A mum-to-be has been left fuming after people pointed out a major issue with the name she has chosen for her son, despite it being a nod to her husband’s late grandfather
Choosing a baby name involves a lot of thought.
Whether you’re drawn to timeless classics or prefer something more unique, there’s plenty to consider when naming your child. You need to ponder potential nicknames, check if the name creates any unfortunate initials with your surname, and assess how easy it is for others to spell.
Many parents also consider their associations with certain names – perhaps dismissing one that reminds them of a disliked colleague or favouring one shared by a beloved actor or musician.
However, one mum has been advised to reconsider her chosen name due to an unexpected issue, despite the name holding sentimental value for her family.
In a Reddit post, she revealed plans to name her son Louis, in honour of her husband’s grandfather. Despite this touching tribute, family members on both sides have urged the couple to rethink – as two family dogs share the same name.
The mum explained her husband’s step-brother and her aunt both have dogs named Louis, a fact they discovered only after settling on the name. Despite the canine connection, the couple are reluctant to change the name due to its sentimental significance.
She said: “We didn’t realise [the dog connection] until after deciding on the name and telling a few people. Our parents have been downright rude about it, reminding us any chance they get that it’s a dog name. I’m really irritated because it’s my husband’s grandfather’s name, and it was very meaningful to us. I’m not having a couple of dogs ruin it.”
What’s more, the mum – who hails from the US – is also facing criticism from family members and friends for her chosen spelling of the name, as they believe people will pronounce it “Lewis” instead of the intended “Loo-ee”.
However, she has stood her ground and refused to alter the spelling, as Louis is a traditional name, and doesn’t want to give him a “dumbed down American spelling of the name”.
Commenters on the post reassured the mum not to fret over the dog association, but many concurred the name would likely be mispronounced, particularly in the US. This is largely due to the city in Missouri, St Louis, which is pronounced as “Lewis” and will be the first thing most Americans associate with the spelling.
One individual commented: “I am a Louis, pronounced Louie, and I get called Lewis often.” Another added: “Don’t worry about the dogs – your kid will outlast them. I know a dog named Dave – wouldn’t stop me from using it. The name Louis will be pronounced Lewis 90% of the time in the US. Up to you if you can handle that gracefully and teach your child to do the same.”
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