LifestyleBaby NamesA new mum who has asked for advice about using a gender-neutral name she loves for her baby son has faced a baby-naming backlash, which she claims has left her 'blindsided'15:44, 25 Jun 2026A new mum says she has faced "baby name shame" after disclosing she was considering using a gender-neutral name for her newborn. Having confessed she has always been drawn to the concept of unisex names, she explained how the name Vivian had already been used twice within her family, though the fact it was given to both her grandfather and her uncle genuinely split opinion.When the US-based mother acknowledged she was mulling over using the moniker for her son, it sparked an online storm that left her stunned. She said: "I am thinking about passing the name onto my son because 1) I love my family so much and 2) it's a unisex name."After asking Reddit users for their opinion on the gender-neutral name, saying: "Is it unique, modern and nice-sounding enough?", she was shocked to recieve a barrage of responses urging her against the idea.One person pointed out: "I've never met a boy or man named Vivian. The last time it ranked in the top 1,000 names was 1933."Though it may be unisex by definition, I think it's a stretch to call it unisex in practice. It doesn't mean you can't pick the name, but most likely there will be some confusion regarding gender that your son will have to deal with.”Another agreed: "It seems too feminine to me. I never even knew it was unisex."While a third Reddit user begged: "Please don't name him Vivian It's going to make life a lot harder on him, and he may resent you in the future."Indeed, other parents urged the mum not to make her son’s life difficult for him growing up."Please don't name your son Vivian," a mum advised. "Do not do that to him."You're going to love him more than anytime you've ever knows, and it will break your heart as a mother to see your five-year old come home crying because people made fun of his name."And a second concurred: "Its giving Leslie, yes its unisex but he will definitely be mocked, substitute teachers dont know preferred names in school."According to The Bump, gender-neutral baby names are inclusive while still being nonspecific."Baby could be a Quinn, a River, or a Jude; the sky is the limit with the gorgeous array of options!" they state online. "These names are for the parent looking to give baby their own unique way through life while still giving them a name to fall back on for support, no matter who they discover themselves to be."The top five unisex baby names of 2026 are: Kai; Rowan; Noah; Asher; and James.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.RedditBaby NamesParenting