I like to use the Anti-Racist Parent approach to comments like that–a confused look and “Why would we change his name?” Just completely look like I have no idea why anyone in the world would even contemplate such a thing. Sometimes they try to come up with a “reason” and I just continue my feigned confusion and ask them what’s wrong with the name my son’s parents gave him? (This will work better once we actually KNOW his name, but it’s fairly effective even now.) Now, the ones who are really slow to catch on will continue with “But it’ll be an Ethiopian name, and he’s going to be American,” to which I respond “Of course he’ll be American, but it’s not like that erases the fact that he’s also Ethiopian.” It usually ends up making the person feel particularly stupid without me pointing it out so bluntly.

But if you really want snark, how about “We figured that an Ethiopian name would probably be too tough for you, so we’ll make it something really simple. How about Bob? Can you handle Bob? What about Jane?” Naturally, this has to be done in the voice you might use talking to a little kid. A really little kid.

“We thought about naming our son Jesus (jee-zus), but everyone thought we meant Jesus (hay-zeus). I mean, who would look at that name and pronounce it ‘hay-zeus’? Idiots!”

I can’t believe those moronic comments. People never cease to amaze me. The other posters have such great suggestions. I really like the numbers system. That should get the point across without being blunt

How about this: Wow, you are incredibly rude!

OR: Can I name your next child?

Or: It’s really interesting that you think that your opinion matters to us.

Or: You know, we were just going to let people call our baby anything they want – whatever would make THEM feel comfortable, because THAT’S what really matters.

But really, I have no good comebacks – I’m not good in that area. I seriously don’t understand how some people think they can say such idiotic things. Where is she? I’m coming to smack her. People need to learn how to keep their noses on their faces. Grrrrr.

Here’s my attempt at a snarky response: “Hmmm (pause thoughtfully) . . . good point . . . maybe we’ll just assign him/her a number to simplify things then.”

But what if they like the idea?

Sometimes saying something equally idiotic back lets them see how stupid thier suggestion is.

think #3 is a great fallback!