LifestyleFamilyParentingA couple have divided opinion after revealing the unusual name they picked for their unborn son, with many warning it could make life much harder than they realise12:21, 27 Jul 2026Choosing a baby's name is one of the biggest decisions parents make, with many spending months weighing up the pros and cons before settling on the perfect choice. While some opt for traditional names and others prefer something more unusual - recently one couple have divided opinion after revealing the moniker they're considering for their baby boy.‌Taking to Reddit, the dad explained that he and his wife are due to welcome their first son in a few months and keep coming back to the same name. He said: "My wife and I are expecting our first baby boy in October and we're stuck between a few names, but we keep coming back to one: Reverend.‌"We love that it's strong, short, and has such a meaningful connotation of guidance and leadership. It feels unique without being too 'out there'."‌Wanting honest opinions before making a final decision, he asked other users whether Reverend worked as a first name, what impression it gave and whether there were any potential downsides they hadn't considered.The unusual choice quickly sparked a lively debate. One person joked: "Why not? I knew someone who named their son Mister. You'll just be showing that you're closer to God than they were. Revverrend is a nice spelling. Double letters are so much fun!"‌Another said: "One of my kids had a junior high classmate whose first name was Major. Talk about having low aspirations for your children. Why not name the kid Five Star General, Admiral or King?"What if baby Major Smith grows up and becomes Colonel Major Major Smith? Reverend Reverend Smith?"But not everyone saw the funny side, with another user warning: "Think about your son having to spell his name and explain it to every kid he meets. They'll tease him that he must be leading a church.‌"I think this is a title and not a name, and it will be a burden for your child to carry. You may like it, but imagine him having to clarify that it's his given name and not his profession for the rest of his life. I would not do this to an innocent child."And a third added: "I think it's hilarious and I would laugh at your kid. Don't mean to be mean, but you asked."Baby name rules in the UKIn the UK there isn’t a fixed “banned names” list, but registrars can question or refuse a forename if they believe it isn’t a genuine name, is offensive, or could cause the child harm or confusion later on.Article continues belowNames that look like official ranks, honours or titles can attract extra scrutiny because they may imply a status the person doesn’t hold. For example, Queen, King or Doctor could potentially raise alarm bells.Additionally, that's why something like “Reverend” could be flagged at registration: it reads as an occupational or religious title rather than a conventional given name, and the registrar may ask parents to pick an alternative.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌BabiesParenting