I stupidly didn’t think about my surname when I named my daughter Penny – even nurses laugh when I say it
A DAD is horrified after realising the name his wife and he have given to his daughter is sure to set her up for ”a life of ridicule”.
There are a number of factors to consider when picking the perfect moniker for your little one – including thinking about any potential nicknames the choice might generate.
Another key aspect parents should bare in mind during this important decision are the initials when paired with your last name, or their middle name.
Unfortunately for one little girl, her parents only realised they’d made a grave error after naming her – and there’s a cruel nickname that even nurses are already making fun of.
The mortified dad took to Reddit to share the story after naming their baby daughter who’d joined the family a month ago.
Although together with his wife, the dad had thought they’d given the mini tot a rather timeless name – Penny- they’ve now realised it’s been a mistake.
According to the parent, other adults have been using a horrible nickname for the poor tot – Penny Pincher – all because her surname also starts with a P.
He wrote: “Our daughter is about a month old now and my wife and I knew the entire pregnancy we’d name her Penny.
Yes, Pincher is close to our last name… How didn’t we think of this?
Anonymous dad
”We love the name Penny. We think it fits her so well and we loved the alliteration with our last name which also starts with P.
“However, after she was born, we started getting both family and random healthcare workers calling her ‘Penny Pincher’.
”Yes, Pincher is close to our last name… How didn’t we think of this?
”It’s seriously gotten to the point where I can’t unhear it. I’m devastated thinking I’ve stricken my daughter for a life of ridicule.
“Am I overreacting? Is being called a ‘penny pincher’ something school kids would even say or is it just old grandmas?”
Although the term – which is used to describe someone who is stingy with their money – is usually considered to be a negative trait, fellow Redditors assured the horrified dad that this nickname wouldn’t stick amongst peers at school.
They explained that whilst most adults are aware of this term, ”penny pincher” isn’t something children would pick up themselves.
One person said: “It doesn’t sound like something children would come up with of their own accord or a phrase that they would be likely to use.”
Another chimed in: “I’ve heard the phrase penny pincher before but I don’t think anyone but a boomer or older really might use it.
Are Unique Baby Names Worth The Hassle?
Fabulous' Deputy Editor reveals the turmoil she faced with her own name while growing up.
When I was a child, all I wanted was one of those personalised keyrings with my name on it.
But no joy, the closest I could find was Rosie, Joseph (not great for a little girl) and Joanne.
Josie is short for Josephine, which is a French name, and I managed to reach my 20s without ever meeting anyone who shared it.
When I try to introduce myself to people, I get all sorts of random things – like Tracey and Stacey – which can be pretty annoying.
Although I have come into contact with a couple of Josies over the last year – there seems to be a few of us around my age – it’s still a much rarer name than most of my friends have.
On the whole I don’t mind it, at least it’s not rude or crazily spelt.
And it means I can get away with ‘doing a Cheryl’ and just referring to myself as Josie.
I’m getting married this year and some friends are shocked that I’m changing my surname, as it’s not seen as very cool or feminist to do so these days, but I explain to them that I’m not that attached to Griffiths as I’d always just say ‘hi it’s Josie’ when ringing a mate up.
I think it’s nice to be unique and I’ll definitely try and replicate this when naming my own kids.
It’s the rude names you’ve got to watch out for, so after nine years as a lifestyle journalist I’ll definitely be avoiding those.
”I don’t think I’ve heard anyone say it or have even read it in text in a LONG time until now.”
A third penned: “Thanks for the replies, everyone. I’m starting to feel a lot better.
”We really do love the name so I just needed some unbiased opinions.”