I named my baby Greer... Did I make a terrible mistake?

Girl Names
1

Please be kind. I swore I would not look back once we made our final decision but I am still struggling and she is a couple months old. We didn’t find out if she was to be a girl or a boy but we both were convinced she’d be a boy. We were shocked and not as settled on a girl name. I can’t tell you how much I wish I had brought that birth certificate form home instead of signing it when I felt as uncertain as I did in the hospital. But we came home and I cried and talked about changing her name right from the get go. At first I thought it was all hormones because I was crying about everything so I waited for it to go away. Now the crying has subsided but I still wake with a pit in my stomach every day thinking we made the wrong choice.

I posted here a few times while I was pregnant and [name]Greer[/name] was never the favorite of my choices but we loved it so we went with it. I had read the name so many times in forums and seen it talked about here so much that I thought while it is a name very rarely used, it is a known name. Boy is it ever different in real life. People seem to think I made the name up!

My love of the name started with [name]Greer[/name] [name]Garson[/name], I think it sounds sophisticated and strong and beautiful. But if most of the people in the real world have never heard of [name]Greer[/name] [name]Garson[/name] (because let’s face it, the 1940s were 70 years ago and most people didn’t grow up watching classic movies with their parents like I did), and have never heard of the name, is it still sophisticated and beautiful? If people think I made it up, does it lose the elements that I love and become a terrible yooneek trendy name?

I didn’t name her [name]Greer[/name] “to be different” even though I am aware it is very uncommon. But is that what everyone thinks when they hear her name? That’s not what I was going for and I have to say, I don’t love the feeling. And will she hate growing up with such a different name? This is my other huge concern. Like everyone here, I want my daughter to love her name. I do believe this is largely up to me, but not entirely, she could hate it forever. I get the strangest looks when I first say her name to people; I imagine her getting those looks her entire life and getting so tired of it. [name]Will[/name] she hate that she has to spell it every time she introduces herself for people to even understand what she said?

Her middle name is [name]Phoebe[/name]. I simply adore the name [name]Phoebe[/name] so much. It makes me happy every time I hear it or see it. But it could not be more different in feel to me from [name]Greer[/name]. My other top names were more similar in feel to [name]Greer[/name] (at least to me), they were [name]Blythe[/name] and [name]Tess[/name] but we eventually let them both go. I have tried calling her [name]Phoebe[/name] and to be completely honest, it feels weird because it is such a different name and she has been [name]Greer[/name] to everyone for quite a while now. I feel like calling her [name]Blythe[/name] or [name]Tess[/name] would be easier because they feel more similar and wouldn’t be such a huge change but alas, neither of those is her name. I have had plenty of moments of wishing her name was [name]Tess[/name] [name]Phoebe[/name] but taking [name]Greer[/name] away after this long feels completely wrong.

So should I push to have her be known from here on out by [name]Phoebe[/name] instead of [name]Greer[/name]? [name]Will[/name] the strangeness of calling her by a different name go away? [name]Will[/name] it be easier to grow up as [name]Phoebe[/name]? Is “my name is [name]Greer[/name] but I go by my middle name [name]Phoebe[/name]” a huge pain? Or should we create a nn from [name]Greer[/name]? I know [name]Gigi[/name] isn’t completely intuitive but I’ve said “G” quite a bit because sometimes [name]Greer[/name] is a little hard to say in a hurry and so maybe [name]Gigi[/name] would be a good nn.

I honestly don’t know what I’m hoping to hear here. My husband is sick of hearing about it (aren’t they always?). He didn’t love [name]Greer[/name] early on in my pregnancy but as soon as he warmed to it and decided he loved it he never looked back. He does not care in the slightest what other people think of it and he says she is a perfect [name]Greer[/name] but he does love [name]Phoebe[/name] as well. I have talked to a few close friends and family members but all I get from them is “whatever you feel right about, I’ll support.” Of course this is nice to hear but it doesn’t help me sort out my feelings. I know asking advice from complete strangers may not be the best either because surely I will get conflicting views, but maybe something someone will say will ring true to me. Maybe I’m just looking for reassurance that [name]Greer[/name] is okay and she will be fine. Or maybe all of you that voted for [name]Phoebe[/name] (she won when I did a poll) will really push for that and she’ll be one of those who goes by her middle name.

Any thoughts would be appreciated. And thank you in advance for being kind. Please no hate for the name [name]Greer[/name], I used it because I love it despite the fact there are plenty out there who don’t. [name]Just[/name] trying to decide who my little [name]Greer[/name] [name]Phoebe[/name] would rather be. Why can’t they just come with name tags?

2

I absolutely love the name [name]Greer[/name] [name]Phoebe[/name]. I think you made an excellent choice.

3

I really like [name]Greer[/name]!

4

I’m going to be devil’s advocate and say that I don’t like it.
I really don’t see the appeal in [name]Greer[/name] at all, and the fact that you’re so unsure/upset over your choice speak volumes to me.

I’d consider changing it, or even just using [name]Phoebe[/name] instead.

5

My goodness, what you must be feeling right now! I’m not sure if I can help, but I’ll try.

I grew up with a unique name that my parents did make up. I loved the fact that my name always got a reaction and gave me a chance to give everyone a second big smile upon meeting them. For this reason, I’m seeking unusual names for my future children!

If you want her to go by [name]Phoebe[/name], she probably won’t introduce herself by saying that her name is [name]Greer[/name] but she goes by her middle name. She’ll just say, “I’m [name]Phoebe[/name].” She’ll be used to that. No weirdness.

But if you’ve grown to love the name, stick with it. I’ve heard of it before, even if other haven’t, and I think a unique name is a wonderful thing for a little girl. The one you’ve chosen is strong but has a pretty ring to it.

If she’s been here for a bit, and she’s your [name]Greer[/name] through and through, then that’s who she is. [name]Don[/name]'t doubt yourself. You know your daughter, and you know her name!

6

[name]Greer[/name] is a favorite and so is [name]Blythe[/name]. Never liked [name]Phoebe[/name] or [name]Tess[/name]. [name]Greer[/name] [name]Phoebe[/name] doesn’t sound good to me, [name]Phoebe[/name] [name]Greer[/name] has a better flow

I wouldn’t care if people though [name]Greer[/name] was made up but that’s just me, I like uncommon names. I’d just pity them and think they weren’t too bright if they truly believed that I just pulled [name]Greer[/name] from the sky

7

I would go with [name]Phoebe[/name] personally, if it was me I’d prefer that over [name]Greer[/name]. [name]Greer[/name] just is unpleasant sounding in my opinion. I wouldn’t change her name, my grandpa hated his first name and he goes by his middle all the time. He signs important things as D. [name]Gene[/name] ____ instead of [name]Donald[/name] G. __________

8

I agree with east93. I personally don’t like [name]Greer[/name] either. However having said that, I don’t think it should be our opinion that should be the deciding factor of your daughter’s name. It should be your opinion that matters. If you are this unsure and if it’s bothering you I would just drop [name]Greer[/name] and keep [name]Phoebe[/name]. You seem to really love [name]Phoebe[/name], I would recommend just calling her [name]Phoebe[/name] if you love it and it makes you happy. [name]Hope[/name] everything works out!

9

Oh, and for what it’s worth, as soon as I mentioned to DH that I was posting about someone who had named their daughter [name]Greer[/name], his response was, “Oh, like [name]Greer[/name] [name]Garson[/name]?” We’re in our late 20s/early 30s. So you’re not the only one out there who’s heard of her!! :slight_smile:

10

I will leave out my opinion about [name]Greer[/name] because I don’t think it will be helpful. I feel you need to shut out everything external and really think about why you are struggling with her name. Is it because you don’t like it deep down, or is it because of the reactions you are getting from people? I wouldn’t change it if you love the name, you will never find a name that gets 100% positive reactions, but I also totally understand your concerns. None of us want to give our child a name that will be hard to live with, and it is hard to look at your baby and question if the name you gave her will be an asset or a curse. I have been there, believe me (we changed my daughter’s name when she was 4 months old). Whatever you decide, things will work out, I promise. Listen to your gut…if your gut is telling you that you will always regret NOT doing something (changing her name, calling her by her middle name, whatever), then you need to make a change. As scary as it seems, it is not that difficult to start calling her something else, and a ton of weight will be lifted off your shoulders when you realize that her name is perfect. Whether that be [name]Greer[/name] or something else. [name]Don[/name]'t let this weigh you down – find a solution that makes your heart happy, whatever the inconvenience might be. And then let all of that baggage go, and don’t look back!

11

I’ve always loved the name [name]Greer[/name] - I think I first heard it around the age of 7 or 8? Definitely don’t think it’s weird or terribly strange or anything.

[name]Greer[/name] [name]Phoebe[/name] is gorgeous!

12

I’m not going to give you any advice because honestly I don’t know what I’d do in you position. However, I will say that [name]Greer[/name] is a very pretty name for your little girl and it is in no way your fault that many people are a bit ignorant when it comes to names that aren’t [name]Ashley[/name], [name]Elizabeth[/name] or [name]Madison[/name] (not that there is anything wrong with those names). Congratulations on your beautiful little girl and I’m sorry to hear that the name you obviously love is causing you so much stress.

13

If it’s bothering you so much, I don’t see what’s holding you back imo. [name]Phoebe[/name] is ADORABLE, and my bestfriends last name is [name]Greer[/name] so it’s just an awkward name for me to consider. Maybe if you ARE wanting reassurance about the name [name]Greer[/name], there’s one at my highschool. She doesn’t seem to have any problems with it at all (: Either way you go, she can always decide herself which she likes when she’s a little older.

14

[name]Greer[/name] is not my style, but it’s not horrendous.

If you are not happy with the name then consider legally changing it to [name]Phoebe[/name] [name]Greer[/name].

You will always encounter dissent with a name, so remember, it’s really up to you what you pick. [name]Greer[/name] is unusual, but unusual is not necessarily a negative attribute.

15

I [name]LOVE[/name] [name]Phoebe[/name] [name]Greer[/name]! [name]Greer[/name] is NMS, but as a middle name for [name]Phoebe[/name], I think it works great. The awkwardness you feel now will probably pass as soon as you start calling her [name]Phoebe[/name]. Two months isn’t a long time. Two years, yes, but two months, no.

16

I also suffered from severe name regrets. It took me years to finally come to terms with my sons name, accept it and then grow to love it. That’s why I’m obsessed with names now! I can empathize and feel for you, I know exactly what it feels like to be rushed in the naming process and to worry about it. You are not alone. If it has been several months and you still aren’t feeling right about her name, go for the change. [name]Just[/name] ask yourself what she seems like. Does she seem like a [name]Tess[/name] [name]Phoebe[/name]? Than go for it! [name]Do[/name] it now while she is still a baby! It will be the only socially acceptable time for a name change. [name]Just[/name] tell family and friends that the name didn’t fit her. Be brave, people may think it’s odd at first but they [name]WILL[/name] get over it and get used to it. You will not be taking anything away from her, but you will be giving her the name that best fits with your family. Think about your immediate family and your daughter first, not the outside world. Go with what you love. As for your husband, this is just one of those decisions that is best made by you. You are probably more intuitive about names than he is, if you can convince him to support the name change, chances are he will adapt. [name]Just[/name] tell him how important it is for you. I hope everything works out well for your family.

18

[name]Greer[/name] is not my style but it’s still lovley.

I would prefer it if it was [name]Phoebe[/name] [name]Greer[/name], also you sound like you love the name [name]Pheobe[/name]. At the end of the day, as watermellie said, it’s your baby not anybody elses. [name]Just[/name] do what you feel is right. She’s too young to notice the change so if you want to change it I say go for it!

19

You are in a great position, really! An interesting, unusual first name and a familiar middle name. You are not locked into [name]Greer[/name], but don’t have to give it up either! Why don’t you call the baby [name]Phoebe[/name] for a week straight and see if you miss [name]Greer[/name] or, in fact, do find it a better fit. I wouldn’t go with a totally new name though since you already have two great ones and the birth certificate done

20

I think [name]Greer[/name] is very elegant. I also grew up watching old movies, so that’s probably influencing me here! I love that link.

That said, I can see how [name]Greer[/name] isn’t the easiest name for an infant, it’s not frilly or cutesy and theres not an intuitive way to make it that way. I think [name]GiGi[/name] might be the perfect solution! Try it out and see if it feels right on her!

I’m all for listening to your gut, but here it seems like it may be more worries about how others will view the name. If you still love it deep down, it’s worth giving it a little time to stick. (And yes, a name tag or a little sign that says “Yes, mom, I’m a [name]Greer[/name]” would be super helpful)

21

I think [name]Greer[/name] is a lovely name, it’s very elegant! It seems like your daughter is only a few months old, am I right in assuming that? So if you want to change her name, now would be the time to do it! I think though that since you love [name]Greer[/name] you should keep it but perhaps persist in calling her [name]Phoebe[/name]? In time it will probably become more natural. I know a few people who go exclusively by their middle names and never have any problems with it. She can always decide to go back to using [name]Greer[/name] if she wants when she’s older, both names are beautiful whichever one you go with, you can’t go wrong!