Choosing a baby name is no easy task, and although no one can judge you for the name you decide to give your child, there are some monikers that are sure to raise some eyebrows.
That's the experience one mum-to-be had when she took to social media to ask for opinions on the name she wants to give her daughter - because she wants to give her the same name as a Harry Potter character.
The woman said she wanted to name her daughter Hedwig and explained it would be an "honour name" for her grandma, as she also insisted she had never seen the Harry Potter films or read the books, so had no idea the name was also the moniker given to the titular wizard's pet owl.
In a post on Reddit, she said: "The name Hedwig for a girl. I can't get this name out of my head, I love it. I love the nick name Hedy with it as well. It would be an honour name from my Oma, who means a lot to me
"However, our last name is a one-syllable H name - close to 'Hyde'. Is the alliteration too much, if so - is this name bound to be a middle name?"
The mum didn't mention the Harry Potter connection in her post but edited it to clarify her choice of name - which is of German origin - after people in the comments said it was too closely associated with the franchise.
She added: "I've never been a Harry Potter fan, I didn't watch the movies or read the books.
"I do love the name, can't change that. The name Hedwig means 'battle' and a famous saint is named Hedwig - she was pretty bada**. She walked barefoot, even in the snow, to strengthen her will.
"My Oma is also a bada**. My dad told me a story about her once, she was in the kitchen cutting vegetables and cut her thumb right open. She immediately opened up her sewing supplies and stitched up her thumb herself!"
Commenters on the post were split, as although some said they loved the name, others urged her to rethink her decision - with one even claiming it would be "cruel".
One person said: "Perfectly fine name. I'm in a country where it's pretty common and my mind isn't going instantly to Harry Potter, even though I'm a huge fan."
But another disagreed, writing: "No offence, but I think it would be cruel to give a child this name. Speaking as a huge Harry Potter fan, the association would be too strong. Hedy is a cute nickname, though. Maybe you can find something similar? Makes me think of Hattie. Or Hettie?"
While a third posted: "Harry Potter is one of the most popular books of all time. Whether or not you associate it with it, I would argue the majority of people would associate that name with the owl when they hear it.
"You're not just naming a baby, you're naming a person who will grow up and interact with the world. Why not put a picture of Oma in your child's room and tell them stories about her? Honour your Oma by keeping her memory alive, not just her name."
In a final update, the woman said she had changed her mind and will now use Hedwig as a middle name for her daughter. She said: "Anyway, I think I may use it as a middle name. It is special to me still! Thanks for your input."
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at yourmirror@trinitymirror.com.
