'I called my colleague's baby names stupid and was reported to HR - but it's true'

When it comes to naming twins, parents often choose between giving them distinct names to avoid confusion or opting for 'matching' monikers.

One expectant mother decided on the latter approach but began to regret her decision after a colleague laughed so hard at her chosen names that the human resources (HR) department became involved.

Sharing the story on Reddit, the colleague explained how a woman at their workplace had recently given birth to twin boys after struggling with infertility. While they were thrilled for her, they couldn't help but question the names she had chosen for her twin sons.

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They said: "She has made her first appearance in the office with her new babies to introduce them to our team. When asked what she had named the boys (as up until this appearance she was undecided) she told me that she was naming them 'Sean'."

"When I asked about the other baby, she said 'no, they are both Sean, one with an 'A' and one with an 'E' so Sean and Seen. This co-worker's last name is also 'Sean'. When I pointed this out she said 'yes, like Tom Tom or Jay Jay'.", reports the Mirror.

The colleague went on to explain how, without thinking, they told the woman: "That is the most idiotic thing I've heard and it's going to be so confusing."

Following this incident, they started receiving messages from others saying it wasn't their place to make such a comment.

In an update, they shared how the husband came across their Reddit post and admitted it prompted them to change the names, especially after reading the comments. The person added: "They had a good chuckle and ended up agreeing with the replies the naming process wasn't ideal, and maybe the overwhelming process of having two newborns left them too tired to think straight."

"Despite the fact they had already sent off the paperwork to the birth deaths and marriages office (the place you lodge births for in Australia), they called up the Brisbane office and the paperwork had only been provisionally processed, and they have used this time to reassess."

"They have withdrawn the paperwork (for Seen only) and will think of a new name, but they are keeping Sean Sean as they like it. I have also been reported to HR for making this Reddit post (not by the parents, they think it's hilarious) so well well, if it isn't the consequences of my actions."

"They also want everyone to know that 'calling her an idiot isn't the worst thing I've said to her this year, and while I'll definitely a a**hole, that's more of an in general thing than tied to this situation'." Describing their HR meeting as "underwhelming", they said the company asked them "to be more considerate of co-worker's feelings" and to "not put this meeting all over the internet".

Commenting on their post, one user said: "Sean isn't a stupid name, but Seen is. I don't care if you were rude. It's better for the mum to have the rude awakening before her children are born rather then after." Another user added: "My friend literally named her kid Beetle. So yeah. People are dumb."