A name is a lasting gift from a parent to their child, a lifelong identifier that connects them to their roots.

In April 2024, a new mom, known as Mean Wranglers on Reddit, shared her story on the platform’s Name Nerds community, seeking advice. Just a week after naming her newborn daughter, she found herself regretting the decision—a choice one commenter deemed “pretty terrible sounding.”

The mom explained that she and her husband had spent nine months debating names for their baby girl. She leaned toward Ottilie, while he preferred Aubrey. Eventually, they compromised on the name Etta. However, shortly after their daughter’s birth, her husband suggested changing the name to Sigrid.

Sigrid, a Scandinavian and Old Norse name meaning “beautiful victory,” initially seemed acceptable to the mother. But doubts soon crept in as she worried the name’s resemblance to the word “cigarette” might invite teasing or bullying.

Turning to Reddit for reassurance, she received mixed responses. Some users defended the name, pointing out that bullying can occur regardless of a name’s popularity. One commenter noted, “I don’t see any problem with Sigrid. I have a common name and was still mildly bullied with a nursery rhyme that included it.”

Others shared her concerns, with one saying, “As an American, the way I pronounce it sounds exactly like how southerners say cigarette.” This sparked debate, as another user argued that regional accents can influence how a name is perceived.

Among the varied feedback, one piece of advice stood out: “You’re just a week postpartum. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Give yourself time to adjust and see if the name starts to feel more natural. There’s no rush to make such a big decision.”

The mom wrapped up her post by saying she would discuss a potential name change with her husband, suggesting Beatrix as an alternative.

What advice would you give this mom? Share your thoughts and spread the story to gather more opinions!