Mum wants to name her daughter after her own dad with 'very gendered' name

"People don't even call their sons that anymore, why would you do this to a girl?"

In 2024, we're more open than ever to non-gendered names, such as Blake or James.

But does that acceptance have a limit?

It seems it's been reached this week, when an expectant mum asked for advice about her proposed baby name for her daughter - a name which is her dad's, and is still considered highly-gendered - according to the heated comments section.

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"My late dad was called Gary"

Posting for advice about spelling, the mum explains: "My late dad was called Gary. I'd love to honour him by naming our DD Garri, or do you think it's better spelt Gari? Middle name will be Anne."

Note she wasn't asking for permission to use the name in some form - but readers needed to comment anyway.

"You've been reading the Jimberley thread, haven't you?" joked the first person, indicating the concept is rogue.

"Let her be her own person and cherish the memories of your Dad," a second added more diplomatically.

This commenter began diplomatically, but ultimately couldn't control themselves: "Maybe there are some other names in your dad's side of the family you could use...?

"Instead of inflicting a male name on a baby girl - for life or at least until she changes her name by deed pole..."

Group members also suggested using his middle name, or his mum's name.

Image: iStock

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"Save Gary for a boy"

The comments became more direct as the thread continued.

"It's clearly a boy's name," one said bluntly. "It's not really fair on your DD to make her have a boy's name. I'd save the name Gary until you might have a boy or at least try to make it sound feminine EG. Gariella."

Others added that the poster's suggestion was "beyond awful" and "a nooooooo."

Then the jokes summed up the vibe perfectly: "Gazza will be a sweet nickname, esp when she's crying," laughed one (obviously Aussie) reader.

Another warned, "There's a huge reason no one is using this name anymore..." (we think she's talking about sex offender Gary Glitter). 

And this person was curious to know, "Why give a girl an outdated boys name?"

Finally, there was this simple response: "Poor kid."

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This article was originally published in May 2024 and was updated in September 2024. 

Originally published as Mum wants to name her daughter after her own dad with 'very gendered' name