Name/Nickname Spin-off Question

[not_telling]

DH and I are currently trying to conceive #2.  I'm convinced we will have another boy, which would render this question moot, but just in case...

We both think that Aster is a wonderful name for a girl, but are concerned that this name can easily be turned into teasing/taunting ("ass" "ass turd").  Part of me thinks that if we (and child-to-be) are firm about the name being Aster, that people will tend not to call her "Ass."  Or, we could use "Az" or "Azzy" as a nickname when we want to shorten it. 

Anyone shy away from a name because of potential issues with teasing?

Anyone just go for it anyway?  And, if so, were there problems or no problems?

[Snowflake777]

Hmmm, that's a tough one. I think Aster is a really pretty, original name, but the potential for teasing would make me a little nervous. Maybe kids will pick up on the "ass" thing, maybe not. Are you willing to risk it?

I also had a name that was at the top of my list, until DH pointed out that it rhymed with his language's word for vomit (we live in his country). That was a deal-breaker for me. Bummer, but there are lots of other nice names out there.

If you can't deal with the teasing potential, but don't want to let go of the name then maybe you could use it as a middle name, or find something similar.

[cappuccinosmom]

I love that name.  It is very common in my dh's country, but it's pronounced AH-ster.  My oldest son is Asrat (pronounced AHS-raht).

Now, we homeschool, so he has not been immersed in a situation where bullying might happen.  But friends (hs and not hs) have had no problems with his name, after a few tries at getting it right.  Adults are worse--it seems like around here people cannot say that soft "ah" vowel sound, and it comes out pronounced the same way they'd pronounce the beginning of "ass".  So that flusters them a little.   Even so, it's not been a problem, per se.

If you do think it will be a problem, it would make a lovely middle name.

[philomom]

I could never do that to a child of mine. I do think Ass is the least you'll get with that.

Maybe Aster could make a better middle name?

[zinemama]

Aster sounds like a last name to me. As a first name, I'm sorry, but I think your concerns are valid. The nicknames "Azz" and "Azzy" are even more suggestive of "ass" imo. I commend you for re-considering this choice.

What about Astra or Astrid?

[Neuromancer]

I personally like Aster and would use it.  The name "Astrid" could be shortened to "ass," but people use that.  I wouldn't let  a potential bad nickname keep me away from a name, unless it were VERY blatant (as in, I wouldn't name a baby "Ass.").

[cappuccinosmom]

Honestly? 

Kids who are bullies/name callers are going to find something to call a kid that they feel like bullying.  If it's not the name, they'll find something else.

I had the joy of being called "Bulldozer".  Couldn't make something out of my name, so they made something out of my size.