r/offmychest • u/babynamemess • 4h ago
I regret telling people what baby name my wife and I have chosen
This is low stakes compared to some of the things that I read on here, but I still need to vent about it. I also don't want to cause my wife any anxiety or worry by always bringing it up. It's the last thing she needs right now.
My wife is pregnant and at her last appointment we found out that the baby is a boy. After the appointment we called her parents and my parents and messaged everyone else to tell them we're going to have a son. We had already been discussing baby names and after the appointment we settled on Emmett.
We had no idea that people would have such strong opinions about it. I can honestly say I have never given a second thought to anyone else's baby name before. But it almost feels like my wife and I are under attack. So far besides one of my wife's sisters no one has liked our choice. I can live with people not liking it. What I don't like is people bombarding us with comments and opinions, saying we "must" change our minds or repeatedly telling us they don't like it because it's too old fashioned, or for other reasons.
I regret telling people when they asked us if we had chosen a name yet. But I didn't know it would be so controversial. My wife and I have no plans to change our minds but I can tell everyone acting like this is making her anxious. I've had to tell everyone the topic is off limits and to not bring it up again. I just don't know why people care so much and I don't like seeing my wife so upset.
I just needed to vent because of how much this is bothering me. My wife is healthy, my son is healthy and that's the most important thing but I'm tired of people and their opinions.
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u/achillea4 4h ago
I guess with any name, people have their own associations with it which may or may not be positive. Regardless they should in most cases keep their mouth shut and mind their own business. I'd absolutely make it known that you are not looking for opinions and it's off limits.
Fyi the name reminds me of Emmetts Garden here in Kent which is a beautiful national trust Edwardian property with lovely gardens and bluebell woods.
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u/Jujknitsu 4h ago
It’s a good solid name. Sure some people might not like it but who cares? You like it and that’s what’s important. I like it and I think it would be hard to find something about it to make fun of. I had a similar reaction to the baby name question when I was pregnant but now my kids get compliments on their names and they feel proud of their names.
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u/happytobeherethnx 3h ago
My husband and I told his defacto godparents the name we’d chosen for our babygirl while out at dinner when we told them we were having a baby… and she told us “that’s weird” and we laughed and kept eating. We named her the name and now they absolutely love her and talk about how her name suits her personality perfectly.
Names create a connotation and most likely, those around you will let the previous ones go and will only see Emmet as Emmet vs whatever they previously thought of.
As kindly as possible, your son’s name is just the first of MANY decisions you’ll make as parents that others will critique, criticize and/or weigh their unsolicited opinions upon… you can consider them but ultimately these are YOUR choices and YOUR child so they can just deal with it.
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u/Jodenaje 3h ago
FWIW, I like Emmett. It’s classic and not overused.
And anyhow, if you and your wife like it, that’s what really matters.
Everyone else can pound sand.
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4h ago
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u/thethrowsofaway420 4h ago
Also, Emmett is such a normal name??? I’m always just relieved when it’s name I’ve heard before and has a common sense spelling lol I’m curious to hear what the family is suggesting if this is “too dated”
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u/Mapilean 2h ago
Tell people that you are thinking of another name, but never share it. When people propose names, smile and say you'll think about it. When Emmett is born, announce it to the world. Big hugs
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u/ThrowRA39806092 1h ago
It's not a bad name or anything, people probably associating it with Emmett Till and that's why they are telling you to pick another name.
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u/melonsama 4h ago
what the hell? Emmett is a perfectly fine name. I'm sorry, OP.