'I want to name my son after a wizard but I'm worried he'll be bullied at school'

When it comes to naming a baby, most parents spend hours scanning through the 'Big Book of Names' in search of the perfect moniker .

That's exactly what one couple decided to do when brainstorming names for their son - but they have been left second-guessing their decision after researching the moniker.

Wanting to know whether they could stick with it or needed to return to the book for inspiration, they have taken to social media to ask users for their thoughts. In a post on Reddit , the mom-to-be said: "My partner and I are trying to narrow down our favorite baby names, and we can't shake the name Merlin from the list.

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"It's a family name, and we both like how it sounds. But there's the obvious association with a certain knobby-kneed dancing wizard." While the name brings her so much happiness, she can't help but wonder how it'll impact her son throughout his life.

She added: "I personally don't mind the risk of kick-starting him into some arcane tomfoolery, but would we be setting up our kid up for a lifetime of unnecessary teasing? Is it a negative or strange connotation enough to avoid using the name?"

Commenting on her post, one user said: "Merlin is extremely distinctive as 'that wizard' and will constantly be associated with your child for his entire life." Another user added: "Yes, I’m sorry. It would be an incredible cat name though."

A third user said: "I recently met a toddler named Merlin! I was out with my toddler and was chatting with another mom nearby and I asked her how old her son was and what was his name . When she said Merlin, I literally had to hold back laughter. I couldn’t help it; it really took me aback. It’s just so…. goofy, I guess is the word."