HEARING her phone beep with constant alerts, mum-of-two Talia Geraldi checked to see what the commotion was about.
Dozens of her friends and family had messaged her excitedly because former Love Island stars Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury had followed Talia’s lead and called their daughter, who arrived on January 23, Bambi.
The Disney-inspired moniker has certainly inspired controversy.
"Such a cute name,” said one fan. “Congratulations to you both!"
However, another commentator said: "Can’t believe Molly-Mae has seriously called her baby Bambi."
Children's design store sales executive Talia, 30, from Sunderland, has experienced something similar with her beloved Bambi, who arrived in August 2016 . “It’s a really Marmite name,” said Talia.
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“I don’t know another one so I couldn't believe it when Molly-Mae announced her little girl was called Bambi.
“There were so many messages once Molly-Mae revealed her name. I just smiled because I know exactly what she is now going through.
“My daughter is Bambi Blu and it’s a name that shocks, stuns and divides people’s opinion. It’s controversial and everyone has an opinion.”
According to Talia, Molly-Mae can expect criticism, trolling and confused looks.
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“Half my family and friends love my daughter's name, half don’t and loads and just utterly perplexed,” she said.
“I’m constantly asked if it is a nickname or a joke. But I don’t care.
“Bambi is the name I’ve chosen and people’s views on it don’t bother me.
“I don't care what people say… my beautiful daughter is Bambi personified.”
Now six and in year two, Bambi loves her name.
I don't care what people say… my beautiful daughter is Bambi personified
“I was determined to come up with an unusual name for my baby,” she said. “By the time she was due to be born I’d narrowed it down to two choices: Tiger Lily or Bambi.”
Talia didn’t tell anyone about her controversial name choices.
“I didn't want people to try and talk me out of my selection,” she said. “I also didn't want grief. And I didn't want people to steal my baby name choice.
“Naming a baby is a deeply personal experience and I knew I’d know the right name for my little one one when she arrived.”
Talia’s daughter came screaming into the world after a three-day labour at Sunderland Royal Hospital weighing 8lb 8oz in August 2016.
“The birth was long and exhausting,” mum said. “When she was born I was just thrilled to have my baby girl safely delivered.”
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It was three days before she revealed to everyone her name choice – inspired by Italian heritage although a lot of people thought it was a nod to Disney.
“My family is part Italian and the word ‘bambino’ means baby in Italian,” she said.
When Talia revealed her daughter's name some of the nursing and hospital staff were shocked and did a double take.
“But others loved it immediately and told me they wished they’d thought of it.
“It's controversial because of the Disney movie link and it’s assumed people wouldn't use it in real life. I did and it’s a brilliant baby name.”
Now Bambi (the only one in her class at school) is a “joyous, happy child”.
I know people tut tut behind my back and I know what Molly-Mae is going through
“She loves telling people she is the only Bambi in her school,” Talia said. “Teachers always comment and people at customs are stunned.
“My mom and sister love the name.”
Bambi’s little sister, who is one, didn’t escape the unusual name trend either – she’s called Kisses.
“Kisses get less shocked comments than Bambi did when I first announced her name,” she said.
“People do troll me,” she said. “I know people tut tut behind my back and I know what Molly-Mae is going through.
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“But good on her. Ignore the trolls.
“Molly-Mae is lovely and Bambi is a great name. I should know – my daughter’s may be Britain’s first Bambi!”
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