Parent told 'don't do it' after sharing 'weird' and 'fishy' baby name idea

Choosing a baby name is a big task, and it is a decision that many parents spend months deliberating over. From how the name sounds to any possible connotations, there's a lot to consider. One parent who has fallen in love with a baby name has been warned that they might want to rethink their choice after social media users pointed out a potential pitfall.

Reddit users issued a warning to the parent when they took to the platform to ask for feedback on their pick. Posting on r/BabyNames, the parent asked: "How do you all feel about the name Roe?"

The post explained: "Having a boy. Really like the name Roe and am curious how others feel about it. I wonder how annoying it would be for them to always have people misspelling it as 'Row'."

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Unfortunately, most Reddit users couldn't get behind the name, although their concerns weren't related to the spelling. On the one hand, several commenters thought the name sounded fishy. One reply said: "Fish eggs."

Another viewer wrote: "Sorry but it's a no. Fish eggs. Weird in English speaking country. Rowe could work as a spelling I think… I just looked it up and it's 'very uncommon' but something about it is far superior and seems like a more elegant alternative to Roe in my opinion.

"If you are willing to stick with Ro(e) as just a nickname there are tons of options like Roman or Rowan or Roland for example. ETA that I do like the sound of the name a lot. It's the spelling's inextricable association with fish eggs that doesn't work. The name separate from that reality sounds cool and has potential."

Someone replied: "I def agree with this, Rowe is much more elegant and less fishy." Answering the commenter, the parent said: "Ooooh Rowe could be an option. Sucks that there are so many weird connotations with 'Roe' because we both really like that spelling.

"But more than anything I just like the sound of the name so Rowe could be a great option and you're right that it does look more elegant and like an actual name."

Elsewhere, a viewer commented: "If you are in the States, you'll likely find many who think immediately of the Roe v. Wade case." A social media user agreed: "100% my first thought."

The parent replied: "I totally forgot about this connection. I've just had it in my brain as the name of someone I know for so long that I forget about the other meanings. Glad I asked."

Fortunately, commenters shared several ideas for the parent, suggesting similar names they might prefer. One such reply said: "We have a Rory and everyone automatically abbreviates it to Ro or Roro." Another suggested Roland, Rohan, or Rowan.