I have always had a sweet spot for [name_m]Peregrine[/name_m]; it never fails to make me smile. I don’t think it’s too out there or would be too out of place next to his siblings’ names. I also adore [name_u]Perry[/name_u] as a nickname, which is wearable and ages well. If you like it, go for it.
I suppose it’s a little “snooty” to my American ears. But honestly so are names like [name_m]Oliver[/name_m] and [name_f]Eleanor[/name_f] to me, so it’s not too far beyond that.
It’s a guilt pleasure make for me probably, or one I’d pop in as a middle. But if you love it, don’t worry about people reacting weirdly initially. It has got a rich, poncy vibe so most people will have some sort of reaction to it. But it is a cool name and people calm down anyway! Another poncy name you might like is [name_m]Percival[/name_m] nn [name_u]Percy[/name_u] or just [name_u]Percy[/name_u].
I have never been to sit through [name_m]Lord[/name_m] of the Rings so I don’t have that connection. I fit [name_m]Peregrine[/name_m] in the same category of other animal names such as [name_m]Fox[/name_m], [name_m]Bear[/name_m] and [name_f]Sparrow[/name_f]. As an American, I have never heard it being used so as you already experienced- people will react, but I think it is perfectly usable
The question is how much does that bother you? I had a similar experience. We were between [name_m]Rudolf[/name_m] ([name_u]Rudy[/name_u]) and [name_m]Rupert[/name_m]. Nobody in our family or social circle were fans. The reactions made my husband second guess. [name_m]Even[/name_m] on here people suggested names to tone it down. I.was grateful. The suggested names are great name in fact [name_m]Robert[/name_m] is one of my current favorites… Ultimately we ended up deciding that we didn’t need to tone down for everyone else. [name_u]Rudy[/name_u] has grown on a few people, but most still don’t like it. And we are ok with that. The question goes back to how much does it bother you?
[name_m]Peregrine[/name_m] is on our list, too, but with nn [name_m]Penn[/name_m]. It would be used in the middle, but my boys go by their less common middles. I didn’t even know about the [name_m]Lord[/name_m] of the Rings reference, but it doesn’t bother me! I think with a [name_u]Perry[/name_u] (or similar) nickname, it’s elegant and also wearable! I’m from the US, and it’s not something I’ve heard used on another person, but that makes it more appealing to me. I don’t feel that it’s chosen by a parent “trying hard to be different” just as I don’t think someone choosing [name_m]William[/name_m] is “trying too hard to be the same”. I think it’s a good mix of classic with good history and unique! Would love to hear what you end up choosing!
I really like it but I’m also a fan of some weird and wacky names. My kids have names in the similar category as [name_m]Peregrine[/name_m] and we considered it for our son.
I think you have to consider whether you want the reactions the unique names get. We get a lot of “sorry?” “apoll- what? can you repeat that?” “that’s… unique.” “that’s different.” comments.
And be prepared for the laughter. We get people laughing at our kids names both to our faces and behind our backs.
I’m sorry your mother in law had that reaction.
I think that it matters a lot [name_m]HOW[/name_m] people are introduced to a name - some names are easy to understand when said - oh, [name_m]THOMAS[/name_m]! [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f], great! (Yawn) etc.
When choosing an unusual name, and [name_m]Peregrine[/name_m] falls into that category in the best of ways [name_f]IMO[/name_f], I find it easier to either wait with announcing until birth, or introduce people to it in a written way. It’s unexpected and may take a while for them to wrap their head around.
With that said, I would expect lots of compliments on the name - I could imagine a future professor Dr. [name_m]Peregrine[/name_m] LastName. There’s also great nickname options. I think people are acquainted with [name_m]Peregrine[/name_m] these days thanks to Tolkien. But it’s certainly helpful to take your local naming culture into account. In my area, there are so many unusual names that I wouldn’t worry.
Something else to consider is how much tolerance you and your husband might have towards any reactions to an unusual name. I have an unusual name myself, so I’m used to the “What was that?” as well as the compliments that I think most of my more conventionally named friends don’t ever get. AND I got used to teasing as a child. I hear children don’t tease as much based on names anymore, because there is such a vast array of names nowadays in many areas. But I don’t know where you live or whether a little bit of pushback every now and then would be an issue for you.
FWIW, I think [name_m]Peregrine[/name_m] goes very well with your other kids’ names!
I wish I had named my kid [name_m]Peregrine[/name_m] or any other name than his current name. [name_m]Don[/name_m]'t let the opinion of others rob you from what you want to name your kid within reason of course. I wanted to call him [name_m]Peregrine[/name_m] in honor of my grandmother that never met.
It kind of sounds like a mysterious hero in a book or movie. Like a guy that wears an eye-patch. I don’t know if it’s because I’ve never heard someone in real life with this name but it does seem a little try hard to me.
My first impression is to think of [name_m]Pippin[/name_m] from LoTR. I also think it is a perfectly acceptable name and you should use it if you love it.
I’ve never loved [name_m]Peregrine[/name_m]. I think it looks better than it sounds and it does remind me of [name_m]Lord[/name_m] of the Rings. I definitely wouldn’t use it if the siblings are [name_m]Isaac[/name_m] and [name_f]Suzanna[/name_f]. Maybe as a middle name. I will say though I would be delightfully surprised if someone told me their baby’s name was [name_m]Peregrine[/name_m], mostly because it’s so unique where I live.
I like it! I have zero associations with it although I do think I may have seen it in a book way back when. I can’t remember which. It is a bit unusual but that wouldn’t be a deal breaker to me. I quite like it with [name_m]Isaac[/name_m] and [name_f]Suzanna[/name_f], very different sounds.
[name_m]Peregrine[/name_m] Took