The question of the week: how honest are you about names?

In all of our books and here on nameberry, Linda and I are dedicated to telling parents that their baby’s name is their choice and theirs alone, that they should tune out well-meaning relatives and friends and, yes, even strangers who criticize a name they love.

But what about when expectant parents ask for advice about names?  What about when they ask you?  Do you tell them what you really think, or do you keep your harsher opinions to yourself?

Denizens of the nameberry forums are often experts at the diplomatic response to names they’re not crazy about.  “Not my style,” is one very nice way of signaling thumbs down about a name.

Some people say that, when asked, you should give your honest opinion on name possibilities before the baby is born, but stifle yourself once the name has already been chosen.

Others say that negative opinions on names, no matter when or by whom or in what tone they’re offered, are always offensive.

What do YOU think? C’mon, now, tell us the truth…be honest.