Queen Camilla names new puppy after grandson - here’s why experts don't love pets and kids sharing names
The conversation over kids and dogs sharing names has long divided parents
Queen Camilla has divided opinion after giving a new puppy the same name as one of her five grandchildren.
Choosing a baby name often feels like one of the most important decisions you can make as a new parent. Do you go for a unique baby name or something more popular like a celebrity-inspired baby name? Inspiration can be found everywhere but would you be inspired by relatives when picking out the perfect moniker?
That's exactly where Queen Camilla turned when looking for the perfect choice of name for the newest member of the Medical Detection Dogs' family. The royal, who is a patron of the charity, was given the honour of naming their newest puppy and her choice of Freddy has a special family connection.
The name is the same as her youngest grandchild's, Freddy Parker-Bowels. He was born back in 2011, making him the youngest by only two months, and he had a starring role his grandmother and King Charles's coronation, being one of the pages of honour alongside Prince George.
Meet Freddy, our newest team member named by a very special supporter - our Patron, The Queen.Her Majesty was invited to name a puppy in celebration of her continued Patronage. Welcome to the team, Freddy!https://t.co/1CBlWg6YZ9@RoyalFamily pic.twitter.com/IEfmjGlJefJuly 10, 2024
The choice of name is an adorable one but it's connection to Camilla's grandchild has reignited an age-old conversation about pets and children sharing names. Camilla seems to be in the minority of people who have named dogs after children, but naming children after past pets is a huge trend - though there is a big divide between those who love the idea and those who think it's a questionable place to find inspiration.
"Don't name your baby after a dog. If you look online or in a baby name book you're bound to find a name you can both agree on," one baby naming expert from BabyCentre said. While another added, "If you really love the name and that's what you want to call your baby, then that's what you should do. Personally, I couldn't have a baby with the same name as my dog."
"I've always thought it would be tricky to have a dog and a baby with the same name. Whenever you call that name, neither the dog or the baby will know which one you are talking to," said another.
GoodtoKnow Newsletter
Parenting advice, hot topics, best buys and family finance tips delivered straight to your inbox.
Another expert added, "My beautiful dog Summer passed away in June. I'm 15 weeks pregnant and I've decided to use Summer as a middle name if I have a girl. I miss my dog very much and want to keep her memory alive. So I think it's a great idea."
What do you think? Would you name your child after a past pet?
The royal family are big on pets and Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis especially love their guinea pigs who experts say are teaching the kids some very important life lessons. And it's not just royal households who are livened up by the addition of a pet, our deputy editor has found that her new family pet has shown her a lot about fitness - though some families may prefer to get interactive pets for kids rather than anything real.
Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse is a news writer for Goodtoknow, specialising in family content. She began her freelance journalism career after graduating from Nottingham Trent University with an MA in Magazine Journalism, receiving an NCTJ diploma, and earning a First Class BA (Hons) in Journalism at the British and Irish Modern Music Institute. She has also worked with BBC Good Food and The Independent.
-
Why do I crave sugar? Causes of sugar cravings and how to stop them
If you're someone who suffers from sugar cravings you'll know how hard it is to give up the sweet stuff. But you're not alone.
By Debra Waters Published
-
Low sodium diet: the benefits of reducing salt and what foods to eat
By Emily-Ann Elliott Published
-
Queen Camilla gives hilarious insight into her grandson’s personality - but causes confusion over his name
The Queen consort proves that having two kids in the family with the same name can cause a lot of confusion
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Queen Camilla reveals she’s taken up new hobby - and we’re sure she’s learning the ropes from Princess Charlotte
The Queen Consort shares a love for Princess Charlotte's favourite activity
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Queen Consort Camilla ‘is not a step-grandmother’ to Prince George, Charlotte and Louis and has never tried to replace Princess Diana in the role claims royal author
Prince William has reportedly made the fact very clear...
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Queen Camilla admits she’s given up long-standing family hobby as she is ‘too old’ for it
The late Queen Elizabeth adored the pastime well into her 90s
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Queen Camilla’s ideal last meal revealed, but it isn’t one we’d choose
The go-to final meal Queen Camilla would choose is an unexpected one
By Selina Maycock Published
-
Kate Middleton is ignored at her children's school as she 'rolls up her sleeves' and 'helps out with events'
“No one really gives Kate a second glance”
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Kate Middleton relies on her mum for ‘help, advice, and guidance’ when it comes to parenting
There is 'tension' in The Firm as Kate and William prefer to lean on the Middletons for help
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Prince George, Charlotte and Louis preparing for bittersweet end to the summer with the breaking of this royal tradition
The Wales kids are preparing to go on their usual yet slightly different holiday this year
By Selina Maycock Published