Why doesn't anybody like...?

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-23-2006
Why doesn't anybody like...?
34
Fri, 03-10-2006 - 4:11pm

...the name London for a boy? Ok, so we have tried out a bunch of different names, combinations of names, polls, opinions, and it appears everyone truly dislikes the name London for a boy? They say it sounds feminine or strange. My husband and I regardless keep going back to it no matter how many other great names there are out there so there must be a reason it is sticking? We thought of Quinton, Pierce, Westin (nn West), etc. but kept jumping back to the one that we originally fell in love with...hmmm...sigh.

I guess the point of this last message is just to ask for more clarification and to ask what people think or feel when they hear the name. Whether it really sounds like a city when you hear it. Like, "hi, my name is Los Angeles". Or, if it works the way it sounds like Florence or Dakota (as a name)?

Does it really sound as bad as if we were to call our son Zurich or New York? Why is it any different than calling a baby girl Giorgia or Savannah?

We don't like Lyndon or Landon or Londan or other variations. Actually, to us those variations sound even more feminine or as if we are spelling London incorrectly.

We live in Switzerland and have been in Europe for 10 years. We eventually will be moving back to the States which is a main reason we wanted to get some feedback. We realize that we have to be thoughtful about whether the child will like his name or fit in...I am so grateful for this website and for people's honesty. It is the responsible thing to do (consider how the name sounds to others or how it might affect the child growing up) so thanks to those who voted or gave input.

But, we are just so torn. We love it but we don't want our child teased or left with a girl's name.

What makes the name London so awful for a boy? Or, awful as a name in general? Maybe we just aren't hearing it like everyone else.

Thanks for your help and feedback. Looking forward to reading your comments :)

I also posted this under the 'boys' category

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-22-2004
Mon, 03-13-2006 - 2:35pm
I like the name London, and to me, it doesn't sound girly.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 07-13-2004
Tue, 03-14-2006 - 8:06am

I don't think it's all that bad of a name for a boy. Jr High will be the toughest years for him here in the states, but if you don't come back until HS, then I'd say go for it. and it seems you truly love the name, so go for it. This board can be tough sometimes. My name, Amber, has been referred to as a stripper's name many times, but that's someone else's opinion. You have to take it in stride, the boards opinoin isn;t that of the american public.

Goood Luck
Amber :)

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-02-2006
Tue, 03-14-2006 - 9:41am

London is nms, it makes me think of the city not a person. However, I'm sure as it becomes more popular (and I'm sure it will) people will get used to hearing it as a person's name (like with Paris, India etc) and not just think of it as a place. Although the name is nms, I definitely see it as more masculine than feminine. London for a girl just doesn't work imo. If you and your partner love the name go for it.

Good luck xxx

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-07-2004
Tue, 03-14-2006 - 1:07pm
heres my honest opinon-i dont like it-for a girl, for a boy, i just dont like it. imagine your son going up to someone and saying "hi, im london" imagine the look on the persons face. i understand wanting to be original and not following the style-and honestly if YOU love the name, then use it. i just dont like it. its like the name kaden or jaden or teegan-i dont like those names...period. hth.
JOANNE
EMAIL MAMAN2GOONS@YAHOO.COM
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-14-2003
Tue, 03-14-2006 - 4:16pm
I just want to pop in and say that if you love the name, use it. Do not worry what others think!

My 3 kiddos

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-09-2003
Tue, 03-14-2006 - 8:03pm

While I personally wouldn't name my child London, it's certainly not *horrible*. Granted, if I saw it in a poll up against Quintin and Westin, I'd probably vote for either of those ... it doesn't mean London is horrible, just that my own personal tastes veer elsewhere. (For instance: I'm actually not a fan of geographic names. I'd vote no on London, Paris, Brooklyn, Dakota, etc.)

My own humble opinion: If you keep coming back to "London," and that's the only name you LOVE ... go for it.

And no, I don't think your child will get beat up or picked on for having that name!

Good luck to you!

Tami
Mommy to Anna 7.7.04 & Ben 11.19.06

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-28-2005
Wed, 03-15-2006 - 11:30am
Having known 3 females named London (different generations as well), I would completely associate this name with a woman. Most place names have become feminized or will before your son reaches college.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-09-2006
Wed, 03-15-2006 - 5:45pm

First of all let me say that if you really love it the most and want to name them London for god's sake do it..


But you did ask for opinions and here is mine. I think it will depend on what kind of child your kid grows up to be. A jock, all star with the name London will probably be seen as romantic or such. However if he is skinny, or nerdy in the least I think it will mark him as feminine and prissy. This will all be upon how he looks when you see him.


Still, stand by your choice and possibly give him a more standard middle name to go with it so he can revert to being called by his middle name if it proves to be a problem. It's a compromise that just might work.


Incidentally I love the name Landon


Lilypie Kids birthday Ticker Pho
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-09-2004
Thu, 03-16-2006 - 10:36am
Woman at my work's nephew- his name in London. No issue yet!@ And his step dad's name is Landon! Just by coincidence! :)
No coplaints here, i love London
London James is regal.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-17-2006
Fri, 03-17-2006 - 1:14pm
I think you should stop worrying so much what other people think. Why does it matter so much if YOU like it?