So, I looove and am completely hung up on the name [name_m]Cole[/name_m]. However our last name is a color name, Gr@y.
Do you see the pun in [name_m]Cole[/name_m] Gr@y?
Yes
No
0voters
Okay, if you picked no, I’ll offer the spolier: Cole Gr@y sounds like charcoal gr@y. It’s like naming someone [name_u]Winter[/name_u] White, [name_f]Ebony[/name_f] [name_m]Black[/name_m], or [name_f]Rose[/name_f] [name_f]Pink[/name_f]…
Okay, now that you for sure see it, what are your thoughts?
It’s not usable
It’s usable but a pun / ridiculous
It’s usuable, but it’d be a jerk think to do, to give him that name
I’m in a similar situation as you are, so I’m also quite sensitive to the way names play off colour surnames. The main issue I come across is that the combination makes the name no longer sound like a name in my own head. It can transform a lovely name into an adjective or noun. However, I think it’s worth noting that when a name is attached to a person, the name takes on a whole new meaning in someone’s mind. It’s no longer just a name, it’s a person. I feel that would ease, if not, erase the issue entirely.
I don’t see anything ultimately offensive, humorous, inconvenient or confusing about this name combination in terms of everyday life. The spelling of [name_m]Cole[/name_m] clearly indicates a name, not a noun. I expect people would take this name at face value. I think the only opinion that matters in this situation is yours and your partner’s. Does it change the way you feel about the name? [name_m]Can[/name_m] you look past the mental imagery?
I did notice the pun but I don’t think it makes it unusable at all!! As long as you don’t mind that some people might make comments about it. I also don’t think it’s as obvious as it would be if it were spelt [name_m]Coal[/name_m] (nor do I think it’s as extreme as the other ones you listed!).
I think [name_m]Cole[/name_m] Gr@y is very handsome and sweet, by the way!
@Ehrob1 soooo that’s actually the problem with the consolation name that we found… Ie, for two years, [name_m]Ive[/name_m] been searching for a name that we love as much as [name_m]Cole[/name_m]… And, although not nearly as much, we do like …[name_u]Cal[/name_u]! But I just hear “Calgary.”
My husband and I, before this obsession with [name_m]Cole[/name_m], also loved [name_m]Jack[/name_m] and [name_u]Max[/name_u] and could imagine a little [name_m]Jack[/name_m] or a little [name_u]Max[/name_u] running around. But this was before our last name was Gr@y (when we got married, we did a joint LN).
But with [name_m]Jack[/name_m], it’s the same thing – I just hear Juggrae or Juh-gr@y. /sigh.
And [name_u]Max[/name_u] Gr@y kiiind of sounds like a porn star?
I got the pun but had to think about it awhile (and first I thought you meant Colgate, like the toothpaste). Not sure I would have noticed if I hadn’t been looking for an issue.
If you like [name_m]Cole[/name_m] or [name_u]Cal[/name_u], would a longer formal name with one of those as a nickname work? Like [name_m]Colton[/name_m], [name_m]Colin[/name_m], [name_m]Calvin[/name_m], [name_m]Caleb[/name_m], [name_u]Callum[/name_u], [name_u]Callen[/name_u], etc.
@alom fair question and great suggestion. For better or worse, we’re firmly in the camp of only naming the kid what we’re going to call him. And we looove the 1 syllable names.
I think it’s usable and I doubt that most people will see the pun. But if that concerns you about the name then I’d try to avoid it. Maybe [name_m]Coleson[/name_m] or Kolston by any chance as alternatives?
I definitely over-think names (as we should, ha)… but even after knowing your concern- I see nothing wrong with [name_m]Cole[/name_m] Gr@y! I don’t think most people would ever think of charcoal… and even if they do and that’s the worst thing they say- I’d call that #winning
If you love [name_m]Cole[/name_m] and would be sad not to use that name… you should definitely use it!
As a mama to a [name_m]Cole[/name_m]- I definitely love it! We call our little guy “king [name_m]Cole[/name_m]” a lot which makes me love it more.
I think it would be fine. If you’re unsure though, you could always go [name_m]Nicolas[/name_m] or [name_m]Colton[/name_m] with the nickname [name_m]Cole[/name_m] instead.
I did think of charcoal grey but i dont think that’s negative! I like the sound.
If it makes you feel any more confident, my first and surname are both words that when put together make it sound as if you’re addressing royalty-nobody has ever commented on it
