Is this really so bad?

[Alipralli]

I think it is a great name!

But it's bugging me for some reason in that it is sounding sooooo familiar, but I don't know why?

OT but we went to see "The Importance of Being Ernest" once, had no idea what it was about, but someone gave DH tickets so we went, and really enjoyed it and found it really funny!!

So anyway, I reckon that if you like it, you should go for it!

[Kitt3n]

I absolutely love it!

The more it is used and heard, the easier it will be accepted too (take it from me, Matisse the name was either loved or hated by all, those who hated it are now starting to see hoe pretty it really is).

Its not up to your mum to have any input into your babies name - she had that privilege when she named you

[angelaartsstudent]

I love Matisse! I think it's lovely. Good on you for going with it!

[Jaycee]

Sorry, but another one here not a fan.
However it is your decision

[Mumtobe123]

Well, you asked for our opinion so I'll give mine. I really don't like it and I can imagine people reading the birth anouncement and saying "oh gawd, theres a baby in here called Algernon, how cruel". But I have thought that similar things on finding out friends babies names (Baxter and Leopold stand out here) and now I like the names as I associated them with the gorgeous little boys they belong too. So I guess, it would be brave move, and he might not thank you for it in the future, but the people who matter will learn to love it when they meet your wee man.

As for your girls names, oh please choice Violet, it's such a sweet sweet name.

[NaeNae]

I love it - its unusual, interesting and it has a meaning for you.

Personally though - unless you're like me - Don't mention it to everyone because people will go " you're naming your kid what?" - I had lots of that over Nikita and even got into an arguement which made me more determined to name her that

I think if your a fence sitter to get a list of other boy names that you like even if you don't dicuss it with DH and wait until bub is born to see what he/she looks like. You may see bub and go "hello little -----"

Nae x

[~Aveta~]

um...my algae-eating fish is Algernon...

google "Flowers for Algernon" classic science fiction.

[Ca Plane Pour Moi]

Algernon is a great name. I like it! More than Earnest or Jack, certainly. But who cares what I think, it isn't my child.

Names have to be made up somewhere along the line. Even Sarah was a made-up name waaaaaay way back many centuries ago, not long after the Bible began (but before Joseph and his technicolour dreamcoat).

[Mum030709]

Well I like it! It's unusual, it means something to you both and I actually really like the shortened versions as well.

Something I have learnt is not to share what you might call your babies - people rarely agree and then you are left disappointed and confused.

Once a baby is born the name just fits it - no more discussion. Good luck in your choice!

I have to agree here..
I am a lover of unusual names, or at least trying my best to spell them slightly differently..
At the end of the day, as long as YOU & the DAD-TO-BE are happy with the name you pick, that, ultimately IS all that matters

[fatbellylady]

I love the name Algernon and if it didn't clash so badly with our surname would seriously consider using it.
I love the nickname even more - 'Algy' - and I believe that is the correct way to spell it (not Algie)

[Salsa]

I have no advise sorry as our baby is now a week old and we are having the same problem - DH is very into a name, and I`m not so much.....guess I`ll have to start a thread too