My middle sister is expecting her second child, and we were recently discussing baby names. Usually I wouldn’t get involved here (as I myself love unique/interesting/out there) baby names. Her eldest is cutie called [name_m]Levi[/name_m] [name_m]Mike[/name_m] which is good and a bit quirky. They don’t know if they are having a boy or a girl, but when she was having [name_m]Levi[/name_m] she said their girls name choice was… [name_f]Chardonnay[/name_f] [name_f]Scarlett[/name_f]. She’s liked this name for years and her husband likes it too. I asked if this was still a contender this time around, and she said it was the only contender and they are only working on another boys name. It’s not that I dislike the sound of it, but I can’t be the only one who sees this and thinks ‘red wine’!
[name_m]Just[/name_m] wanted some thoughts on this really. [name_f]Do[/name_f] you think she’d be teased or would anyone even notice? Would it just fall into the [name_f]Kimberley[/name_f] crowd? Is this just me? Any alternatives you think they’d like?
And should I say anything or just keep my nose out of other peoples’ business?!
All thoughts appreciated!
I’m not sure where she lives, but in [name_f]England[/name_f], the name [name_f]Chardonnay[/name_f] is about as low grade, and chavvy as you can get. In the states, although it’s where I live, I’m not sure what kind of reception it would get. My husband likes the name [name_f]Scarlett[/name_f], but I find that also to be quite “chavvy”
I know it’s hard to see people you love using names you don’t like, but you’ve got to leave them to it!
Yeah, it’s… bad. Really bad. But at least she can go by [name_f]Char[/name_f] or just default to her middle name, which isn’t a favorite but. It’s not an alcoholic beverage, either. Sadly, if you argued with her about it you’d probably just either 1) make her cling to it even tighter or 2) break her heart a little. Neither is good. All you can really do is hope for a change of heart, friend. I will hope with you.
I’m not really sure whether teasing would be an issue, but I really dislike the name [name_f]Chardonnay[/name_f]. It honestly sounds like a stripper name to me. Maybe she would consider switching them so [name_f]Chardonnay[/name_f] is the middle instead? Middle names aren’t used that much anyway and I think [name_f]Scarlett[/name_f] is pretty. Is your sister aware of the “red wine” thing? Maybe you could just subtly say something about it, not saying it’s bad but just pointing out what it brings to mind. In the end it’s your sister’s choice, so if she’s not bothered by it then I’d keep my mouth shut.
Hmm. If I met, say, a doctor or business executive named [name_f]Chardonnay[/name_f] I would assume she worked really hard to come up from a less-educated, less-wealthy background. The wine connection is unavoidable; it also feels a little dated, kind of '80s. I’m sure she could end up with a nickname that makes things easier, but there aren’t even especially good nicknames.
I can’t think of any names that might be great alternatives, but it sounds like they might not be open to that anyway. [name_f]Hope[/name_f] for a boy!
Personally, I think it’s a bad name. It’s your sister’s choice, but in my opinion, you owe it to her to be honest about the baby name.
And honestly? She’s your sister. I hate to say it, but in my experience (I have an older sister), siblings are the most appropriate people to tell it like it is, insulting as it may be. You should be able to share your feelings with her. Yes, it is her baby, and that’s reflected in the fact that she can choose to ignore you if she wants. But I think you should say something
Given, I don’t advise just busting out with “That name is awful, you are going to scar your child”. Start with “So, are you naming her after the wine?” She’ll probably say no, and you can seize the opportunity to explain that anyone named [name_f]Chardonnay[/name_f] [name_m]WILL[/name_m] be associated with wine. It’s up to you whether you want to slip in the stigma of [name_f]Chardonnay[/name_f] as tacky and low class.
sorry this was log, I do think it’s a delicate situation. If my sister tried to name a baby [name_f]Chardonnay[/name_f] the name nerd in me would probably not hesitate to vehemently talk her out of it. I urge you to at least try, in the most tactful way possible. Best of luck!
P.S. [name_f]Scarlett[/name_f] is a nice name, maybe suggest a first/middle switcheroo
Thanks a lot for all the advice and opinions, and I’m glad its not just me that’s has considerable reservations about this name. I think I’m going to chance saying something to her, and we do get along very well so hopefully it won’t result in a bust up! To be honest, I’m hoping she has another boy because her other half will just go along with anything she likes.
All the more strange is that there boys name choices at the moment are [name_m]Jeffrey[/name_m] or [name_m]David[/name_m]. Talk about opposite ends of the spectrum…
But thanks for your help everyone!
I think that you should probably be truthful and tactful with her. Like the name or not it is BIZARRE with a brother named [name_m]Levi[/name_m].
Maybe offer some similar sounding names?
Same ending
[name_f]Renee[/name_f]
[name_f]Jenae[/name_f]
[name_f]Holliday[/name_f]
[name_f]Desiree[/name_f]
[name_u]Shea[/name_u]
[name_u]Tae[/name_u] and [name_m]Levi[/name_m] super cute!
Or same beginning
[name_f]Charity[/name_f] and [name_m]Levi[/name_m] so cute!
[name_f]Charlotte[/name_f] (nn [name_f]Lottie[/name_f]? So cute! And a phantom of the opera connection) ([name_f]Chardonnay[/name_f] and [name_f]Scarlett[/name_f] together basically)
[name_u]Charlie[/name_u]
If you’d be embarrassed to have your niece meet someone in the grocery store, you probably out to say something.
I really don’t like the name either it just reminds me of the wine and stereotypically somebody from a rough background (sorry to say). It really doesn’t match the lovely name [name_m]Levi[/name_m] either or her boy suggestions they are completely different and couldn’t imagine the names in a sibset with [name_m]Levi[/name_m]! If it was me personally I would tell my sister what I associate the name with and hope that she changes her mind! There is no harm in telling her what you think she will either not listen as she loves the name or take your comments to mind (hopefully!!) Good [name_m]Luck[/name_m] if you mention anything!
I would not inflict [name_f]Chardonnay[/name_f] on a girl. People will notice and look down on her. You really should say something for the sake of your niece.
I agree that she should have the right to name her daughter that, BUT it could be useful to talk to her if she has understood what other people will judge her daughter to be based on the name.
Wine. If that was my name I would hate it. I would have changed my name as soon as I could have. But a good relationship with your sister is more important than a name at the end of the day. Personally I would ask her if she wanted an honest opinion on the name and tell her what you think, but if she doesn’t then just have to leave it as it is I suppose.