'Is This A Cute Name Or A Disservice To My Baby?'
Finding a baby name that you and your partner like, won’t get your child bullied, and isn’t so popular that 10 other kids in your child’s class will be called the same moniker, is pretty tricky to say the least.
One parent recently revealed she and her husband have liked a name for a few years – so when they found out they were having a girl, the name naturally climbed to the top of their list.
The couple had told a few family members what it is and apparently, they don’t like it. (If you don’t want to accept the same fate, Meghan Markle recently shared a top tip for avoiding this issue.)
The parent added: “We don’t really care for their opinion, but I don’t want to set my girl up to be teased or anything. We think it’s a sweet, nature inspired name and would pair it with a more traditional middle name.”
What’s the name?
The parent said they like the name Maple. According to The Bump, “Maple is a feminine name that began as a last name, thought to denote ‘one who lives near maple trees’.”
The site adds that Maple “embodies strength and endurance – with an irresistibly sweet side” (alluding to maple syrup, of course). It’s an increasingly popular name in the US.
Why is Maple controversial?
The parent continued: “I don’t see why people say it’s so out there. It’s not that different than Mabel. I just want someone to give it to me straight though – is it laughable?”
Fellow Redditors were quick to point out that a lot of dogs are called Maple, and that might be why family members take issue with it.
“Maple just doesn’t strike me as the most human name,” said FeeOrdinary8907. “Maybe make it the middle name? But I mean, I’ve definitely heard worse and it does has a nice connotation.”
Another suggested Maple was in the top 50 dog names of 2024. “There’s nothing wrong with using it for a human, but just something to be aware of,” they noted.
OP (original poster) mentioned their son’s name is Max – another popular dog name – so “it wouldn’t be too odd for us”.
One Reddit user said the name would be “adorable” for a child, but added they’re “not sure it ages well into adulthood”.
Yet a lot of other respondents seemed to think that Maple is fine, even though it is commonly used as a pet name.
“I know a Maple who is 19. She adores her name. It’s unique and cute but also works as an adult name. Go for it,” said Training-Hedgehog771.
Meanwhile North_Direction_5785 said: “Pet names and people names are totally interchangeable. I even know a little girl named Coco and it’s not short for anything!!”
Another commenter said: “My name was one of the top dog names as kid, and it wasn’t a problem at all.”