Both Grandparents Hate the Name We Have Picked Out

Updated on August 09, 2011
K.C. asks from Texarkana, AR
46 answers

My husband and I just found out #2 is another boy!!!!!! YAY i was really hoping for another boy. While me and my husband have picked out a name we both very much like the two grandmothers hate it. We like " Jensen Draven Nicholas McEneaney" (our 1st baby has 2 middle names also) I understand that its our baby and the fun part of pregnancy is picking out a name. Is there a nice way of saying its our baby not yours so get over it without sounding to harsh. It really hurts my feeling that they both dislike it so much but im not welling to change it just to please them and me not be happy with it. Any advice or stories of your own that can help me? thanks so much

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So What Happened?

Wow so many polite answers thank ya soooo much. Makes me feel better knowing i'm not the only one with annoying grandparents lol. My mother has 5 children and my MIL has 3 so i think they had enough chances to name whoever whatever... With our last son Logan my mother didnt like it at all but now i guess is ok with it. ( because my husband is a comic fan she thinks we named him after wolverine lol hmmm maybe we did) Me and my husband both like Draven its not a family name but kinda funky and we like that. And for the Jensen part well who wouldnt want to name their kid after Jensen Ackles rawr lol ... thxs again ya r the best ...

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L.F.

answers from San Francisco on

Congrats and I just have to say, I LOVE the name!!!! GO for it! Tell both sets of grandparents that This is what WE have decided. We hope you will grow to love the name like we do. GL

M

4 moms found this helpful
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R.S.

answers from San Antonio on

I know a lovely little boy named Jensen...they won't care once he is here!! i have heard some really bad children's names in my day and I just smile and say how original. Kids are special no matter what their name and most of the time the name really fits the child.

2 moms found this helpful
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C.W.

answers from Santa Barbara on

Good thing they have already named their children!!! I would keep my lips tight when the nosey relatives ask.

2 moms found this helpful

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J.C.

answers from Cleveland on

When I shared the name we picked out for our daughter, while sitting at the table with my mom and MIL, my MIL said, "Ewwww, C-----? I hate that - it's ugly! Why do you want to name her that? And I've never heard of J----! That sounds weird. You'd better pick something else!"

I just looked at her and said, "J---- was my grandmother's name, and C----- is my mom's middle name. We like it. I'm sure you'll get used to it."

Of course, she then tried to backpedal, trying to make amends to my mom, but really! How rude can you get?!

6 moms found this helpful
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R.J.

answers from Seattle on

Imagine the absolute worst name you can think of

Buttsmunchi or Veruca or Beeyeatch or whatever. Something that you would never in a million years name your baby and would be horrified at ANYONE naming their baby that.

Now, think of your child that you're currently carrying under your heart. That you will love on, and snuggle, and send on timeouts, and help with homework, and who will come to you saying "I love you mommy", and come to you with their first broken heart... that boy all grown comes to you and says that he and his wife have decided on the BEST NAME EVER. And it's that horrible, awful, who on earth would EVER name a baby THAT??? kind of name.

Okay. So how can you be convinced by them? However you can be convinced, that's what you tell your parents.

Don't over think it. They hate your child's name. You love it. It doesn't matter WHAT the name is... whether it's Jensen or Jabberwock. Shoe on the OTHER foot... what would make you be quiet about your grandchild being named something you absolutely despised and not hurt your feelings?

5 moms found this helpful

K.L.

answers from Medford on

I think thats a really cool boys name! He wont be called all the names all the time,, and Jensen is really neat! I think you can smile and say,,"oh grama, youll get used to it cause youll love him".. And it will grown on them all. So what if they dont like it. My parents thought our sons name was odd but ended up thinking it was neat he had a not so common name. Our daughter named her little girl a name we have never seen or heard, and its so unusual, but we cant imagine any other name for her now. People who know us, call her by her name and its starting to sound really normal to us. Dont worry about what others say. You did good!

5 moms found this helpful

B.C.

answers from Dallas on

Dude, I was NOT going to spell "Ann" with an "E" because my MIL's middle name is Joanne and she thought that I was naming her after her???? She was so happy! Lol. I just liked the name. Aubrey Ann. Ok, so just to make her feel real special, we added the E. Lol. My sister hated the name Aubrey until Aubrey was born and then she said, "Oh, yeah, this is a total Aubrey!" :) It's your child. You name him what you want!

4 moms found this helpful

L.A.

answers from Austin on

Just do not mention it to them anymore.. This is why we did not share with ANYONE the name of our child.. I did not want to hear one negative thing about it..

I love the names..

You do not have to say anything or make excuses or make any changes. . Just stick with what you have chosen and remember if you have a 3rd baby, to not share it, if you do not want comments.

3 moms found this helpful
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A.J.

answers from New York on

Well that just stinks! My grandmother HATED my name! She thought it was a terrible name to name a little girl (A.), so she just called me Mary Ann (which isn't my middle name either. My middle name is Lea). She eventually got alzhiemers and then couldn't remember us at all, but it's now a pretty funny story! My mom said she would always just roll her eyes whenever Grammy (her mom) would ask "How's little Mary Ann?" Keep the name if you like it, you're the parents. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks! Good luck and congrats on #2! :)

3 moms found this helpful

H.G.

answers from Dallas on

Its your baby, who cares. My sil named her boy orlando and I hate that name! But its her kid! Don't let that deter you love. You name that boy whatever you want! Besides im partial to nicholas! That's my sons name and he will start high schooll this yr and all through school! And baseball we have seen maybe two other nicks! Good luck!

3 moms found this helpful
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K.W.

answers from Biloxi on

My MIL hates both of my sons' middle names. She is convinced that I picked them out, even though both were picked by my husband. We don't care. I used to seethe (with the first baby) that she hated it and always felt the need to tell me that she hated it, but now I just really don't care. She doesn't have to like their names, she just has to use them. She got to name her child and we got to name our children. That's the way it works. She has also told me how much she hates my brother's name (Brass), but I love it and can't imagine him by any other name. The grandparents will get over it and there is really no reason to waste time worrying about it.

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J.B.

answers from Dayton on

My opinion is not to bring the subject of names up to them again. If they bring it up..tell them again you LOVE the name Jensen Draven Nicholas McEneaney....but if they have ther names to suggest to write them down for you and your husband to "take into consideration." Then you name your little guy whatever you want...they will love him no matter what his name is. PS..I love the name :)

2 moms found this helpful

B.K.

answers from Chicago on

I, too, think the name is great. Not everyone will think your kids' names are neat. Everybody has an opinion and you'll just have to ignore your inlaws, just like they are little kids. Shrug your shoulders and tell them you're sorry you shared it with them, and don't care what they think. Then move on.

Updated

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E.J.

answers from Lincoln on

Everyone hated my son's name.... so much that my ex mother law actually sat in my room while I was in labor and read the WHOLE boy portion of a baby name book to me. Talk about the ultimate torture as she was someone that I didn't see eye to eye on anyway!!! So we named him what we wanted and eventually everyone got used to it. Now I can't see him as anything else.

Ignore them, stick to your guns... your baby, your name. They will get over it and congrats on your bundle of joy!!!!

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K.P.

answers from New York on

They'll get over it once the baby is born. We took the advice given to us by several friends... keep the name to yourself until the kid is born! Once your family looks into that little face, the name is irrelevant. If you choose to share the name ahead of time, you are just inviting opinions!

I wouldn't say a word about it. Let it go. As long as they like the Jensen part (really nice name), the other "names" are only for formal occassions!

Is Draven a family name?

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B.J.

answers from Kansas City on

Just wanted to say I love the name Jensen. It's my moms maiden name, and did think about using it for our son or daughter. I think it's very strong, and isn't crazy at all. It's also my brother's middle name, and lots of people still to this day call him by it.

2 moms found this helpful

L.M.

answers from New York on

Tell them they are rude and hurting your feelings and be quiet.
How rude of them!

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R.M.

answers from Topeka on

As grandmother myself...my advice is...forget it...don't try to justify it to them this is YOUR decision...not theirs!!! Both of my grandsons have unusual names (Kieran and Rhonin) I wasn't overly fond of with choice at first but I didn't say a WORD to my daughters, and now I can't imagine either boy with a different name!!! My oldest daughter is pregnant with her 2nd child and has asked for us to help her come up with names within the "parameters" that she and her husband want...we have all sent in our little lists...some names have been on everyone's list...but we don't know what they are going to pick and won't know until the baby is born.
Don't let this upset you...and don't discuss it with the Grandma's anymore...if you talk to them about it then they will feel like since you are ASKING for their opinion then they rightfully can GIVE their opinion to you!!! I think your first mistake was asking for their blessing...that gave them "ownership" in this and they don't own even a tiny bit of it!!! Personally...I like Jensen...it is not a "cookie cutter" name so he wont have 6 other boys with the same name in his class....I say go for it!!!

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R.Y.

answers from New York on

It's your baby so it is ultimately you and your husband's choice. But you picked kind of unusual names so I can see why the older generation might not be on board with those choices. I personally don't care for "Draven" and tend to like more traditional names but everyone has their own taste. Maybe you could change the arrangement of the names or suggest a nickname. Also, you might change your mind when the baby gets here. I switched the middle name we had picked to our second choice for both of mine after they were born.

2 moms found this helpful

A.L.

answers from Dothan on

Name your children what YOU want to name them, apologize that they don't like the name & that you understand the names are unusual but you love them & you are SURE they will adore their new granson regardless that you would name him Abby Alicia Annie (not really but the point is, they WILL love him regardless of his name:))...

BTW my eldest granson who lives with us is named Dreven (pronounced Draven!) what a FABULOUS name!!!!!;) I LOVE IT!!!

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R.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

At this point I would tell them that you're feelings are hurt but they had better get used to it because that's what you're naming their grandson, period. Obviously it's a moot point now but this is why if you don't want people's honest opinion about the name you've chosen, you should not tell them your selection before the baby is born. People always feel compelled to tell you someone they knew with that name & whatever (typically negative) association they have with it. You might try this approach with friends & coworkers if you dont want more negativity to come your way. After the baby's born, no one will tell you they think the name you've chosen is awful - not to your face anyway.

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K.L.

answers from Savannah on

Everyone has their opinion and are more than happy to share whether it is wanted or not! I wouldn't worry about it too much. Grandparents love their grandchildren and once the baby comes, they will forget all about it. The next time it comes up in conversation, I would have you and your husband gush about how you love it and when the disagreements start, I would say, "well its a good thing that your not giving birth to this baby then!" with a big smile and a little laugh. I once knew a woman who's mother hated her unborn baby's name to the point where she would call the baby by the name that she had chosen for her granddaughter instead. I think that this is even worse than your situation, however once the baby was born all of that nonsense went out the window!

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E.T.

answers from Albuquerque on

I think you simply don't talk about it any more with either set of grandparents. If they bring it up, you just say "I'm sorry you don't like the name we've chosen" and change the subject. Refuse to engage in a major conversation about it and the grandparents will get the hint.

I really like the names you've picked, but when I just read it to my husband he asked what kids will call your son as a nickname? Will you label him as JD? If not, he might get called Jen, because kids do like to shorten names and as much as you try, it will still happen.

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R.A.

answers from Boston on

My sister in law's boyfriend is named Jensen. He's a super guy, so I think it's a great name! Draven-is an interesting and unique name for sure, I like it. Brandon Lee's character in the crow was named Eric Draven. Nicholas is a good solid name in and of itself.

Anyways, I think putting them all together like that really sounds good! It's a nice combination. If they don't like it, that's too bad. I've heard others with this issue, and sometimes they would use initials-like T.J or , or in your case J.D. Either way, you didn't pick this name for the grandparents, or to make them happy. They will get over it.

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L.L.

answers from Rochester on

Oh, once they love the baby they will love the name, or they'll come up with a nickname. Personally, we don't allow nicknames for our children.

My mom doesn't like our daughters' middle names, but oh well. She actually said, of the second one, "That reminds me of some nightmare where I'm being chased through the forest by a monster." Um...okay, mom. And the first one, she still pronounces her middle name wrong. After six years, and she loves them.

If you love it, that's all that matters. :)

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K.T.

answers from Los Angeles on

This happen to us just today! I tell MIL we've chosen a name! (baby due in 4 mo. adoption) Reese Edward. She says "Ick (tonge out) I hated a kid with that name." LOL. I said, "I am sure it will grow on you." and smiled. Oh boy, can you believe these mommas? Then she asked if we were sure we wanted another kid. Hahahaha oh boy oh boy. But she raised my sweet Hubby right? She must have done something right. :o)

2 moms found this helpful

J.S.

answers from Jacksonville on

Oh yes, my husbands name is Storm and his grandparents HATED it at first. But when he was born they ended up loving it and telling everyone, "That's my grandson his name is Storm. Isn't that neat?"

My dad didn't like the name Raven, when my daughter was born. But it totally fits her and he is fine with it now.

Your baby, your name choice, they will get over it.

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S.B.

answers from Redding on

If you have your name picked out, keep it and keep it under your vest.
There is no point in bringing it up and arguing about it.
I just wouldn't mention it anymore.
You know...people pick names and then change them last minute so maybe you can say you never really know what you'll decide until the moment comes.
If you know you're not going to change your mind, just go along with the "nothing is carved in stone" thing and don't really discuss names any more.
Once the baby gets here, they will love him no matter what.
Some people in my family weren't thrilled with my name either but once it was done, it was done.
You will always find someone who has a reason for not liking a name and it can make you crazy if you try to make everyone happy.
What if one grandma loved it and one didn't? You'd have the same problem.
Pick what you want and go with it.

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E.M.

answers from Chicago on

My inlaws didn't like the names we chose for our kids b/c there aren't any saints with the same names. (My husband is a very faithful Catholic and he didn't feel it was necessary to name the kids after saints.)

It annoyed my husband when they complained, but I sort of got perverse pleasure out of it. That's what they get for being so judgmental.

Don't let it get to you.

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S.F.

answers from Utica on

This is why we chose to keep our Daughters name a secret until she was born. People can be so critical and it just wasnt something that we wanted to hear. Obviously we picked the name because we loved it and when people make negative comments it only makes you second guess your choice. We are expecting baby number 2 in Feb and our family and friends keep asking us if we are going to share this babys name when we decide on one and I say with a firm No that I dont need comments from the peanut gallery. There isnt much you can do now in terms of everyone knowing the name but you could just nicely say that it took you both quite sometime to come up with this name for your new baby boy and say that you are sorry that they dont like it but we do and I cant wait to meet our little Jensen.
Congrats and I think the name is perfect for your little one

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D.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

My thought is that it's a shame the grandmothers don't have enough class to keep their thought to themselves--unless you asked, which is another story, right?

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C.S.

answers from Medford on

both my parents were less than Thrilled when we chose Adenne (more commonly known as Aiden for a boy) for our little girl on the way. They teased a little about it, but when Adenne was born it all changed and she is the love of their lives. No one says a word about her name now. It fits her perfectly.

I think its rude and insensitive of your parents to tell you they hate the name you picked out. Its not their choice. Besides, I am sure once Jensen is born they will care less about his name and be completely in love with him.

If you want to have a little fun, tell your parents that you changed your mind and you are naming him something craz, Like "Rockets Red Glare McEneaney" or something. I actually know someone name Rivers Drown. So, it could be worse, right?!

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A.K.

answers from Houston on

Jensen is a great name, really like it, and what the heck is wrong with Nicholas?

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L.S.

answers from Wichita on

So sorry you're having to deal with the mothers not liking the names you've picked out. As if being pregnant sometimes isn't stressful enough! lol Just wanted to share something with you.

About a month ago a friend of mine had a baby boy. The name they picked out is Ryker Steel. I thought that was a cool name. Another family I'm friends with have five children. Their names are Christian, Faith, Hope, Justice and Victory. (Kinda like their theme!) lol

My daughter used to have two middle names as well. They used to be Arianna Elaine. Since my husband adopted her, we gave her the option to change them. Her bio dad's sister has two middle names, that's why I gave them to her. Seeing as we're not part of that family anymore, I wanted to give her that choice since her last name was changing too. The name she chose was "Ileana", after my husband's favorite aunt who was killed in a car accident back in the 1970's.

Don't feel too badly about the grandmas not liking the names you've picked. Either the names will grow on them, or once they see the face of their adorable grandson, nothing else will matter.

Congrats on your precious little Jensen Draven Nicholas! ls

1 mom found this helpful

M..

answers from Detroit on

My mom HATES my baby's middle name, she 3 months old, and my mom still likes to tell me how she hates it. And yes, I have told her to shut the hell up, it hasnt worked. Ignore them. MY baby!

1 mom found this helpful

L.M.

answers from Dover on

Stick with the name you and your husband like. Simply say this to the grandparents "Well, you will love him so much when he gets here that the name won't bother you".

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M.T.

answers from New York on

Logan and Jensen go nicely together!
It may be a little late for my suggestion, but if you don't want people to criticize your baby name choice, don't let them know beforehand. When you tell people the name choices during pregnancy, they think it's subject to discussion and they assume you are asking for opinions. We never told baby names til we called to announce the birth, when the name is an established fact and there's nothing anyone can do about it. Stop discussing the name with people til the baby has been born. If the middle name(s) are what they dislike, are you actually going to go around calling him "Jensen Draven Nicholas" or will the middles simply be names on the birth certificate? If no one is ever going to hear or see the middle names, except when the birth is announced and one day on his diplomas, why do they care if they like those names or not?

Updated

Logan and Jensen go nicely together!
It may be a little late for my suggestion, but if you don't want people to criticize your baby name choice, don't let them know beforehand. When you tell people the name choices during pregnancy, they think it's subject to discussion and they assume you are asking for opinions. We never told baby names til we called to announce the birth, when the name is an established fact and there's nothing anyone can do about it. Stop discussing the name with people til the baby has been born

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C.S.

answers from Las Vegas on

Politely ask them if they had another baby, what would they name it. They should get the point.

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S.A.

answers from Chicago on

Name your child what you what to name him! Do not change it to please the grandparents or you will regret it. It's YOUR child. My mom loved the name I chose for my daughter, but wasn't crazy about my sons' names. She didn't come right out and say it, but would say "oh, but won't he be called ___?". IF we ever have a 4th baby, I'm not going to find out the gender and I'm not going to reveal the name to anyone. Everyone has an opinion, and not everyone is going to like the name. I still remember a comment my brother-in-law made when I was pregnant with my daughter. Is still irks me ten years later!

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J.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

We knew if we had another girl she would be Daphnee. So when we found out she was a she we didn't say we were having a girl we said we were having a Daphnee. My MIL was like what?!?! She didn't out and out say she did not like it but I could tell she really did not. A month or so later she asked if we were still thinking of calling the baby Daphnee I told her we were not thinking about it. That was her name. Never heard anything else. And now she loves it. I was just saying the other day how well the name fits her. She loves it too! Except daphnee does not like her middle name (jacqueline after my paternal grandmother). Her sister's middle name is mae (and she was born in May) so Daphnee wants November (as thats when she was born). So the child will make their name their own (in some ways more than others) =0)

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M.G.

answers from Chicago on

Wow, that stinks! I wouldn't worry about it anymore. Just put it on the birth certificate, and when they meet their grandson for the first time they'll know you kept the name you like.

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D.B.

answers from Dallas on

No matter what name you pick, someone will not be pleased. My first son is the only one we actually named ahead of time, and surprisingly no one said anything negative. With #2 we didn't make the final decision until after he was born. But there were plenty of opinions on our "Top 3" lists! People actually tried to convince us to change the birth certificate before we handed in the forms! When I was pregnant with my third son, I told my family a fake name, one I knew they would not like :) Most knew I was just messing with them, but a few were worried. So when they found out the real name after he was born, there was some relief I didn't actually name him the fake name. But even then, we call him by a shortened version of his middle name, so to cut off all the complaints about not calling him by his first name (we heard rumblings), I sent an email with the explanation: "And why are we calling him by his middle name? Because we can!" That pretty much ended all comments. Now it's 2 years later, and mostly everyone has forgotten what his first name really is! So, confidently stick with your choice. Simply say, "we love the name!" The grandmas will learn to love the name too :)

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G.T.

answers from Redding on

They'll get over it, I wouldnt worry about it too much. What are THEIR names? Maybe you can make a sarcastic remark about their names or the names they picked for you and hubby, that would shut them down. I know that it's just a small thing and isnt important enough for you to get angry about.... so just chill. Kids always grow into their names and once you get used to it you cant imagine them with something different. Besides, they will love the grandchild regardless of the name, even if it was Igor, know what I'm sayin? 5 years from now they wont be complaining. Maybe their feelings are a little hurt because you didnt carry on a family name tradition or something..... Too bad for them, it's your child not theirs.

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J.W.

answers from Philadelphia on

After my daughter was born someone was taking video while family was over. I watched it a couple months later only to hear my grandmother say, "Why'd she pick Hannah for name, sounds like an old lady..." I just laughed it off. I know she loved her regardless of her name!
It's your baby and your choice, don't worry about what anyone thinks.

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C.F.

answers from Boston on

Congratulations on Baby #2 :-) So exciting !!
I Really like Jensen Draven ! Unique and very Manly at the same time !! LOL you can call him JD ;-)
Who cares what anyone else thinks but you and your hubs ??
I would NOT even for a second consider changing his name !
Good luck mama!!

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T.J.

answers from Seattle on

I like Jensen! It's not a traditional name which is probably why they don't like it. It doesn't mean they won't like the baby, and at least Jensen sounds more normal than some other names out there and doesn't have a weird spelling! My grandma didn't really like our names either but she sure loved the babies! We did use family names as middle names, which probably helped appease them a little.

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