I've got a Bear in my tummy...

[mamamaassy]

Thanks again everyone - really great arguments on both sides of the fence. Yes, I am aware that Bear Grylls and Bear Bryant weren't given those names, but Bear Reinhart was - as was obviously a few other little boys that posters have mentioned.

I grew up with a very unique name - Rosalyn - and honestly have loved only ever personally meeting 2 others in my life. I know it's not a crazy name, but it's uncommon, and I love hearing people's response to it (some good, some bad). My husband, on the other hand, grew up with a very common Bible name, and has always wished he had something that stood out a little more.

I think it's actually a little funny the whole "Well they could be a doctor, lawyer, politician" debate. True. But then, we could name him Edward Alexander so he has a very serious name, and he ends up being a yoga instructor. I guess we just really aren't the parents to put a lot of expectation on our children - they'll be who they end up being - serious name or not. I don't think I've ever met someone with a strange name that I thought less of - again, not like they were the ones who chose it.

Anyways, I think Bear will still hover on the fringes on whether or not we decide to take it into the delivery room with us. Very surprised and interested to see that everyone picked Caspian as a second choice though. Cool consensus!

We have an ultrasound today - if my husband changes his mind about wanting to find out the sex, this discussion could be over (for now) if we find out we're having a girl! Prayers appreciated that my placenta previa has corrected itself. Have a lovely day everyone!

[jeska]

I think it's actually a little funny the whole "Well they could be a doctor, lawyer, politician" debate. True. But then, we could name him Edward Alexander so he has a very serious name, and he ends up being a yoga instructor. I guess we just really aren't the parents to put a lot of expectation on our children - they'll be who they end up being - serious name or not. I don't think I've ever met someone with a strange name that I thought less of - again, not like they were the ones who chose it.

I think you're missing the point. It's not about 'doctor/lawyer/politician', I think Bear would be an awkward name for any adult man, who presumably is going to be employed one day and will have to introduce himself to other adults in formal settings. It doesn't matter if he's a doctor or a sign-writer, unless he has a certain image, he's probably going to feel silly being called Bear.

It's got nothing to do with putting expectations on your children. Nor is it about thinking less of someone. It's about how your child, who is going to spend most of his time on this planet as an adult, is going to feel about introducing himself with a name that is usually used to refer to a stuffed toy or an animal.

Good luck with it, anyway!

[imogen]

If you don't want to put a lot of expectation on the child, I think Edward would be the better name than Bear. Edward makes me think of kings, Edward Scissorhands, Twilight, Ted Kennedy, Jedward, Eddie Murphy, Edward Norton, and so on. An Edward could go by his full name, or by Ed, Eddie, Ned, Ted, Teddy, etc. Edward has so many different images it could fit any personality or lifestyle.

Bear, on the other hand, conjures up a very specific image for me. I picture a person named Bear as being large, confident, loud, tough, assertive, and more brawn than brains. On a small, quiet boy who would rather spend his time reading than playing sports, the name Bear could end up being faintly ridiculous.

[birthhappy]

I like Bear alot, but then I have a son with the middle name Wolffe. There are certain careers or personalities where Bear might not fit well, but that's the chance you take for almost any name that isn't super common. The Alexander Bear idea above was a good option if you worry about that.

[nat108]

Anyways, I think Bear will still hover on the fringes on whether or not we decide to take it into the delivery room with us. Very surprised and interested to see that everyone picked Caspian as a second choice though. Cool consensus!

I consider Caspian a lot more out there than Bear. It sounds very fairly tale-ish. Bear is more "serious" than Caspian and I'm sure if you asked grown men which they'd like to be named, few would choose Caspian

Another long name suggestion: Bayard- it can be pronounced "BAY-yard" or "bay-erd"

Really - that's fine when it's written, but would you really introduce yourself like that at a business meeting? 'Hello, I'm B. Alexander, nice to meet you.' I've never heard such a thing.

I don't see anything wrong with B. Alexander
Usually people that initial their first name go by their middle name. J. Edgar Hoover was called Edgar. The actress S. Epatha Merkerson goes by Epatha. I know an M. Butch and he goes by Butch. So B. Alexander would introduce himself as Alexander or Alex

[catheyc]

Names like this (nature names, word names, etc.) are not my style at all, and I used to be very against them. However, being on NB for so long and seeing people's rationale for the names they choose has changed my strict sense of what a "name" is. I still choose traditional names for my children, but I'm slightly less judgmental about other people's styles. Mind you, I still can't stand youneek names/spelling, but Bear Alexander does not fall into that category and it does have a great sound to it. And as many pps have pointed out, he can always use his middle name if he wants to -- something Bear Blu does not have the luxury of doing, which is what makes that a ridiculous name. I also love the meaning that it has for you and your hubby. Just a heads up, though, -- my husband and I both have dark wavy/curly hair and dark eyes (my husband is Middle Eastern) and our son has (so far) strawberry blond hair and light blue eyes ... so you never know. Not that I think it necessarily matters what he looks like, but since you brought it up, I thought I'd mention it.

Bottom line: Would I roll my eyes (and make a slight snap judgment about the parents) if I met a little boy named Bear? Yes. But who cares what I think? You shouldn't. I agree with the rule of asking yourself (and your husband) if you both would be okay if that were your name and if so, and if it feels right in the delivery room, go for it.

Good luck with your ultrasound!!

[sugarfoot]

I love it! My DH is Wolf Alexander and he's never had any problem with it beyond people thinking its a nn or his surname at first.

[caseym]

Don't listen to them! It's not their baby and if you and your husband feel this is THE name for you too, that should be all that matters. My mother criticizes my choice of baby names all the time saying they are too out there, and in a world of 4 billion people, do you really want to blend in? It's a beautiful name and I promise I'd name my child that in a heartbeat of I hadn't already fallen inlove with the name I did. Bear is a very strong, COOL name that I'm sure any boy would like to have! Or man!

[southern.maple]

This thread has been entertaining, to the say the least. It's certainly shown that one of the best ways to rile up a berry is to say you're using an animal name for your child.

If your son goes into a professional field (which he may not) and feels that Bear doesn't suit his work setting, all he has to do is introduce himself as Alexander.

[ceecee]

I'm sure if you asked grown men which they'd like to be named, few would choose Caspian."


THIS is probably thee most truthful thing posted in this thread---The rest is just personal preference--but i bet if we all asked 10 men we know, this is 100%...Interesting discussion ...