A Disney-inspired baby name has sparked heated debate online after two social media influencers chose it for their newborn daughters. While critics have mocked the name “Bambi” as strange—even calling it a “stripper name”—both mothers say the name is meaningful, beautiful, and perfect for their little girls.
In January 2023, influencer and former Love Island star Molly-Mae Hague announced the birth of her daughter with boxer Tommy Fury. The couple, who met on the popular reality show, had been eagerly anticipating the arrival of their first child. Shortly after the birth, Molly-Mae shared a sweet photo of her newborn’s stunning nursery—complete with soft neutral tones, plush toys, and the name “Bambi” written in elegant letters above the crib.
The name reveal immediately triggered a flood of online criticism. Many commenters slammed the name as “ridiculous” or “too out there,” while others questioned the decision to name a child after a cartoon deer. Some mocked it outright. “Brilliant stripper name,” one person sneered online.
But Hague wasn’t shaken by the negativity. In a heartfelt YouTube video, she addressed the backlash. “I was brought back down to planet Earth very quickly, of how nasty this world can be,” she said. “I know it’s unusual and unique and not going to be to everyone’s taste… but in my mind, it’s a beautiful name.”
Tommy Fury stood firmly behind the choice. “There was only ever one name for our little girl,” he said. “When Molly was young, she only ever wanted to call her daughter one thing, and that was Bambi… and I love the name anyway.”
The couple—who have since separated—disabled comments on the official name announcement to avoid further online abuse.
Another “Bambi” Across the Globe
Around the same time, Australian influencer and TikTok creator Indy Clinton, 25, also welcomed a daughter—whom she named Bambi Valentine. Clinton explained that she wanted a name that was “unique, unusual, and something that nobody else would use.” She was surprised—but not upset—when Molly-Mae chose the same name a few months later.
“Great minds think alike,” Clinton laughed in an interview. Clinton shared that her inspiration came from reading the Bambi storybook to her two-year-old son, Navy, one evening. “I was reading the book to Navy one night and it came to me… ‘What about Bambi?’ and from then on, it stuck.”
She had initially considered the name Paloma, but the moment she laid eyes on her daughter, she knew that name didn’t fit. “She couldn’t be a Paloma now—she’s my Bambilicious,” Clinton said affectionately. With her baby’s big brown eyes and gentle nature, “Bambi” just felt right.
Mixed Reactions, But No Regrets
Like Hague, Clinton faced criticism for her naming choice. The same insult—“Brilliant stripper name”—appeared in her comment section too. But the backlash didn’t bother her. “People will criticize anything these days, so at least give them something to talk about,” she responded confidently.
She pointed out that modern baby names are becoming increasingly creative and nature-inspired. “Bambi is going to fit right in with the Rivers, Bears, Forests, Stormis, and Wolfs,” she said, referencing other celebrity baby names that have made headlines.
Despite the controversy, both mothers are proud of their decisions. Neither has any intention of changing their daughter’s name. “That is her name,” Clinton declared. “And nothing is going to change that.”
Meanwhile, fans have also shown support, flooding both women’s social media with kind comments like:
“How beautiful she is! And what a gorgeous forever name you have gifted her.”
“So cute, love her name!”
The name Bambi may still raise eyebrows, but for these two mothers, it represents something far more personal: childhood memories, love, and the joy of naming a child with intention and heart. And while the internet may continue to argue, Molly-Mae and Indy Clinton remain unfazed—focused not on pleasing strangers, but on raising daughters who, one day, will know that their names were chosen with love.
