Mom names her daughter after Disney character and doesn’t care what people think
A proud mom shares why she gave her daughter a unique Disney-inspired name despite criticism.
Naming a child is a significant decision, as it can influence how they are perceived throughout their life. Parents today are increasingly choosing unique names over traditional ones like Elizabeth or William.
One social media influencer made headlines for naming her daughter after a Disney character, sparking mixed reactions among her followers.
Indy Clinton, a popular Australian fitness and lifestyle blogger with over 600,000 followers on Instagram, has built a reputation for sharing her family life online. Living in Sydney with her husband and children, Indy introduced her newborn daughter last year, and fans were quick to share their opinions when she revealed the baby’s name: Bambi, after the famous Disney character.
Originally, she had considered naming her daughter Paloma, a name of Spanish origin meaning “dove,” but Bambi felt like the right fit after a sudden epiphany while reading to her son.
Indy is known for her love of distinctive names, having named her son Navy. While “Bambi” may be unconventional, she felt it perfectly suited her daughter’s sweet, curious personality. Inspired by the story of a young deer whose mother dies but goes on to find friendship and adventure, Indy felt the name embodied both tenderness and strength. Although the name is uncommon, Indy pointed out that unique names are becoming more popular.
Indy’s decision to name her daughter Bambi stirred up diverse reactions. Some fans questioned the wisdom of naming a child after a fictional character, expressing concerns about how the name might affect her in adulthood. One commenter remarked, “Imagine being an adult named this,” while another asked if parents are considering how these names will impact children when they grow up.
However, others came to Indy’s defense. Many supportive followers argued that parents have the right to name their children whatever they like, with one saying, “People need to shut it. She can name her baby anything she wants.”
Naming children after Disney characters is not a new trend. For instance, Molly-Mae Hague, another well-known influencer, also named her daughter Bambi, though it is unclear if her decision was influenced by the Disney movie. What’s notable about “Bambi” is that, despite being a male character in the film, the name is often chosen for girls. Additionally, the name is derived from the Italian word “Bambino,” meaning “child,” making it an appealing, gender-neutral option.
Bambi is not the only Disney-inspired name making waves. Popular characters such as Max from The Little Mermaid and Elsa from Frozen have names that are easily adaptable to everyday life. Elsa, for example, is a common name across Scandinavia, and its popularity surged after the release of Frozen. Even the name Tiana, from The Princess and the Frog, has a rich history and has been a staple on baby name lists for decades.
Disney’s influence on baby names reflects a broader trend of parents seeking to give their children names that stand out while still being meaningful. Whether it’s an iconic character or a name with historical or cultural significance, parents today are exploring more creative options. Indy Clinton’s choice of Bambi is just one example of how these cultural icons can influence modern parenting decisions.