argh, name advice needed

[razimi]

Okay, so I'm 16 weeks and two days along, and we're still talking about names. We have picked out a name for a girl baby and we are both crazy about it, but nobody else likes the name. In fact, most people think we're kidding when we tell them our name choice. I'm starting to worry that this name that we find beautiful will embarrass our baby as she gets older.

The name is Laverne.

I see nothing wrong with it. It's just french for "the green" or "the spring", basically. Literally, everyone else has hassled us about it. Most people make a stupid joke about Laverne and Shirley. Some people remark derisively that it sounds like a name for someone of a different ethnicity than our own. Most people just think we're kidding. I had members of my family say to me, "Oh, you'll change your mind." and "Pick a new name."

I'm sorry if I don't feel like picking a baby name from People magazine or having my child go through life with a last name initial tacked onto her name, as I (Rachel) had to all throughout my years of school.

My husband loves the name Laverne and so do I, but it is really becoming a hassle to hear people's negative reactions. I worry that maybe it will do her a disservice to give her that name even if we do like it most.

[Bugly]

To be completely honest, I instantly think of Laverne and Shirley as well. However, the upcoming generation will have no idea about Laverne and Shirley. And I definitely don't think that it has any specific ethnicity relations.

I'm right there with you on not wanting my children to have the initial of their last name be their identification. I'm strongly against it.

If you are truly worried about it hassling your little girl then you could maybe take a few different routes. Use a nickname. Verna, Lavvy, Verny, etc. So then when people ask what your name is, you can say, "Well, we really like the name Laverne, and we'd use the name ____ as a nickname." In this situation, they'll have two things to focus on, and may find the nickname really cute even though they may not like Laverne.
If you're not a fan of that, you could always give her a middle name that you wouldn't mind her going by if she were to ever get hassled about Laverne. Or you could make Laverne her middle name and you could call her that at home. Then if she likes it, then she can go by her middle name.

I know that neither of these situations are ideal, and that it's really hard to hear the negativity. I'm 7 1/2 months along and my husband and I still don't have a name for sure and I've heard everyone and their dogs' opinions. I know how hard it is not to affect your decision. But... who says you have to tell people what your baby's name will be? Another option could always be just not to tell people that you're thinking of Laverne. When they ask, say you haven't decided yet. If they ask what's on your list, just don't tell them Laverne. People's baby name lists change all the time, I know mine has! And then, when your baby is born and you name her Laverne, people will be MUCH quieter with their opinions when the baby is officially there.

Hope that made sense, and that it helped at least a little!
Hang in there, and don't let them get you down!

Bugly

[ktejmommy]

Though I named my daughter differently than your approach.. I chose my fav and DH chose his fav and from that we got Katie (his choice) Jane (my choice) First name or middle name didn't really matter.. that's how the names we'd chosen fit best. She goes by Katie and Jane alike.
If you love the name, then by all means use it. If you're truely worried about what others will think of it, then maybe consider it as a middle name. Kids these days are more and more going by their middle names.. so if you're concerned about it now, put it in the middle, and if it poses no problems later then it can still be the name she goes by.

[Melinda_Jane]

tht was my mistake letting people know the name we had picked out, next time round i am def not telling anyone wat we choose n then letting them know only when baby arrives coz as soon as u tell people ur name choice they think it ok for them to cirtisize it.
dont worry about anyone else its ur baby n ur choice.

[supermomwannabe]

I had a similar situation with my daughter's name. My husband and I picked out her name within the 1st 5 minutes of searching for names. We both loved Iris and he wanted Leia (from Star Wars) and I liked it so she was Iris Leia...but then my grandmother chimed in and for months kept making comments on how nice it would be to carry on the family name of Ann...so we decided Iris Leia Ann...we thought about hyphenating but I felt it took away from the reason we added Ann...now everyone comments on how long her name is. I say if you love it keep it the way you want it. You'll probably come up with a pet name for her anyway and if she doesn't like it as she gets older you can deal with it then.

[lcc7c]

How about...
Chelsea?
Cassie?

[darplocho]

I agree that you should go with what you like. It's not like it's "Talula Does the Hula From Hawaii" (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080724/ap_on_re_au_an/new_zealand_bizarre_names) poor girl. Laverne is a fine name.

[juststardust]

Worse come to worst, Lala and Vernie can always come into play ;) I agree that most kids born after, say, 1984.. aren't going to know Laverne & Shirley.. but their parents will. At which point, if I were you and someone cracked the joke, I'd very politely say "You chose your kid's name, we chose ours." Who can argue with you? We like what we like. Stick to your guns, gal :)

[craftyashley]

I just didn't tell anyone about my choices until the babies were actually here. No one can dispute how adorable tiny baby Laverne is.

[MommaC]

Go with what you like. Honestly the first thing that came to my mind was the sweet lady I know who is named Laverne. I guess I never really thought about the fact that her name was "different" because it's just her name and we all like her so much. Refuse to discuss it with anyone anymore. Not their business. It's a secret until you give it to your baby...and then she'll just embody it and make it special, and everyone will just have to shut up about it! ;)

[darplocho]

Or maybe you could tell everyone you're naming her something outrageous like Toyota Jane...then while everyone's gasping in shock you can say, "Just kidding. Her name is Laverne!!" You can even add..."Toyota Jane was our second choice."

:)