Baby name: Couple want to name their son Elmo and everyone is telling them not to do it

Settling on the right name for your baby can be one of the hardest things to do, because there’s a lot to consider. 

But one couple is really struggling with the name they like – a family one – because they’re worried it might open up their kid to a lifetime of bullying. 

Sharing their situation on Reddit, he asked if they were setting their son up to fail, due to fact that the family name is also the name of a popular children’s character. 

“Is it child abuse to name your son Elmo in the year 2025?” he asked Reddit. 

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In the post he explained Elmo is a name on his side of the family. 

“Though only my great grandfather has had it recently. My wife (the mother) loves the name as much as I do,” the post continued. 

Now, most people who grew up in the ’80s or ’90s will be familiar with Sesame Street and of course, Elmo. 

“Our only concern is of course potential teasing from others because of the tv character,” the dad-to-be added. 

“Since Sesame Street came out the show has plummeted in popularity. We like the name and its uniqueness, but don’t want to set him up for a life of teasing. What do we think? Setting up the lad to fail, or should we go for it?” 

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He added that he meant to say the name has plummeted in popularity over recent years, not the show. 

Now, people who responded to the question had a lot of thoughts about using Elmo as a name and almost everyone urged him and his partner to reconsider. 

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“I wouldn’t. It would be okay as a middle name, though,” replied one person. 

Another replied, “Pass on Elmo unless you want him to have a hard time. I think a middle name is a good compromise.” 

One person put it bluntly and replied, “I don’t think it’s usable, unfortunately!”

“I personally would 100 per cent consider this child abuse. I’m sorry,” echoed another. 

Some people suggested that the only jokes about the Sesame Street link will come from adults, not other kids. 

“Go for it but you’ll get Sesame Street comments from adults. Kids won’t make fun imo,” added one person. 

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The link to Sesame Street is never going to go away, which is what a lot of people stressed, but one person said if they could get past that, go for it. 

“Elmo the Sesame Street character will be relevant for the next 100 years. If you love the name then go for it. I think it would be much better as a middle name and maybe a nickname,” added one person. 

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