To tell or not to tell?

Question

When it comes to naming your kids, is it best to tell the names you have picked out to family and friends or to keep them to yourselves?

Answer 1

Definitely keep it to yourselves! Nothing bugs me more than when you pick out a name and tell everyone you know and they dislike it and then you're back to square one. I think it's best to just keep the names to yourself and not worry what others think.

However, if you're planning on naming the baby after someone you know then I think it's best to tell them before the birth.

Answer 2

There are some cultures that believe the child should be the first to hear their chosen name. They whisper it in the childs ear moments after they are born. It is also believed that naming or telling the name to anyone else prior to the baby's birth is bad luck (probably arose from parents wanting to evade nosy friends and family and avoid petty arguements over names).

There is such an incredible amount of pressure over something as simple as naming your child. It is impossible to please everyone with your choice. And considering it is a very personal choice for the parents, telling or not telling is completely up to those parents.

I told my parents and friends, but mainly because I loved the name, and really didn't care what others thought.

Answer 3

keep it to yourselves -- My mother actually talked me out of the name I had picked out for my daughter & I have always regretted that I let her. My fault, I know, but after that I didn't tell until the baby was named.

Answer 4

It depends on how you feel. If you don't want to hear them complain and say "why would you name the baby that" then keep it to yourself but if you don't care what they're going to say, tell them. I would be careful about telling your friends about the baby names because they might end up taking it. What I mean by this is that in the past, when me and my husband were considering having a baby we discussed what we wanted the names to be. I told my friends and one of them got pregnant and ended up naming her daughter what I wanted to name mine. We ended up deciding not to have anymore kids after the three that we already have but that pissed me off, what if I did have another daughter!?

Answer 5

Tell them! They can point out things you haven't thought of, like if your kids name rhymes with something you haven't thought of, or anything where the name could end up being something your child is teased about. Also they can give you an outsiders thought on the name...will people like it or will they not? Plus they are just dying to know, I am sure!!!

Answer 6

I say keep it to yourself.

I wanted to name my son Gavin, Adrian, or Caleb and as soon as I told my family they all started stickign thier noses up at it and I ended up naming my son Andrew and I despise that name , if I ever get pregnant it will be a cold day in hell before I tell anyone what I am naming my child.

Answer 7

Keep it! I hate hearing people shoot down a name it took me weeks to decide. We told our family after we decided. We did tell before the birth when we found out the sex. There was no discussion and we asked for no opinions.

Answer 8

We kept our daughter's name to ourselves - that is the only way not to get their opinion on it. After your baby is born, they cant really tell you they dont like it, now can they? Too tactless to do something like that. I know too many people who have told family and friends beforehand, even if it's just their top picks, and regretted doing so.

Answer 9

Well, my sister stole the name I wanted to use. But with her third child she purposely didn't use the name she knew I wanted. So it really can go either way. Just go with your gut I guess. I agree that once you know the sex it is safe to say.

Answer 10

Keep them to yourself.
They are less likely to make stupid comments once the child is actually here.