Couple Choose “Soon-to-Be-Extinct” Name for Baby Boy Despite Critics Claiming He’ll Be Bullied
A couple has named their newborn son Arnold, a name they believe is soon to become extinct, despite facing criticism that he might be bullied for it. Casey Hennessy, 21, and her partner, Zacchaeus Harper, 25, both fans of traditional names, were thrilled to give their baby a unique moniker.
After considering other names like Winston, Axel, and Finnegan, the couple finally settled on Arnold. Casey gave birth to their son on December 9, 2023, weighing 8lbs 3oz, and said she knew instantly that Arnold was the perfect name for him. “As soon as I looked at him, I knew he was an Arnold,” Casey shared.
The couple, from Eastbourne, East Sussex, are delighted with their choice and say people often call him “Arnie,” likening him to Arnold Schwarzenegger. Casey, a healthcare assistant, explained, “I like the idea of him having a traditional name—it will sound smart. We shorten his name to Arnie to make it sound more youthful.”
Casey and Zacchaeus also have a daughter, Maggie, born in April 2022, and when they found out they were expecting a boy, they wanted a name that stood out. “We both like traditional names,” Casey said. “It was so hard to come up with a boy’s name, but I wanted him to be the only Arnold in his class, told the Mirror.
Arnold, a name that has been fading in popularity, felt perfect for their son. Casey explained, “He could have been a Winston, Murphy, or even Axel, but when I saw him, I just knew he was an Arnold. None of the other names felt right.”
While some have criticized their choice, suggesting the name might lead to bullying, Casey remains confident. She said, “The older generation loves it, but younger people can be more skeptical. I’ve had comments about him getting bullied, but I hope that won’t be the case.”
Despite mixed reactions, Casey and Zacchaeus are proud of their decision. “The older generation say how ‘lovely’ the name is and how they haven’t heard it in a while,” Casey added. “We love his name, and calling him Arnie makes it fun and youthful.”