In an age where every life moment is shared, liked and scrutinised, even naming a newborn has turned into a spectator sport. What used to be a quiet family decision can now trigger thousands of comments from strangers. That’s exactly what happened to Indy Clinton, a 25 year old mother from Sydney, whose choice of baby name — inspired by a beloved Disney classic — set social media ablaze.
A name choice that sparked an unexpected storm
Indy welcomed her daughter with the sweet, nostalgic name Bambi, a choice rooted in childhood affection and the warm glow of old animated films. For her, it felt whimsical, gentle and unmistakably original. But timing, as the saying goes, is everything.
Just days before, another well known influencer, Molly Mae Hague, had also introduced her newborn to the world under the same name. And suddenly, what should have been a personal milestone for Indy became a lightning rod for accusations of imitation. Critics claimed she had borrowed — or outright copied — the idea.
Indy insisted she had loved the name long before learning of Hague’s announcement: “I picked it months ago,” she explained, a hint of disbelief in her tone. “I genuinely thought Bambi was unique. I never imagined someone else would use it.”
The rise of distinctive baby names
The appetite for unusual or story rich baby names has grown massively in recent years. The Office for National Statistics noted a significant rise in rare names, especially among younger parents who want something meaningful, aesthetic or entirely new.
But with originality comes risk, especially in public spaces where even the gentlest decisions can be met with criticism. Indy herself commented on this trend, acknowledging that modern parents often chase names that stand out — and that the backlash is simply part of today’s online landscape.
“You can’t please everyone,” she said. “People will judge regardless, so you may as well give them something interesting to talk about.”
A name chosen with affection, not ambition
Beyond the noise, Indy’s connection to the name is tender and deeply personal. To her, her daughter truly resembles the gentle young fawn from the film — big brown eyes, long limbs and a softness that only a newborn can carry.
“It just fits her,” Indy said, smiling. “She is my Bambi.”
It’s a reminder that the stories behind names often mean far more than the opinions surrounding them. For many parents, a name isn’t about trends or headlines but about a feeling — a moment of recognition when the right word settles into place.
Raising her little “Bambi” on her own terms
Indy often shares glimpses of her parenting style online, inviting an audience into both the sweet and chaotic corners of life with young children. She describes her approach as gentle, respectful and centred on autonomy.
That means no physical discipline, no forcing vegetables at dinner and no insisting on kisses for relatives if the children don’t feel comfortable. Her philosophy lines up with guidance from organisations such as UNICEF, which emphasise respectful caregiving and allowing children to develop boundaries from an early age.
Despite the criticism surrounding the name, Indy remains unfazed. Her focus is on nurturing confidence and kindness — not crowd approval.
A lesson in individuality in a judgment heavy world
Whether or not the public embraces her choice, little Bambi will grow up in a home where her name carries warmth and purpose. This whole episode highlights the particular challenge of raising a family in the social media era: every decision, from prams to playrooms, can become a topic of debate.
But it also serves as a gentle reminder that personal meaning matters more than public opinion. Names, after all, are gifts — chosen with hope, love and occasionally a touch of nostalgia.
And for this young mother in Sydney, her daughter’s name is exactly what she dreamed it would be: soft, memorable and straight out of a story she’s cherished since childhood.
