, he’s respectful and kind and Grammy’s favorite helper. He loves sleeping at Grammy and Poppy’s house and helps Poppy make pancakes Sunday morning and helps Grammy pick the blueberry bushes bare, he plays the guitar and is the bestest keeper of his horse Poncho and always has the highest grades in his class. He cares selflessly for those around him and is strong but gentle. He has a heart of gold. . Hope this helps!
Firstly, I don’t think any name is “ugly”. All names appeal to someone!
Secondly, I’m sorry you’re getting nasty feedback on the other site. Some other naming forums are unbelievably brutal! NB is the place to discuss names - it’s a much nicer community! I hope you have a better experience here!
I love the sound of Granger, and think it would be a great choice! It has a very cool, southern vibe. I find it to be a handsome, masculine name. It gives me warm, orange, earth tone energy… desert sand, chestnut horses, autumn leaves, beagle puppies…
Edit to add: I didn’t think of Harry Potter at all until I saw comments about it by others.
I’m sorry you had a bad experience on another website. Unfortunately, the anonymous opinions on the internet can be quite unpleasant, even on websites aimed to help parents name their babies. I recently visited two other websites that I used to frequent before becoming a member of the Nameberry community, and I also didn’t feel comfortable about some of the comments I saw. I confess that I felt very sad for the parents who use those sites to get a partial and educated opinion on their baby’s name, but end up reading insults and non-constructive opinions. Fortunately, you won’t find that here!
About the name Grainger/Granger:
[name_f]English[/name_f] is not my first language and I don’t live in an English-speaking country, so my first association with this unusual name/surname is related to literature/cinema. [name_f]My[/name_f] first connection is the character [name_f]Hermione[/name_f] [name_m]Granger[/name_m] from [name_m]Harry[/name_m] [name_m]Potter[/name_m]. In my opinion, this is a great association. [name_f]Hermione[/name_f] is an intelligent, courageous, friendly, loyal and empathetic young woman. The saga has attracted fans from all generations. I think it will be nice for your son to see his name in books and films when he grows up.
Granger/Grainger has a good meaning.
Like others have shared, Granger/Grainger fits well in the current naming trends. Surname-names and occupational names are very requested for boys, nowadays. I think [name_m]Granger[/name_m] is a solid, unexpected, cool choice. I don’t see anything wrong about it.
When I try to imagine a boy/man named Granger/Grainger, I picture a clever person. [name_m]Strong[/name_m] and charming. Someone hardworking, humble, that probably lives in a small town or in the countryside.
When you mentioned that Granger/Grainger is a sutle honor to a family member, the name gained splendor. If this name is that meaningful to you, nothing can compare to that. You seem to really love this name. It’s a long time favorite. That are definitely strong reasons for that! It has a nickname that you like and an initial letter that you would adore to use. Honestly, I only see positive aspects about Granger/Grainger on your description.
Please, follow your heart and choose the name that you believe it is the right one for your child. If you love and admire Granger/Grainger, that is the most important! 🩵
I don’t think the name will give you any trouble. I gave my son am “uncommon” name I thought we’d get some flack for but people are much nicer in person. I did immediately think of [name_m]Harry[/name_m] [name_m]Potter[/name_m] and you’ll probably get some comments about people noticing but it wouldn’t be a deal breaker for me.
I love Granger! It was on my list with both pgs. Made it into top 3-4 both times, which is saying a lot because I’ve been a name collector since second grade. I love that it’s not totally out there yet you will rarely if ever meet another one. It’s strong, catchy, rugged, intelligent, sounds good at any age. It’s on trend now but not popular. I’m well versed in literature and an author and I didn’t even remotely think of HP until it was pointed out. I don’t see the big deal on that.
I’ve tracked names most of my life too and while Granger lingered with very little usage, it has gained slight momentum the last five years or so. There were 182 in the US last year. That’s nothing to sweat. Not a huge swing and it’s still beyond the top 1000. I point out the number to reinforce for you that you are far from alone in seeing its appeal
After a lot of deliberation, which at times included Granger, Gainer, Garrison, and Gallagher, we named our son Grantson many years ago. I’d love to know someone actually chose it. Good luck!
I’d be delighted to meet a little [name_m]Granger[/name_m]. It’s friendly and distinctive, but fits in well with current name trends. It would make me think of [name_m]Harry[/name_m] [name_m]Potter[/name_m], but to me that’s a positive association so I wouldn’t let it put you off.
[name_f]My[/name_f] one thought, though, is that if you are planning to use the nickname [name_m]Grange[/name_m], could you just use that as the full name? It might be a little less divisive [name_m]Harry[/name_m] Potter-wise, if that does worry you.
However, I do think that since you’ve loved [name_m]Granger[/name_m] for a long time and it has a family connection, those things are reason enough to use it! Honestly, people can be brutal about names before a child is born, but once a name is attached to a sweet baby, you’ll find that most of the comments you get will be positive.
I’m fairly conservative about unusual names, but think [name_m]Granger[/name_m] is an interesting surname choice, not at all an ugly. You would not be dooming a son. It’s a straightforward spelling and pronunciation - a fine choice if you love it. A more conventional middle name might be a good idea. Go for it, don’t listen to haters.
. Hope this helps!
