Kelly as a boys's name? - Page 2

[K703]

If you look at my signature, you can see that I'm a male Kelly myself. (As to why I'm on a pregnancy board, I saw this thread on the "Recent Discussions" list; the main thing I visit Mothering for is on the (anti-) circumcision board to share my thoughts on intactness.) I do get the occasional "Isn't that a girl's name?" or the wrong salutation, but other than that I've worn it well and think it's a great name for a boy! I also agree with others that it may be easier than when we were kids, since Kelly has dropped in popularity for girls and with all the popular names being used both ways kids these days tend to be less harsh with unisex names in general.

The regional thing is another interesting point I've noticed from my observations (and from the SSA state-by-state popularity lists) - surprisingly those in the more conservative areas of the country tend to use names both ways more often, with the Northeast showing the greatest phobia against cross-gender names for boys.

Edited by K703 - 9/28/11 at 5:18am

[hildare]

Originally Posted by frogautumn 

Well, I doubt it will be "the" name...if I was so attached to it, it wouldn't have occurred to me to ask the public's opinion.

But, I'm interested in the responses I've gotten and am now inspired to play a little devil's advocate...

So, my topic of discussion #1 is this: There are a lot of non-traditional, invented, and gender-neutral names going around out there now (and maybe even especially here at MDC). Is there something that's inherently taboo about giving a boy a "girl's" name?

And topic #2: Aren't kids going to find a reason to tease regardless of what name you have? I mean, I have one of the most common names a girl my age could possibly have and I still received a fair amount of teasing as a child.

Talk amongst yourselves 

i think all things are for all people.  i'm not the person to ask about that ;)  but i like the name.  it makes me think of the color (kelly green)

if we didn't name our babies after grandparents we'd probably try to go with something neutral too, which is another reason i like the choice.  i have known kellys that were male and some that were female, and i think it's just a tradition in some families of using a surname as a first name.  i do like it. 

and yes, there's always going to be name teasing no matter what.  anybody's name can rhyme with something stupid or insulting or nasty, too, so it doesn't have to be the name in itself, you know.

[Mizelenius]

I love the name Kelly for a man.  I know a few men with that name (I'm in the Midwest) and think it's great-- very Irish, very classic.  As a girl's name, it sounds so . . .70s/80s.

[Buzzer Beater]

Yup, Kelly for a boy/man is a great name. For a girl, not so much any more.

[Beccadoula]

I know you already have lots of input here - but I knew I guy named Kelly in California...and when I went to college in Canada - there were 5 guys named Kelly there...not one girl.

[SilaMarila]

I knew a male Keli in college. I have also known some female Kelly's and a Kelli. I like Kelly as a boy's name but my DH would never buy it.

[forestmushroom]

O know a male Kelly, and think of it as a man's name. 

[parsley]

I know this is a bit out of date... but back to FrogAutumn's questions about whether kids tease no matter what? 

We had an hilarious evening last night with me reading names from a baby name book and DD coming up with an awful nickname.  There were only a few she couldn't find one for (and therefore moved to the top of the list!).  For example, Mathilda-- "No, mommy.  I would always think grouchtilda (something I call her sometimes) and I'd have to call my sister that".  Liron... no mommy that makes me think of macaroon.  And, DH  when I suggested "Wren".  "Hah.  Then I guess I will want another kid after this so we can name him Stimpy".  

Yeah... I'm pretty sure kids (and grown-ups) can come up with ways to tease no matter what the name!