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Man faces backlash for opposing wife’s choice to name their son Charles

Choosing a name for a child is never an easy task. It involves considering factors such as family traditions, personal preferences and the overall sound and meaning of the name. However, for one mother-to-be, her surname is adding an extra layer of difficulty to the decision-making process. The woman has been criticised for wanting to name her son ‘Charles’ – a name that, when combined with her own surname, creates an awkward and potentially teasing combination. In this article, we delve into the debate surrounding the importance of surnames and the impact they can have on the naming of a child.


Naming a child is an important decision that can impact their life dramatically. It is no surprise that parents put a lot of thought and effort into choosing a name that their child will carry with them for the rest of their life. However, some names can create controversy and spark debates, especially if the name has a negative connotation. One Reddit user recently shared his concerns about his wife’s decision to name their son after her deceased brother, whose name happened to be Charles, despite their last name being Manson – the same as the infamous Charles Manson who was a cult leader and convicted criminal.

The Reddit thread Am I The A**hole (AITA), created a platform for the man to ask if he was wrong for pushing back against his wife’s choice of name. The couple’s last name was Manson, and the man argued that naming their child “Charles Manson” would lead to bullying or difficulty going through life with the same name as the serial killer. The post received over 1,000 comments, with most people agreeing that naming the child “Charles Manson” was not a good idea, given the notorious reputation of the name.

Naming a child is something that parents should consider carefully, as the name is an essential part of a person’s identity. The name a child is given at birth can have a significant impact on how they are perceived by others and how they see themselves. In some cases, a name can create controversy, stigma or associations that can affect the child’s life in a negative way. Thus, it is essential for parents to be mindful about the implications of the name they choose.

In the case of the Reddit user, his wife wanted to name their son after her deceased brother, who happened to be named Charles. The man argued that naming their son “Charles Manson” would lead to problems in the future, as the name has a negative connotation due to the infamous cult leader and criminal Charles Manson. He raised concerns that their son could fall victim to teasing or bullying, or have difficulty going through life with the same name as a notorious criminal.

Despite the man’s concerns, his wife insisted that she wanted to name their son Charles after her brother, and was calling him an a**hole for disrespecting her brother like that. However, the man argued that he was not trying to disrespect her brother, but was concerned about their child’s future, and the impact that the name could have on his life.

The Reddit community agreed that the man was not in the wrong for trying to protect his future son from the potential difficulties of carrying the name “Charles Manson.” The community suggested various alternatives to the name, such as using the name Charles as a middle name or finding another way to honor her brother without using the name Charles. Some even suggested using the name Karl as a compromise, as it is similar to Charles but different enough to avoid negative associations.

Ultimately, the decision of what to name their child belongs to the parents. However, it is essential for parents to consider the possible implications of a name before making a final decision. In some cases, a name can be seen as controversial, and it is up to the parents to decide whether the potential benefits outweigh the negative connotations. It is also essential for parents to listen to each other’s concerns and find common ground to avoid future conflicts.

In conclusion, naming a child is an important decision that requires careful consideration. Parents should be mindful of the implications of the name they choose and seek compromise where possible. In the case of the Reddit user, while his wife wanted to honor her deceased brother with the name Charles, the potential challenges that the name could pose to their son’s future prompted the man to voice his objections. The community agreed that the man was not in the wrong for trying to protect his son, and provided various suggestions for alternative names. Ultimately, it is up to the parents to make the final decision, but parents should make sure that the name they choose is not something that their child will come to regret later in life.


In conclusion, the decision to name a child is a personal one, and it’s important to consider all factors, including last names. While it’s understandable that the mother in this particular case wants to honor a family member by choosing the name ‘Charles,’ it’s also important to consider how the name will sound when combined with her unique surname. Ultimately, the mother must decide what’s best for her child and family, and whether that means sticking with ‘Charles’ or exploring alternative options. Regardless of the decision, it’s important to remember that names don’t define us, and it’s the love and support we receive from those around us that truly matters.

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