“My best friend told me my child’s name is more suited to a dog”

When it comes to choosing a name for your child, the options are endless. It’s one of the most difficult decisions a new parent will have to make, which is why there are countless websites and baby name books offering inspiration. So, when one finally lands on a name, it’s an incredibly special moment. One dad, however, received backlash from a friend and shared the horrible experience on social media.

In the post, the man shares that he was left devastated after revealing the name of his son, but was met with laughter and criticism when his friend and siblings told him that it would lead to the child getting bullied.

The man explains that, as a trans male, it has always been his dream to become a father and spent a lot of time picking out the names he had in mind for his children.

For a girl, the new father has chosen the name Willow but for a boy, which he landed up having, he wanted to incorporate his love of Greek mythology and chose the name Achilles.

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According to Greek mythology, Achilles' mother had dipped him into the river Styx as an infant which made him invulnerable to injury throughout his body except for the heel she was holding him by. It’s from this story where the idiom 'Achilles heel' comes from.

However, the response he got from those closest to him left him wondering if the choice was a wise one. "My childhood friend said that the name Achilles would get my child bullied in school; what if kids couldn't pronounce it or tried to trip him or kick his heel?” the man shared on Reddit. "I understand that kids can be cruel, but I think bullies can make fun of any name, or anything in general. I stated how there are plenty of other names from Greek Mythology that are used today and no one bats an eye at them.”

The man adds that his friend and family said the name choice could lead to a difficult childhood for the newborn. "My siblings both agreed with her and said it was a weird name that would get my child bullied,” the man continues. “My friend then said that 'honestly, it sounds like what someone would name a dog', and at that point I tried my best to not cry because this is such an important thing to me."

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When asking users if it was wrong to stick to the name he has picked out for his son, social media defended his decision. "You have your opinions, they have theirs. That's it. Nothing wrong with naming your kid Achilles. A good heroic name," one user said, adding that the decision shouldn’t be influenced by friends or family.

However, others added that the new father would be doing his son an injustice by picking such a unique name. "Remember you don't have to carry that name. It's not you having to apply for jobs or college with that name. Choosing a name because you like it and screw the consequences that come with it is an a**hole move,” one user said.

Do you think the man should name his son Achilles? Let Darren, Keri, and Sky know in the comments section below.

Image courtesy: Pixabay