Bambi Doherty said her “phone was hopping” after it emerged that the Love Island couple had named their daughter, who was born on January 23, the same name as her.
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The Donegal woman said while people always remember her name – they don’t always believe it’s her real moniker.
The 36-year-old told The Irish Sun: “I love being called Bambi, people always remember it.
“People always repeat it back to me in disbelief when I say it but I just smile and say it’s Italian for child.”
Letterkenny native Bambi said she even got her name tattooed on her neck.
And while her oldest sister picked her unique name when she was born, Bambi reckons Molly Mae’s influence will see the name become a lot more widespread.
She added: “My oldest sister picked my name as a baby. I even got it tattooed on my neck to show people.”
The Disney-inspired name has sparked a mixed reaction but Bambi said being a big Disney fan means there’s a major bonus as she can avail of plenty of personalised products.
Bambi was Disney’s fifth animated feature film when it was released back in 1942, and goes back even further as it was based on the 1923 book Bambi, A Life In The Woods.
And Bambi fans are gearing up for a remake – after it was announced in 2020 that the cartoon deer favourite will get the live-action treatment, which looks set to bring about even more a resurgence in branded items.
Bambi said: “I’m a huge Disney fan and it’s great when trends come around over it.
“There’s merchandise about it so there is lots of stuff with my name on it.”
Molly-Mae had to turn off her Instagram comments after fans were divided over her baby’s adorable name.
“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.”
But Bambi is definitely a fan, joking: “My phone was hopping all day yesterday with people texting to tell me the baby’s name.
“I just hope they don’t ask me to be godmother.
“But I think it’s a lovely unique name for a baby and I have no doubt the popularity of it will increase.
“I’ve had it for almost 37 years so about time I passed it on.”
Molly-Mae’s Love Island co-star Maura Higgins dropped a huge hint about her chosen baby name almost two years ago.
Some savvy fans had already speculated the tot was called the name of the Disney deer – while others had suggested a variety of monikers.
Yet a recently-resurfaced image from Molly’s Instagram page now appears to explain everything.
It captures the proud mum-of-one holding a mug showing Bambi and Thumper the rabbit and emblazoned with the words “a very special friend.”
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After tagging Maura in the post, Molly wrote: “Only real ones know why this is special. Love you.”
This could suggest Maura was in the loop with Molly’s chosen name the whole time – particularly as her mate said she picked out the moniker years ago.
Molly had previously teased that her daughter would have a unique name.
She revealed: “It’s a really, really unusual and a different name.”
Molly-Mae had already given fans an insight into her baby name plans, TWO years before she fell pregnant with her first child.
The reality TV star joked that “everyone will hate” the selection of names she made with her beau Tommy back in 2020.
Molly-Mae admitted she had some “unusual” choices lined up, after a fan questioned her on what she will name her future children.
The fashion mogul said of her future babies: “No one in my child’s class is going to have the same name as them.
“I already have names in mind that I know everyone is going to hate, and I just can’t wait for it.”
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