Do You Hate Your Grandchild's Name? You're Not Alone

Do You Hate Your Grandchild’s Name? You’re Not Alone

Grandparents haven’t been shy when it comes to what they really think of their grandchildren’s names.

In fact, one in five grandparents hates (or has hated) their grandchild’s name, according to a resurfaced survey by Gransnet which is doing the rounds online this week.

The survey of 2,000 grandparents and parents also found 69% think it’s OK to share their unsolicited opinions on their grandchild’s name. Meanwhile 38% of parents think it’s none of their business (and 31% of grandparents agree).

As you can probably expect, the divide has caused bust-ups, with 2% of grandparents saying they fell out with their children over their baby’s moniker (and 6% saying it led to a temporary disagreement).

One grandparent previously shared on Mumsnet how their grandchild has an unusual name and her husband point-blank refused to use it.

She wrote at the time: “He refers to the baby as ‘the little one’ or will call him by his middle name. It’s now become apparent to the parents how he refuses to use his name and it’s causing an atmosphere.”

Which names are causing controversy?

The Gransnet survey listed the top names hated by grandparents – and I was expecting some wacky submissions. But actually, they’re pretty tame.

Monikers that they couldn’t get on board with include: Aurora, Charlotte, Elijah, Finn and Jack.

Common reasons for not liking a name included it being too ugly (28%), too weird (17%) and too old-fashioned (11%).

Advice for grandparents who aren’t on board with their grandchild’s name

Counselling Directory member Rosalind Miles suggested the best way to move forward is for grandparents to try to find acceptance towards the grandchild’s name.

As part of this process, it might be helpful to reflect on why the couple chose the name they did. “It might have sentimental or cultural significance that you may not be aware of,” she previously told HuffPost UK.

It can also help to look for positive qualities in the name or find ways to appreciate its uniqueness and, if necessary, the meaning behind the name.

While it’s totally OK to not like a name – we’re all entitled to our opinions, after all – it’s probably best to keep any strong feelings private.

Otherwise you could risk a fall out, which might ultimately mean not seeing your grandchild as much as you’d like.

“It’s normal to have personal preferences, but it’s important to respect the parents’ choice and not let your feelings negatively impact the relationship between you,” said the therapist.