Inspired by the wide-eyed charm of a classic Disney character, a popular social media influencer has given her newborn daughter a name that quickly became a lightning rod for both admiration and criticism online. Many fans were intrigued by the bold choice, while others labeled it with biting commentary—one calling it a “brilliant stripper name.” But despite the wave of negativity, the proud mom stands by her decision and insists the name is perfect for her little girl. And she’s not alone in that belief.
Back in January 2023, Molly-Mae Hague, a British influencer known for her time on the reality TV show Love Island, took to social media to share a life-changing moment. Alongside partner Tommy Fury—whom she met during her time on the show—Hague announced the birth of their daughter. The post featured an elegant image of the baby nestled in her lovingly decorated nursery. But what really sparked conversation wasn’t just the adorable photo. It was the name they chose for their daughter: Bambi.
It didn’t take long for social media to erupt with reactions. Hague and Fury, both just 23 at the time, found themselves in the middle of a digital firestorm. Comments flooded in—some warm, but many harsh and unforgiving. Critics were quick to slam the name as odd or inappropriate, with some questioning the suitability of naming a human child after a cartoon fawn.
“I think I was just brought back down to planet earth very, very quickly, of like how nasty this world can be,” Hague confessed in a candid video on her YouTube channel. She explained that she and Tommy had always felt the name Bambi was beautiful and meaningful, but the instant backlash caught her off guard. “I know it’s unusual and unique and not going to be to everyone’s taste, so when we announced it, in my mind, it’s a beautiful name. And then two seconds later, I was like, ‘Oh my God!’”
Despite the storm of criticism, both Hague and Fury remained confident in their decision. The name wasn’t something they chose on a whim—it had a long, sentimental history, especially for Molly-Mae. In fact, she had her heart set on the name long before becoming a mom. “There was only one name for our little girl, and it was Bambi,” Fury explained. “When Molly was young, she only ever wanted to call her daughter one thing and that was Bambi…And I’m not going to be the guy to say no, so… and I love the name anyway.”
To shield themselves and their daughter from the intense backlash, the couple eventually disabled comments on their original announcement post. But while the internet can be harsh, it can also be a space for connection—and Molly-Mae and Tommy weren’t the only ones who had fallen in love with the name.
In fact, just months before Hague’s announcement, another influencer—25-year-old Indy Clinton from Sydney, Australia—had also named her daughter Bambi. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Clinton explained that she was certain she had chosen a name no one else would use. “I was convinced it was a unique, unusual name that nobody would use,” she said. But after seeing Molly-Mae’s post, she was pleasantly surprised. “Good on Molly-Mae though, looks like great minds think alike.”
Clinton, a popular personality on TikTok, shares Hague’s deep affection for Disney’s Bambi. She had often read the storybook to her two-year-old son, Navy, and the name grew on her each time. One night, while reading to him, the inspiration struck. “I sat up and yelled, ‘What about Bambi?’ and from then on it stuck,” she recalled.
Originally, Clinton had planned to name her baby girl Paloma. But when her daughter was born in October 2022, everything changed. The moment she saw her big brown eyes and the sweet, curious nature she radiated, Clinton knew Paloma no longer fit. “She couldn’t be a Paloma now—she’s my Bambilicious,” Clinton lovingly shared.
Like Hague, Clinton’s choice of name also attracted public scrutiny. Some online users ridiculed the decision, with one even writing, “Brilliant stripper name,” while others responded with sarcasm or emojis implying disbelief. But while some critics may have rolled their eyes, many embraced the name and the little girl who bears it. Clinton’s Instagram comment section was soon filled with praise and positivity. “How beautiful she is! And what a gorgeous forever name you have gifted her. Welcome to the world Bambi Valentine,” one user wrote. Another chimed in, “So cute, love her name!” while a third added, “She’s gorgeous, love her name—congratulations.”
Clinton wasn’t fazed by the harsh comments. In her view, if people were going to criticize anyway, she might as well give them something memorable to talk about. “I’d be more concerned calling my kid a name from the 1900s,” she said. “People will criticize anything these days, so at least give them something to talk about.”
She also pointed out that times are changing. “Unique names are the new trend,” she stated confidently. “Bambi is going to fit right in with the Rivers, Bears, Forests, Stormis, and Wolfs.” To Clinton, her daughter’s name is not only valid—it’s part of a growing movement of modern, nature-inspired names that break tradition and celebrate individuality.
“That’s her name,” Clinton concluded. “And nothing is going to change that.”
Whether you’re a fan of the name Bambi or find it surprising, the story highlights a deeper truth: parents are redefining what it means to name a child in today’s world. It’s no longer just about family tradition or cultural norms. It’s about meaning, emotion, and sometimes, a bit of childhood magic.
So, what do you think about naming a baby Bambi? Does it strike you as whimsical and sweet, or do you think it crosses a line? Share your thoughts—and this story—with others to see where they stand. Let’s hear what the world has to say.
