So, there’s a lot of names I like that I wouldn’t call “unconventional,” but you just don’t hear them on many kids today. Some names such as [name_f]Kathleen[/name_f], [name_f]Ruth[/name_f], [name_f]Estelle[/name_f], and [name_f]Louisa[/name_f], I like, but my mother would NEVER go for. When I casually mention I like a name (that may be more old-fashioned) to her, she goes something along the lines of, “What? No! You don’t like that. Someone in a nursing home would have that name!” When I name my child (which is a few years off, I just enjoy names) I don’t know if should pick something just because I love it, or take in to consideration if it will appall my mother!
Let me know what you think!
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I think you should just go with your heart your mother has had her baby (you) and most likely named you what she wanted to name you. It’s now your opportunity so go with your heart. I’m taking my mother into consideration but only if I agree with what she’s saying if I didn’t I wouldn’t.
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I think ultimately the decision is up to you, and your mother will warm up to it. I think it’s important to realize generational differences; while a name might feel fresh and ready for a comeback to a young person, your mother has more associations and memories of many names, making it staler and older seeming to her.
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That’s a good point. I don’t know many people of the older generation with the names I like, but she probably has.
I think all of those name are lovely, and are definitely old fashioned in a good way! Keep in mind that your mom or anyone in that generation is in a different stage of life, so those are names that they’ve always considered dated (like if you or I were to name our daughter [name_u]Shannon[/name_u], [name_f]Brenda[/name_f], [name_f]Donna[/name_f], [name_f]Karen[/name_f], etc)
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I wouldn’t take my parents opinions on names into consideration at all, honestly (they felt the same when naming me, so they’re not offended by that - I still would feel the same even if they were tho). They had their chance to name children, now it’s your turn. You’re the parent of this kid, the one who will constantly be saying the name, not them.
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I wouldn’t worry. No matter how much she hates the name, say, [name_f]Kathleen[/name_f] now, once she has a little tiny granddaughter [name_f]Kathleen[/name_f] it’ll be her favorite name. And if not still – it’s your baby, not hers.
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I think you should go with what you love! Old fashioned name are definitely back in style
Cathleen with a “C” here. I’m 21, and growing up, my name was old-fashioned, even in the early 2000s. I love my name, because it was unique for the time period and not spelled the traditional way with a “K,” but if you’re really worried about a dated name, I would stray away from any names that were popular mid-century. However, I actually think [name_f]Cathleen[/name_f], [name_f]Ruth[/name_f], [name_f]Estelle[/name_f], and [name_f]Louisa[/name_f] are quite fresh now in a world full of Olivias, Mias, Charlottes, and Evelyns. But, if you really love those names, go for it!
Hi there.
First of all, I wouldn’t worry one bit about what your mom thinks. The second she holds a sweet little grandchild, she’ll fall in love w/whatever name is attached to it. Secondly, your mom may not be familiar w/the fact that old names are coming back. Before my grandma passed away in [name_f]April[/name_f], the assisted living home that she was at had everyone’s name who lived there posted on the wall. There were names like [name_f]Flora[/name_f], [name_f]Emma[/name_f], [name_f]Adele[/name_f], [name_m]Ben[/name_m], [name_m]Louis[/name_m], etc. They’re basically the same names that are on the cubbies in my three year old nephew’s preschool class. 
Hope this helps. 
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I agree with other posters… name the child what you love. Your mom had her chance to name, when it comes time, it will be your turn (not her do-over).
Also, those people in the nursing home weren’t nursing home residents when they were given their names… they were babies, children, teenagers, young adults and adults at some point too.
I’m very close with my mom and I can’t imagine using a name for my kid that she hates or even dislikes. That being said, her initial reaction is NOT her final reaction to the name… Meaning, she may have an immediate feeling of “this name is not my style” but once you are pregnant and she knows she’s having a granddaughter, her feelings are likely to change to be more flexible. Most new grandparents are just so happy that a minor dislike of a name tends to go by the wayside. I hope that helps!
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definitely consider things like ‘how it goes with the surname’ or ‘can it be misheard into something unpleasant’ things that may affect the child or get them teased etc. Never concern yourself with 1 persons opinion unless they are the co-parent!. And yes definitely go with something you both love xx
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