Is this too unusual?

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-02-2003
Is this too unusual?
9
Sun, 08-15-2004 - 3:38pm
We are having our fourth boy and are struggling to name this little guy. My husband was born in Spain (Spanish mother, American father) but has lived here in the US most of his life. He has a Spanish name. He likes Joaquin for the first and I have chosen River (I like the nature type name) to be used for either first or middle. When we run "Joaquin River" past our family and friends they all freak out. Although we would probably call him River, I worry that people will think we named him after the actor brothers River and Joaquin Phoenix. What do you think? Last name is Branch. thanks for your input.
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-15-2004
Sun, 08-15-2004 - 3:48pm
I think you should pick whatever you guys feel is the best name...never mind what family and friends think....but what are the names of your other children cause if Joaquin River is going to clash with their names than it might be something to reconsider. I'm more of a classic name lover soooooooo I find Joaquin River kind of "out there" but you would probably find the names I would choose boring...lol :-)

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-08-2004
Sun, 08-15-2004 - 4:07pm
Well, I like "out there" names, but I have a little reservation about the one you've picked, and here's why. As another poster said, from the reaction of your family, it sounds like Joaquin River would clash with your other 3 boys (but correct me if I'm wrong). Also, I personally would think, if not told otherwise, that he was named after the actor brothers. Thirdly, while I like nature names too, since your last name is kind of a word name (branch), I think it sounds like too "literal" of a name...River Branch.

All that said, I do like the style you've picked, and really like Joaquin. What about just calling him that, with maybe Quinn as a nn? If you can post your other boys' names, that would help too! I hope I didn't sound harsh...I didn't mean to be. I like your names, and I know you want real feedback. I'm having my 3rd boy, and will be posting ideas too, so feel free to comment!

Amy

Amy, mom to Nate (9), Calvin (7), and Tobias (4). You can find me at my blogs:

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-22-2004
Sun, 08-15-2004 - 4:13pm
Kelly Ripa would think it's a good name. Joaquin is baby #3's name. But River as a middle name does bring to mind the brothers Phoenix. Sorry.
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-13-2003
Sun, 08-15-2004 - 5:43pm
Do you remember the young actor named River Phoenix? He has a brother named Joaquin. And another bro I can't remember and sisters Liberty and Dentiny.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-31-2003
Sun, 08-15-2004 - 5:47pm

I have no problems with Joaquim, but calling him River with the last name Branch is a little too much.

Angela

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-22-2004
Sun, 08-15-2004 - 5:52pm
I went through what you are going through with my first born son Hamam. When people heard his name they all said "Hamam?" "What kind of weird name is that?" But after a while they got use to it and said that it was cute. What I am saying here do as you like and never mind the rest. Remember that no matter where you go there'll always be a critic. Also let people think what they want. You can choose to listen or not to listen to their garbage when they choose to dish it out. You like the name Joaquin River Branch or River Joaquin Branch then use it.
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-10-2004
Sun, 08-15-2004 - 6:06pm
Hey, since you asked...I like Joaquin a lot. In fact, I've heard the name several times since I learned of Kelly Ripa's son. I'm not one to tell people what to name their children as I also like very different names, but River does not go. Maybe if the last name wasn't Branch it wouldn't be so bad. But, I like Joaquin a lot!!! Good luck!!!

Tina

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-05-2004
Sun, 08-15-2004 - 7:49pm
I wouldn't use them together. And, I MUCH prefer Joaquin! What a great name. I really, really dislike River. What about Linden, Jasper or Ash for a nature type name?
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-21-2003
Mon, 08-16-2004 - 6:02pm
What do your family members think of "River Branch"? It sounds like a ficticious character to me. My preference is for "Joaquin Branch"; most people won't ask his middle name anyhow and it may not be many more years before the famous brothers are history. Its unfortunate your family doesn't like the name Joaquin... although once they peer apon that teeny face and those big eyes... :)

...Pam